This is clearly Jay Cutler’s last chance with the Chicago Bears

With GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox publicly committing to Jay Cutler on Wednesday, questions surrounding the enigmatic quarterback will simmer for now. However, he must perform this year. Otherwise, he most likely stands to wind up elsewhere next season, guaranteed money or not.

In the middle of the Chicago Bears’ introduction of newly signed OLB Pernell McPhee, general manager Ryan Pace was approached with the inevitable question: is Jay Cutler going to be under center for the Bears in 2015?

Of course, even at the introduction of the regime’s first big free agent signing, Jay Cutler was going to dominate the headlines. It comes with the territory of being the quarterback of the NFL’s most historic franchise. What did Pace have to say?

“Yes, we made that decision. Like I said before, we went through a process of thoroughly evaluating the roster. We’re moving forward with Jay Cutler as our starting quarterback. We’ve spent time with him on a personal basis. It’s just getting to know him as a person, like I said initially. Just being through with all of that, that helped us come to this conclusion.”

Pace using words like ‘decision’ and ‘conclusion’ sure doesn’t seem like an ‘endorsement’. And for good reason; Cutler’s play throughout his career hasn’t exactly warranted effusive praise.

When asked about the trade rumors surrounding Cutler over the past few weeks, Pace said the following, “Jay is our quarterback, and that’s what we’re doing, that’s what we’re looking forward to and I’d just like to keep it at that.”

Make no mistake, keeping Cutler was absolutely the right call for the Bears in 2015 – mostly for financial reasons, and also because there wasn’t a legitimate contingency plan in place this year. However, it seems like if Cutler doesn’t get it together, contingency plan or not, he’ll be out of Chicago for sure next year. Those were the vibes that the men in charge gave out. How does Fox feel about being Cutler’s next coach?

“Obviously good. We made the commitment. Time will tell for all of us. We haven’t even been on the grass yet. I’ve watched Jay compete in the past. We gained a lot of information moving forward. I think there’s a talent level there that obviously we feel good enough to explore. Like all our players, they’re going to get a chance to compete and see how we perform. That’s the exciting part of all this.”

Fox using words like “time will tell” and “talent level there” suggest that he’s lukewarm about this situation at best. He knows Cutler’s history, and it isn’t exactly pretty. I watched that press conference live, and while Fox seems resigned to the fact that he’s stuck with him for at least one season, he sure doesn’t look happy about it.

This is probably Cutler’s last chance to show that he has what it takes to operate within the confines of an offense. According to reports, former coaches used words like “renegade” and “rogue” to describe Cutler’s ability to run an offense. Sure, his previous regimes have failed for a number of reasons: his decision making, pass protection, play-calling, etc. But, all of those offenses were predicated on Cutler being the star.

The problem is, he’s not a star. But, he doesn’t have to be. With Adam Gase & Co. shifting to a run-first, play-action philosophy, it inherently eases Cutler’s decision making and emphasizes his strengths. Less is more with Cutler. Just as less was more with Tony Romo this past season. He flourished. In fact, there was MVP chatter surrounding Romo last year. Can you imagine?

The time is now for Cutler to follow Romo’s footsteps (I did not EVER think I would say something like that) and finally showcase his potential. He has to, this is it. If he doesn’t, he’ll find himself out of town, quite possibly competing with others for a starting position in some other camp for the first time ever. The Cutler Clock is ticking loudly, and he has to keep it from striking midnight on his Bears career.

Next: Can Alshon Jeffery Be A Number 1 Receiver?

Dec 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings win 13-9. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports