Jay Cutler Has Strong Start In Return From Concussion, Garners MVP Consideration

Jay Cutler had a strong showing for the Chicago Bears just one week after missing a game with a concussion, defeating the Minnesota Vikings 28-10.

In the process, the famously moody quarterback is earning himself some MVP consideration. With Cutler out last week with a concussion, the Bears failed to generate much on offense in being blown out by the San Francisco 49ers. But with his return, the offensive spark came back for the Bears.

In the win Jay Cutler threw for an efficient 188 yards and one touchdown to go with an interception, making all the right plays to put the Bears on top.

“We wanted to get some rhythm today,” Cutler was quoted by the Rockford Register Star. “We had a little bit more of a sense of urgency out there.”

As Yahoo! Sports writer Eric Adelson writes, Jay Cutler may not win many popularity contests but is a more than deserving MVP candidate.

Adelson noted:

“Football fans and media are dying to hand this season’s award to Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning after his inspiring comeback from multiple neck surgeries. But if “valuable” is the key word in the bestowing of this honor, Cutler should win it.

“The Bears’ eighth win, a decisive 28-10 victory over the division rival Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, is only a tiny slice of the evidence. Chicago was horrendous last Monday with Cutler out with a concussion, getting crushed in San Francisco, 32-7. Sunday, with Cutler back, the game was nearly as lopsided in the other direction. That’s been the case with the Bears since Cutler arrived in 2009. Chicago is 31-19 with him starting, while his backups are 2-6 (with a 43.0 passer rating). Take out Cutler’s dreadful ’09 season, and his impact is more pronounced, with the Bears 24-10 with him under center. Last year, the team was on its way to the playoffs with Cutler and finished out of the postseason after he got hurt. This season, the Cutler-led Bears have only lost to the Packers and Texans – two of the best teams in football.”

Jay Cutler will likely get a chance to pad his resume, and his MVP credentials, in the playoffs. At 8-3 the Bears are leading the NFC North by a game over Green Bay.