Chicago Bears News: Jay Cutler Exits Early In Blowout Loss

Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears hung around the Arizona Cardinals for just about a half of their football game, before a hamstring injury and penalties led to a 48-23 blowout loss (courtesy of NFL). Just when it looked as if the upset-minded Bears started a drive near the end of the second quarter, Jay Cutler threw a costly interception which was returned for a touchdown. In an effort of making a touchdown-saving tackle, Cutler was injured.

Jay Cutler’s face hit the turf, and as he began walking to the sideline, he was noticeably favoring some part of his body. What, we may not truly know until a later time. Though the early reports ESPN’s Jeff Dickerson is saying is that Cutler has a hamstring injury.

At the time of the interception, the Chicago Bears were trailing the Arizona Cardinals 21-14. Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson intercepted the pass, and during the return, he pushed Cutler down with a stiff arm that stifled the Bears’ quarterback.

Bears’ backup Jimmy Clausen began throwing after Jay Cutler went to the sidelines. It signaled that something was not right with the Bears starting signal-caller.

And that is when the bottom fell from up under the Chicago Bears.

It originally appeared as if Jay Cutler might have had some concussion-like symptoms. Perhaps maybe he was going to have the concussion protocol tests performed. No one knows for certain if he received any of those tests. A concussion can linger on for a couple of weeks, but a hamstring injury could hamper Cutler for the remainder of the season.

Do the Chicago Bears need Jay Cutler as their starting quarterback?

Yes!

Cutler was moving the offense quite well prior to the interception. A beautiful touchdown pass to wide receiver Josh Bellamy was an indication that the Bears were playing to win. Cutler threw nine passes, completed eight of them. He threw the touchdown and the interception. He also ran the football well when there were pass protection breakdowns.

The Chicago Bears out-gained the Arizona Cardinals while Cutler was in the game. Even after he went out with the hamstring injury, the Bears were still in striking distance.

Two forced Bears turnovers gave them excellent field position. Unfortunately, they had to settle for field goals after the offense stalled under the direction of Jimmy Clausen.

Clausen’s struggles were further magnified in the second half. The Bears played their worst football, getting one penalty after another. Overall execution would cost the Bears the game who were perhaps shell shocked after Jay Cutler got hurt.

If the small sample of Jimmy Clausen is what fans have to expect going forward, the 0-2 Chicago Bears are in deep trouble. He was efficient at best, but did nothing to suggest that he can help the Bears beat the Seattle Seahawks on the road next week.

[Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images Sport]