Kromer’s Criticism on Cutler Causes Controversy

Photo Credit: Brett Solesky

The latest issue with the Chicago Bears’ organization sums up this season in one word, disappointing. From the fights in training camp with tight end Martellus Bennett to Aaron Kromer’s statement of buyer’s remorse with quarterback Jay Cutler, this team cannot seem to have anything go right this year.

Second year Offensive Coordinator of the Chicago Bears, Aaron Kromer, told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, that there was a state of buyer’s remorse he had felt when discussing Cutler’s performance this year. Confidentially spoken, the word still got out that Kromer was feeling regret in regards to the resigning of Cutler, especially after this year’s disappointing performance.

Cutler is on pace to posting career highs, with 26 touchdowns already through 13 games, close to surpassing his career high of 27 in 2009. He is also having his highest completion percentage of his career, with 66.8 percent. However, he is also putting up some disappointing stats, leading the NFL in combined turnovers by a quarterback. He has also disappeared in many games which drawn a lot of criticism as well. As the worry grows in Chicago, the Bears will miss the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year. The Bears have internal issues that seem to be breaking the team down to the point of needed reconstruction. The only issue with reconstruction is the cost of it, as many of their added pieces to their team are relatively new.

Kromer expressed in an emotional apology how much he regretted what he said about Cutler, rather than how much he regretted having him as their quarterback. Cutler’s expensive resigning of $22.5 million per year may put the Bears in a bit of rut if they so choose to acquire another quarterback. They can, however, save $12+ million if they are successful in trading the quarterback. Kromer might be in danger of losing his job after this breach of trust from the rest of the coaching staff. Jay Cutler was apparently sighted shaking his head during Kromer’s tearful apology despite saying he wasn’t upset and that “things like this happen when you are 5-8.” If Kromer does leave, he will follow defensive coordinator Mel Tucker and head coach Marc Trestman, who are both expected to lose their jobs after the season. Kromer’s comments was not the sole controversial moment off the field for the Chicago Bears.

Source: Joe Robbins/Getty Images

As we have heard about the fights in training camp with Martellus Bennett, the fights on social media with Brandon Marshall, and of course the post-game speech that reportedly led to controversy with Brandon Marshall and kicker Robbie Gould, the Bears look to move on and hopefully rid themselves of any whiff of controversy.

Another trend occurring in Chicago is the constant injuries, with the most recent being Marshall, who was placed on the Injured Reserve last week. This adds to their lengthy list of players that have sustained injuries this year, including Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman, Matt Slauson, and Lamarr Houston.

With a remaining schedule of the Saints on Monday Night, the Lions, and at the Vikings, their future looks dim for even winning out the rest of the season. Will Kromer’s emotional apology be enough for him to save his own job? Only time will tell here in Chicago.