Brady Poppinga: Jay Cutler, Bears Should Take Page Out Of Cowboys’ Playbook

Tony Romo might just be the answer to the Chicago Bears’ quarterback issues.

The Bears were an absolute mess last season, as they under-performed to the tune of a 5-11 record while quarterback Jay Cutler led the league in turnovers with an NFL-high 18 interceptions and six fumbles. The biggest question new head coach John Fox faces this offseason is what to do with the struggling signal-caller.

A trade is unlikely because of the $15.5 million already committed to the quarterback for 2015, but keeping him doesn’t have to be bad news for Bears fans, former linebacker Brady Poppinga writes in his latest post for Football by Football. According to Poppinga, Chicago has to follow the 2014 Cowboys’ blueprint and become a run-first team to take some of the pressure off Cutler.

“The best option for the Bears and Cutler would be to adapt a vastly different offensive approach,” Poppinga writes. Instead of treating Cutler like an elite quarterback who can carry a team on his shoulders, they should treat him like a QB who at best can make decent throws when needed. That means you must base your offense on the running game.”

Between Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, and Martellus Bennett, the Bears boast enough playmakers at the skill positions to put Cutler in a position to succeed — if he’s not the focal point of the offense, Poppinga argues.

“With the offensive weapons and knowing he doesn’t have to win the game all by himself, Cutler could have a Romo-type season if given the right guidance and restrictions.”