The Chicago Bears are a mess. Sitting at 5-8, the team's best hope for the 2014-15 season is a .500 record; their head coach, Marc Trestman, is in danger of losing his job; and starting quarterback Jay Cutler is as inconsistent as ever. The vibe in Soldier Field is decidedly mediocre.
Yesterday, the signs of internal strife and organizational chaos became yet more visible after word spread about offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer's recent conversation with the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Speaking anonymously with Rapoport, Kromer was critical of Cutler's play, detailing the coaching staff's frustration with his performance. Then, last Sunday, while reporting on the state of the franchise for the NFL Network, Rapoport shared Kromer's insider take:
"I'm told by Bears sources that there is a serious case of buyer's remorse for Jay Cutler and signing him to that huge contract that is, by the way, guaranteed through next year. Jay Cutler simply has not played well enough, and it's not just in the passing game: his refusal to check out of bad run plays is absolutely killed this team, and there is a serious case of frustration inside the organization about the way Jay Cutler [has] played.
"I'm told they considered benching him against Tampa Bay when they were shut out [at halftime]."
During a team meeting yesterday, Kromer addressed the report to a roomful of players, becoming emotional and tearful after admitting to selling out Cutler. According to the Chicago Tribune, the players were not pleased, particularly Cutler who "shook his head" while Kromer was owning up to his mistake.
"I'm still kind of trying to sort my way through this to be honest," one player said. "It's one of the most (messed) up things I have ever seen."
"It's a (messed) up situation," another player said.
Kromer did deny using the phrase "buyer's remorse" while speaking with Rapoport; regardless, it's clear that a serious breach of trust has taken place between the offensive coordinator and his lead signal-caller. Throwing your QB under the bus like that is, quite frankly, fucked up.
Whether Cutler and Kromer will be able to salvage their relationship remains to be seen. In any case, the Bears are sure to have an interesting sideline dynamic going on this Sunday, when they take on the New Orleans Saints. Anyone want to start an over/under on the number of Kromer's play calls Cutler waves off? He's going to be barking out audibles like he's Peyton Manning.
[via Deadspin]
