People believe Jay Cutler retired after leaving the Chicago Bears in 2017. They often forget that he returned later that season to start for the Miami Dolphins, going 6-8 with two 4th quarter comebacks. During that time, he had an encounter with a young assistant coach named Ben Johnson. Neither of them could’ve known he would eventually become the head coach of the Bears within the next eight years. Cutler may have been on his way out of the league, but Johnson still left an impression in their short time together.
He was asked about it on Waddle & Silvy for ESPN 1000. Cutler admitted that it didn’t take long for him to realize that the young coach was special. He had certain qualities that made it obvious he was destined for bigger things. One of the most impressive things was Johnson’s ability to coach different positions. Between 2013 and 2017, he’d worked with the quarterbacks, tight ends, and wide receivers.
Jay Cutler believes Ben Johnson has what it takes.
He never got to experience having that young, ascending offensive coach to guide him. His first years in Chicago were spent with Lovie Smith. Then he was saddled with an aging Marc Trestman, who’d seen the game pass him by. The final run came under John Fox, another defensive guy. The closest Cutler ever came to that feeling was the year he spent with Adam Gase in 2015, ironically one of his better seasons. He must feel envious of Caleb Williams, who is getting far better treatment from the organization than he ever did. Ben Johnson is the type of offensive wizard who can mold a young quarterback into a superstar. All it takes is for the Bears to invest enough resources into his protection and weaponry. Hopefully, this off-season will kickstart everything.
@TGena said the phrase. Everyone take a shot, and let us know what you’re drinking. I’m doing a full shot of Tito’s vodka, room temperature, for my first. In all seriousness, we need to do the experiment. If Poles drafts crappy players while following Johnson’s guidance on what he’s looking for, then the Bears should fire Poles. But if he does well, they should extend him. Howie Roseman did a nice job acquiring talent for the Eagles, but he’s not perfect. They had Swift for a season, then moved on, so that wasn’t the best FA signing. He drafted Carson… Read more »
I hope his words are not the kiss of death for my HC Ben.
@PoochPest — And, that’s why I am still troubled by the situation at Halas Hall. We have yet to see evidence that Ryan Poles (and Ian Cunningham) are capable to “do the job” of a competent NFL GM. GM, Howie Roseman’s addition to the Eagles defense this year of Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean and Zack Baun illustrate the point that Poles is an inept judge of NFL talent, proficiency, heart and value, by comparison. This is concerning when added to the NFL history that involves the Bears and the Eagles’ Jalen Carter, Nakobe Dean, Saquon Barkley, et al. Hopefully, Ian… Read more »
@TGena AFTER getting their coaching squared away, NOW, they can acquire players. Before, it was a waste. The Eagles could get a completely raw Jordan Mailata, in the 7th round and coach him to excellence on the line. He’s 27 now. They could draft Cooper DeJean and Quinton Mitchell and put them on the field as rookies to play in the biggest game. They could draft Jalen Carter, but he is only one of a complete rotation of six, who played the entire game, and none of them are 30 yet. The ONLY way a team can be affordable is… Read more »
From Jay’s lips to God’s ears …