Fast-forward to Cutler's final seasons in Chicago (2013-2016), when he was surrounded by a porous offensive line and hampered by a leaky defense that didn't transition well after Smith's departure, and it's easier to absolve the enigmatic field general for some of the team's woes. While the
Bears failed to win consistently during that span, Cutler posted three of the four best completion rates and three of the best passer ratings of his NFL career. Granted, the numbers don't outweigh the losses, but the veteran showed football people, particularly Gase, that he is more than capable of playing "connect the dots" football from the pocket.
That's why I believe the move to Miami will work out well for the veteran quarterback. Cutler is reunited with a coach -- Gase, of course, was Cutler's offensive coordinator in Chicago in 2015 -- who actually understands him, and he is surrounded by the deepest and most talented receiver corps he's had during his career. I know that statement won't sit well with
Bears' fans reminiscing about the Marshall/
Alshon Jeffery combination, but that dynamic duo lacked the versatility and explosiveness of the
Dolphins' trio of
Jarvis Landry,
Kenny Stills and
DeVante Parker. Not to mention, the
Dolphins have a big-bodied pass catcher at tight end in
Julius Thomas capable of dominating in the red zone.