Lessons Learned from Jay Cutler
For those who didn’t catch Monday Night Football, the Detroit Lions beat the Chicago Bears 24-13, in impressive fashion. Megatron, last week’s Dude of the Week, scored twice. Coincidence? I think not.
The loss overshadowed a great performance by Bears QB Jay Cutler. Cutler, who has been questioned repeatedly for his toughness, attitude, and ability to win big games, passed for 249 yards and a touchdown, with no interceptions. Those numbers alone are very good.
But what makes them really good, are what Cutler had to face to put up those numbers. His offensive line struggled to protect the entire night. He was sacked only three times, but he was pressured consistently, having to throw on the run, and even throwing with his left hand twice. His receivers didn’t help either, with a number of drops that killed Bears drives.
Cutler was able to succeed individually, without much protection from his teammates. He had to fight on his own repeatedly, and the team still lost. He needs help. He needs more protection.
It pays off to be vulnerable sometimes. You’re authentic, open and transparent. It can also force you to scramble, improvise and make the best out of a bad situation.
But in football and in other areas, you need people in your corner. You need people to do their job and support you in the face of danger, whether that be Ndamakong Suh, or something more threatening (although Suh is pretty damn threatening).
Who’s in your corner, protecting you? How are they making sure you succeed? Are you in your own corner?
That offensive line in Chicago is going to get Cutler’s ass killed. Cutler did well to stay in one piece and give the Bears a chance to win last night’s game.
Enjoyed the post and blog. Keep up the good work!
Seriously, he can’t get enough credit for having to put up with that line and those crappy receivers. Thanks very much for the comment!