Sorts of Sports

Chicago Fans Grin and Bear Jay Cutler

I'll start this column with a few words I may never say again Rick Reilly was right. In his latest attempt at journalism, Reilly questioned Jay Cutler's leadership and composure, among other intangible qualities.

Now we can listen to every piece of rumor and speculation about the severity of his knee injury. That won't hit the crux of the problem with Cutler and why the loyal fans of Chicago should be furious. Injuries are a part of the game, and sometimes certain ailments can prevent a player from returning. All football fans ask is that you  - cliche alert! - leave it all on the field. If you're hurt, then that's that. But Cutler's cardinal problem was his body language during the entire second half.

It's clear that Cutler may never understand - or care for that matter - that he will always be in the spotlight. When you are the starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears and you are sidelined, that's where the cameras will go. And regardless of who decided to keep you out of the game, it's your job to look alive. Don't pout like a six-year-old who was just put in timeout. This was the game of your life, no one wants to see you give up that easily, especially in a city enriched in football tradition against its hated rival.

Maybe watching the Reverend Todd Collins trot out to his demise wasn't inspiring enough for Cutler to get off his ass. As someone who had to root for Collins in a playoff game, I can understand that level of depression. But, when Caleb Hanie -  someone you have no fear of losing your job to - hits the field, please look enthused, not like a popped-collar prep star who was just ID'd on prom night. Show you want the team to win. Give Hanie some pointers. Get the sidelines pumped up. Don't there and look cold.

Only one quarterback has ever led the Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl. Jim McMahon was the antithesis to Cutler. His brash persona gave fans a reason to believe in their quarterback. Although his fearlessness led him out of the league due to a rash of injuries, it's the same reason why he will be forever revered in Chicago. One of his signature moments as a Bear was the Monday night game against Minnesota where he barked at Mike Ditka enough to allow him to play the second half, a game the Bears eventually won on the strength of his arm.

Part of your job is to know your history. Cutler wasn't traded to Jacksonville or Arizona. We'll know the exact severity of his injury in a day or two, and from early reports it was legitimate. The type of injury won't be what's remember from this in the coming years. Cutler acting like a spoiled country club brat will be.