It’s not easy playing quarterback in the city of Chicago. Just ask Jay Cutler, who for eight years dealt with harsh criticism ranging from everything from his play to his leadership to his body language.
Cutler joined Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take” podcast, where he discussed an array of topics, including current Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who is generating his own criticism, although for different reasons than Cutler.
“For a young guy like him, being in Chicago, it’s a tough town,” Cutler said. “Expectations were huge, so you watch some of his press conferences and stuff — you could tell it really bothered him sometimes, I think. Whether that affects him, I don’t know how it affects him. It has to somehow.
“The more he can get away from all that stuff, the better for him going forward.”
When Cutler was asked what advice he’d give Trubisky, he was quick and to the point.
“Oh goodness. …” Cutler said. “Don’t read anything … go underground here, bud.”
That’s funny considering Trubisky’s comments about turning the TVs off at Halas Hall went viral during the Bears’ four-game losing streak last season.
There’s a fine line between needing to be aware of what’s being said about you and distancing yourself from that. Cutler believes Trubisky shouldn’t seek out what’s being said about him, rather turn to the team’s public relations staff and leave it at that.
“I wouldn’t go online and find this stuff out,” Cutler said, “but go to their PR guy before a press conference and be like, ‘Alright, what do I need to know?’”
The criticism will only continue to grow around Trubisky, who is gearing up for his fourth season. Following a disastrous 2019 season, he’s certainly on the hot seat as the Bears are in win-now mode.
Maybe the Bears should keep the TVs off at Halas Hall in 2020.
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