Tag: Jay Cutler

Anthony ‘Spice’ Adams talks Charmin, his playing days, Eddie Goldman, and the taunting rules

We talked with Anthony “Spice” Adams about his playing days, thoughts on the Bears defense, the new NFL rules, and his work with Charmin.

There aren’t many former Chicago Bears players who have become more recognizable after their playing days concluded than Anthony “Spice” Adams.

The former defensive tackle who spent nine years in the NFL, including five with the Bears, has become an internet sensation and energetic television host. He’s created countless social media videos and characters since retiring from the NFL, but continues to stay involved with the Bears as co-host of “Inside the Bears” with Lauren Screeden.

We had the opportunity to talk with Adams about his playing days, his thoughts on this year’s defense, the new NFL rules, and the work he’s doing with Charmin and their new Forever Roll.

Throwback Thursday: Bears dismantle Steelers in prime time

On this edition of Throwback Thursday, the Bears defeated the Steelers 40-23 to start season 3-0 in 2013.

Every Thursday throughout the 2021 regular season, Bears Wire will take a look back at some of the most memorable moments in Chicago Bears history.

September 22, 2013: Bears defeat Steelers 40-23 to start season 3-0

The Chicago Bears travel to the Steel City this week to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in prime time. The last time the Bears faced the Steelers on the road was eight years ago, which also happened to be a night game. It was three weeks into the short-lived Marc Trestman era, but the Bears were riding high. They had started 2-0 and were looking for their first road win of the year.

Like their season, Chicago got off to a hot start. They scored a field goal on their opening possession, then got the ball right back when they stripped-sacked Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on the Steelers’ opening drive. The fumble led to a touchdown by Matt Forte to make it 10-0. The star running back then kept the points coming, ripping off a 55-yard run to set backup Michael Bush for a rushing touchdown of his own. The Bears were up 17-0 at the end of the first quarter and this one looked like it was already over. The Bears defense wanted to make sure of it.

Though they fell off significantly during much of Trestman’s tenure, the Bears defense still had some juice early on. Roethlisberger was beaten up by the front seven, getting sacked three times on the day, two of which came from linebacker D.J. Williams. Turnovers also continued to be a problem as the future Hall of Fame quarterback threw a pick six to safety Major Wright in the second quarter, giving the Bears a 24-3 lead. But the Steelers weren’t going away quietly.

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Roethlisberger relied on emerging superstar wide receiver Antonio Brown to get points and he delivered. Brown caught nine passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns, his best performance of his career at that time, to pull Pittsburgh within seven points. The Bears lead narrowed to 27-20 late in the third quarter, but they wouldn’t let it get closer than that.

For much of the night, Jay Cutler was dinking and dunking the ball for short gains while relying on the running game. In the fourth quarter, however, he decided to let loose – both in the air and on the ground. Cutler began completing deeper passes to his wide receivers while also gaining yards on the ground. On a third down, he scrambled for 13 yards, capped off with a hard hit he put on the defender to move the chains. The drive ended with an impressive touchdown toe-tapping catch by Earl Bennett to extend the lead.

Not to be outdone by the offense, the defense had one final trick up their sleeve. Lance Briggs casually stripped Roethlisberger for another fumble, this one picked up by Julius Peppers, who ran his way into the endzone for the score. It was the finishing touch on a dominant 41-23 victory for the 3-0 Bears. The win was also arguably the most complete victory of the Trestman era, with offense and defense both playing at a high level.

Can the Bears find similar success when they make their return to Pittsburgh on Monday night? We’ll find out soon enough when both teams square off in primetime yet again.

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Jay Cutler says ‘it’s absurd’ to blame Bears’ loss to Packers in 2013 on Chris Conte

Jay Cutler explains why Chris Conte wasn’t to blame for the Bears’ loss to the Packers in 2013.

Over the last decade in Chicago Bears football, there have plenty of low moments and plays on the field that make every fan cringe when brought to light. Arguably the most infamous moment that took place during the regular season, over the last decade is the ending of the Bears-Packers season finale in 2013.

With just 46 seconds left in the game and the Packers season on the line with a 4th-and-8, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers avoided the pressure and heaved a deep pass to wide receiver Randall Cobb, who had gotten by safety Chris Conte for the go-ahead score, sending the Packers to the playoffs with a 33-28 victory.

The Bears were left at home after the shocking loss and Conte became public enemy No. 1 in the days that ensued, receiving hate messages and even death threats via social media. But according to former Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, Conte wasn’t at fault for the score.

Speaking with fellow teammate and former Bears tight end Zach Miller on Cutler’s podcast Uncut with Jay Cutler, the two former players went through Miller’s journey to the Bears, starting when he was signed in 2013 prior to that regular-season finale.

The infamous play came up in conversation and Cutler decided to explain it and why he believes Conte shouldn’t be blamed:

“We had a zero blitz and Aaron [Rodgers] scooted left and hit Randall Cobb, which the safety [Chris] Conte got absolutely blistered for that. For anyone watching, you call zero blitz, everyone is coming and you’re literally just man-to-man, no one behind, no safety coverage, nothing. And technically you’re bringing more than the offense can block so someone is free, someone should get home. That’s what you dialed up for.

“To pin it on Chris was absolutely absurd. It should be ‘one thousand one, one thousand two, one thou-‘ and the ball’s out. It has to be gone or you’re sacked. It’s nobody’s fault, Aaron is an unbelievable player and he’s seen zero a million times like a lot of us have. He’s athletic so he got out of it and it just happened.”

Cutler, who threw two touchdowns and one interception in that game, likely won’t change many Bears fan’s minds as Conte is still one of the most disliked players in recent memory. But the former quarterback does his best to defend his former teammate and shine some light on what happened during that play. Keep in mind Rodgers was nearly sacked by former All-Pro defensive end Julius Peppers, which would have ended the game.

Does Cutler have a point? Or do you still blame Conte entirely for the loss all these years later? Watch for yourself, at your own risk of course.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXq8C5sbRzU

 

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Throwback Thursday: Bears opened 2013 season with comeback win over Bengals

Back in 2013, the Bears rallied from behind to defeat the Bengals in the first game of the Marc Trestman era.

Every Thursday throughout the 2021 regular season, Bears Wire will take a look back at some of the most memorable moments in Chicago Bears history that occurred on or near that given day.

September 8th, 2013: Bears defeat Bengals in first game of the Marc Trestman era

The Cincinnati Bengals are set to make their first trip back to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears since the 2013 season opener. Back then, Andy Dalton (now the Bears quarterback) was considered the franchise savior with the Bengals entering his third season. Meanwhile on the Bears sideline, Jay Cutler was entering his first season with “offensive guru” Marc Trestman as head coach, looking to create an offensive powerhouse for the first time in franchise history.

Chicago wound up striking first, thanks to a Dalton interception to cornerback Charles Tillman. The Bears responded with a touchdown to new tight end Martellus Bennett for the early 7-0 lead, but the Bengals fought back. Superstar wide receiver A.J. Green torched Tillman and the Bears secondary for two unanswered touchdowns to take a 14-7 lead. Chicago did narrow the gap to 14-10 thanks to a field goal from Robbie Gould near the end of the first half, but still trailed the AFC North foe.

Cincinnati expanded their lead again, though, in the third quarter thanks to another long reception from Green, setting up running back Benjarvus Green-Ellis for a short touchdown run to make the score 21-10. Down 11 points, the Bears turned to their biggest playmakers for help.

First, running back Matt Forte punched the ball in the endzone late in the third quarter to once again trim the lead to 4 points. Then, All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Marshall bullied the Bengals defensive backs, eventually catching a 19-yard pass from Cutler to take back the lead.

After an unsuccessful rebuttal from Dalton, the Bears chewed over six minutes on their final drive to preserve the lead and hang on to start the season 1-0. Up until last year’s victory against the Detroit Lions, this was the last season opener the Bears had won.

Now with Dalton on the opposite sidelines, will he be able to find the Bears’ big playmakers for substaintal gains like he did back then? Or will we see another safe gameplan from the coaching staff. The Bears and Bengals kickoff at noon CT on FOX.

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Danny Trevathan switched his jersey to No. 6 and Bears fans had Jay Cutler jokes

Bears LB Danny Trevathan changed his jersey number to No. 6, and Jay Cutler fans were not happy.

This offseason, the NFL passed a rule proposed by the Chiefs that allowed tight ends and wide receivers to wear any number from 1-49 and 80-89, defensive backs 1-49 and linebackers 1-59 and 90-99.

Bears safety Eddie Jackson took advantage of that rule earlier in the offseason, switching from No. 39 to No. 4, his number at Alabama.

Now, linebacker Danny Trevathan is the latest Bears player to change his jersey number with the league’s new rules, trading in his No. 59 for No. 6.

The last well-known player associated with No. 6 was former Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who has been a bit of a cultural icon since his retirement.

So with Trevathan making the switch to No. 6, some fans weren’t exactly pleased.

Jay Cutler joins Twitter and Bears fans couldn’t be happier

Former Bears QB Jay Cutler joined Twitter back in June and finally sent out his first tweet on Monday. Fans couldn’t be happier.

It’s finally happened. Former Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has joined Twitter. After a few years of Instagram posts, Cutler will now put his words into 280-characters or less.

Cutler, who started 102 games for the Bears, sent out his first tweet on Monday night. Fans were unsure if this was a hoax or not until the former quarterback was verified by Twitter.

And there was plenty of reaction from fans on Twitter.

Former Bears QB Jay Cutler weighs in on the decision to start or sit rookie Justin Fields

There are arguments to be made on both sides regarding if Justin Fields should start Week 1 for the Bears. Here are Jay Cutler’s thoughts.

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The conversation surrounding Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields and whether or not he should be the Week 1 starter continues to be a point of discussion amongst football fans and analysts alike.

Would it be more beneficial for Fields to sit behind veteran Andy Dalton for an extended period of time to learn what it takes to be an NFL quarterback? Or does it make more sense for Fields to start immediately if he shows he’s more than ready to lead an NFL offense?

There are arguments to be made on both sides, despite the fact the Bears are still two months away from beginning training camp, let alone playing in a preseason game. But someone who was once in a very similar position as Fields and is very familiar with playing the position in Chicago decided to share what he thinks of the team’s quarterback situation and how he would approach the dilemma.

Former Bears quarterback Jay Cutler joined ESPN 1000’s Waddle and Silvy on Tuesday afternoon and was asked if he thought Fields should start or sit. In a surprise to some, Cutler erred on the side of caution:

“I wouldn’t play the kid [Fields] to start. That’s what I would do, I would let him watch. I think it’s just a tough spot to put someone out there, especially in Chicago and I think Andy [Dalton] is more than serviceable. I think they can win games with Andy and kind of float the ship along until the kid is ready.”

Cutler is most remembered for his many years spent in Chicago where he became the Bears’ all-time leading passer, but he began his career with the Denver Broncos when he was drafted 11th overall in the 2006 NFL draft. He wound up not playing right away and sat behind veteran Jake Plummer for the first 11 games of the season his rookie year before supplanting him as the  starter in early December of 2006.

When discussing Fields, who coincidentally was also the 11th overall pick when the Bears traded up to select him, Cutler reflected back on his own journey and admitted that sitting to start his career benefitted him in the long run.

“I didn’t feel equipped to play Week 1 just because mentally, I wasn’t taking the reps. It’s different for me, I need the reps, I need to see it. I didn’t take the reps so I wasn’t ready to play. But I also think it benefitted me tremendously of watching it, seeing the ups and downs, see us lose games, see us win games. And Jake [Plummer] was a consummate pro. He was fabulous with me and just seeing how he handled life as an NFL quarterback those first 10-12 weeks was insanely valuable for me. Whenever I stepped in, he supported the hell out of me and helped me, answered questions and was there.

“Everyone is different, I’ve always just been on the side of ‘what’s 10 games, what’s a season’ in the grand scheme of this kid’s career. If you believe he’s the guy, then get everything set up so when he’s in there, he’s supported and he can make things happen the way he should instead of battling through all this stuff and seeing ghosts five years from now.”

Cutler’s situation with Plummer was somewhat similar, but also different, when compared to Fields and Dalton. Plummer wasn’t a world-beater at the position, but had just led the Broncos to 13-3 record and played in the AFC Championship game, losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers in 2005. He also was named to his first Pro Bowl that season as well. The Broncos clearly felt comfortable riding with Plummer while Cutler studied under him to start the 2006 season.

The Bears don’t have that same history with Dalton, who was signed in free agency back in March and was assured he would be the starter come week one. Bears head coach Matt Nagy doubled down on that assurance after the selection of Fields. But neither Fields or Dalton has taken a snap as a Bear, however does Dalton have 10 years of experience in the league playing for the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys.

Though he said everyone is different and you truly never know when someone is ready to play quarterback in the NFL, Cutler felt strong about how he was brought along in Denver and believes the Bears would be wise to do something similar with Fields. We’ll see if that continues to be the plan, or if Nagy is forced to roll with the rookie earlier than he’d like.

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Comparing Bears QBs Mitchell Trubisky and Jay Cutler through first 4 seasons

Now that Mitchell Trubisky has finished his fourth season as the Bears starter, it’s time to compare his first 4 seasons to Jay Cutler’s.

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After finishing his fourth regular season as the Chicago Bears starting quarterback, Mitchell Trubisky has done enough to bring his team to the playoffs. This will be Trubisky’s second playoff appearance in three seasons. That is something only three other quarterbacks have done in franchise history since 1970.

The three other quarterbacks to start a playoff game in multiple different seasons for the Bears were Jim McMahon (3), Mike Tomczak (2) and Rex Grossman (2).

The man who wasn’t on that list that many hoped would be was Jay Cutler. Cutler, who was under center for 102 games over eight seasons, only made the playoffs once. In fact, he only had a winning record in three of the eight seasons he was the Bears quarterback.

Things have changed with Trubisky under center. Though many have called for this to be his last season in Chicago, he’s already found more success under center than those who preceded him. So, how does Trubisky stack up against Cutler? Let’s go through both of their first four seasons with the team.

In 2009, the Bears made a franchise-changing trade to get Cutler as their signal-caller. Cutler, then 26, signed a five-year deal, worth $50.37 million.

During Cutler’s first four seasons, he started in 56 games, going 34-22 (.607). He threw 82 touchdowns, 64 interceptions for 12,292 yards and an 81.9 passer rating.

Cutler had a winning record in three of his first four seasons, along with one playoff berth. That lone playoff berth came in 2010, where he led the Bears to the NFC Championship.

In Trubisky’s first four seasons as the Bears quarterback, he is 29-21 (.580) as a starter, throwing for 64 touchdowns, 37 interceptions for 10,609 yards and an 87.2 passer rating.

Trubisky will start his second playoff game this Sunday against the Saints, giving him two playoff seasons in three years, which is more than Cutler did in his entire Bears career.

The disadvantage Trubisky has in this comparison is the fact that he ran a vanilla offense during his rookie season. At just 23, Trubisky was thrown into a wildfire with a rebuilding offense that little to no weapons. He also wasn’t throwing the ball much.

Outside of Trubisky’s rookie season, he’s had a winning record every season since. That’s three straight winning seasons for Trubisky, which is similar to what Cutler did from his second to the fourth season as the Bears quarterback.

In those winning seasons for both quarterbacks, Cutler went 27-13, throwing 55 touchdowns and 37 interceptions with an 84.3 passer rating. Trubisky, on the other hand, is 25-13, throwing 57 touchdowns and 30 interceptions with an 89.8 passer rating.

Not only is Trubisky statically better from Years 2-4, but he also has taken the Bears to the playoffs twice now. It’s fair to say Trubisky is underrated as a player.

The question now turns to, has Trubisky taken too much heat from the media and fans alike? The simple answer is yes. Trubisky has been great with fans, the media and has said all the right things. He’s outperformed Cutler since his rookie season, and it’s hard to make an argument where the team doesn’t extend him.

At the end of the day, the fans and media are missing the clean and obvious point. Trubisky is the better quarterback. He doesn’t turn the ball over as much as Cutler did, and he is by far a better leader.

No matter what happens in the playoffs, the Bears will be in a tough spot this offseason. The quarterback pool is very thin in free agency and they’re likely to miss the boat on some of the top-tier quarterback prospects.

So, the question becomes, has Trubisky played his final home game at Soldier Field? Or will he be their starting quarterback going into next season? The result on Sunday against the Saints could answer that question.

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Jay Cutler’s Instagram disappears after Kristin Cavallari photo goes viral

Oh no.

The Instagram account belonging to former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler has disappeared.

That hopefully doesn’t mean that was the last we’ll see of @ifjayhadinstagram (which is such a good handle), because Cutler used it to deliver one of the best tales from quarantine: the hunt for the “chicken serial killer” who was going after his fowls (a mystery that was finally solved).

The timing of the pause or deletion or whatever it is happens to coincide with his ex-wife Kristin Cavallari posting a photo with her ex, Stephen Colletti, which went viral:

View this post on Instagram

2004 or 2020?!

A post shared by Kristin Cavallari (@kristincavallari) on

And this is what you see when you try to access Cutler’s page:

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Jamal Adams just the 8th player traded for 2 first-round picks since 2000

Former Jets safety Jamal Adams became only the eighth player to be swapped for two first-round picks on Saturday.

Jamal Adams joined an exclusive group when the Jets dealt him to the Seahawks on Saturday.

New York received two first-round picks in exchange for Adams, making him only the eighth player since 2000 to be flipped for two first-round selections. Among those eight players are Pro Bowlers, All-Pros and a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

With Adams taking his talents from the Big Apple to Seattle, here is a look at the other players who have been swapped for two first-round picks in the last 20 years.

Joey Galloway

Photo by Matt Rourke/Getty Images

The Seahawks have become known for trading their first-round picks in exchange for veteran talent in recent years. At the beginning of the century, though, they were on the receiving end of a large haul for the services of wide receiver Joey Galloway.

Galloway starred for the Seahawks for the first three years of his NFL career but eventually became disgruntled with his contract. A contract dispute and holdout that lasted 101 days ensued and cost Galloway half of the 1999 season. That was the final straw for Seattle, as it sent him to the Cowboys in exchange for first-round picks in the 2000 and 2001 NFL drafts.

Dallas gave Galloway a contract that made him the second-highest paid receiver in the league upon his arrival, but he never quite lived up to the deal. The Seahawks, meanwhile, used one of the two first-round picks the Cowboys gave them on Shaun Alexander, who went on to become a three-time Pro Bowler and MVP in 2005.

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