Editor’s note: This column is written as part of a point-counterpoint. The other column, against Jay Cutler, can be read here.

The Bears’ loss this Sunday hurt. Literally and figuratively. The team suffered numerous injuries, including Jay Cutler, who is out at least four weeks with a torn groin muscle.

This injury could not have come at a worse time for him, as he is playing for a long-term contract.

Despite the injury, general manager Phil Emery would be foolish to not retain Cutler beyond this year. Name me another free agent quarterback better than Cutler. The best college quarterbacks will all be drafted before the Bears pick.

It actually shocks me to say that the defense, not offense, needs to be rebuilt through the draft. But that’s another story.

Cutler arrived in Chicago in a 2009 trade. Fireworks went off. Shots were taken. Finally, the Bears had a franchise quarterback.

Cutler came to the team just before 2009, one of their most disastrous seasons. In 2010, Cutler led the team to the NFC Championship against the Packers. Let’s not talk about that result.

Things were going well in 2011. The Bears had just defeated the Chargers and were sitting at 7-3 when it was revealed Cutler broke his thumb. Out for the season. No playoffs.

All through this, Cutler was playing behind the worst offensive line in football and with subpar talent at the skill positions. But he got the best out of his guys. Heck, Johnny Knox was a few yards short of 1,000 in 2010.

Last year, the team finished 10-6 but still missed the playoffs. Lovie Smith was fired, Offensive minded Marc Trestman was hired, more offensive talent was brought in and the offensive line was reworked. Notice a trend?

Through six games this years, Cutler was on pace for more than 4,000 passing yards and 25 touchdowns.

In 63 games with the Bears, Cutler is already second in Bears history in passing yards and passing touchdowns.

Here is some more pathetic Bears quarterback history: Cade McNown, Shane Matthews, Jim Miller, Chris Chandler, Henry Burris, Kordell Stewart, Rex Grossman, Jonathan Quinn, Craig Krenzel, Chad Hutchinson, Kyle Orton and Brien Griese. These fine gentlemen have thrown passes in a Bears uniform since 2000. Remind me which ones had memorable NFL careers.

Yet after every loss or interception, why do I see social media clamoring for Cutler to be benched, or after Monday, not re-signed? He is the best quarterback the Bears have had. Ever.

Is everyone so quick to forget the tight throws Cutler makes that wow fans across the league? This guy is a leader and has the respect of the locker room.

More importantly, the offense is in “win-now” mode. A new quarterback will have to learn the system and go through growing pains. Take a year off Brandon Marshall, Matt Forte and Martellus Bennett.

Cutler does not have the gaudy statistics the elite quarterbacks do, nor the signature playoff wins. But they’re coming. Don’t bail now, Emery and fans.

Bears fans have suffered too long watching subpar quarterback play. When the team finally has the strong armed quarterback, everyone wants him gone.

Just remember how you felt about Cutler when he hoists the Lombardi.

Erik is a senior in Media. He can be reached eprado3@dailyillini.com.