Jay Cutler will play in his first playoff game since he was in high school Sunday afternoon, this blogger's birthday, but the talk going into Sunday's game is not about his play on the field.
The talk is rather, what type of person Cutler is off the field. This is brought on by the "A-Rod" of sportswriters in Rick Reilly of ESPN, who showed up at Halas Hall on Wednesday when the offense had the podium and media day for the Bears.
Reilly ripped into Cutler when the quarterback from Santa Claus, Indiana when he took the mic and asked him questions like "How many in this room know you?" "Did you idolize a quarterback growing up?"
Both answers where not to Reilly's liking. Jay said, he doesn't hang out with members of the media during the week and offseason and that he did not idolize a QB growing up.
That led to this lede in Reilly's story, "For a man from Santa Claus, Ind., Jay Cutler is one of the least jolly people you've ever met."
His points on why Cutler is not jolly were noted as he didn't want to hear tips from John Elway when he was with the Broncos and said he does not do well with the media. Basically saying he could own Chicago if he wanted, but doesn't want to so there must be something wrong with the guy that dates reality TV star Kristin Cavallari.
Well, that lead Bears beat writer Bob LeGree to write this piece for the Daily Herald defending Jay. He makes some rather great points. Namely, he has never not given him a good answer when his questions are on point, unlike Reilly's. He has diabetes and spends time at hospitals helping and cheering up those in need.
While Jay is not chipper, I'm not asking him to be, he's not a hostile "hate the world" kind of guy, either. He doesn't like talking to the media, answering the same questions over and over again. To be real, as a writer myself, I can understand how that would be a bit ridiculous at times. He never doesn't answer, though.
Also, because Jay doesn't have an endorsement deal, he must be doing something wrong. Let's be real here and say most people's perspective on Jay came from his departure from Denver when Josh McDaniels arrived in town two years ago. Well, McDaniels just got canned, so that should show you what the thought is on how that move went down.
Yes, Jay may be a bit "different" but he's not breaking laws and he's not calling guys out in the media, so why hate him? He is compared to Eli Manning at times on his facial expressions and demeanor on the field. That is not something he can change. I find it rather funny people form opinions on a guy they have never met and don't follow much.
Alright, let's break down some actually football now that I've taken care of that and gotten it off my chest. There are four great games between teams that have all played each other during the regular season. I'll go in order of how the games will be played.
Ravens at Steelers, Saturday at 3:30 p.m.: This one is going to be close. How close? We are a Troy Polamalu sack-fumble away from this game being in Baltimore. That said, it's in Pittsburgh and that gives the advantage to the Steelers. The ESPN.com Insider Scout page literally has this game a toss up. Well, yes, it will be close, but when in doubt, go with the home team.
Steelers 17, Ravens 13 in a great game.
Packers at Falcons, Saturday at 7 p.m.: During the regular season this game came down to a facemask call on a decent kick return that set up a Falcons field goal to win the game as time expired. Aaron Rodgers has won just two games decided by four points or less during his three years as quarterback because of plays like that. Oh, and plus he fumbled on the goalline that was recovered by the Falcons. Despite all of that, this might be the coming out party for Rodgers and the Packers. But don't expect James Starks to have another great game. I just don't see that.
Packers 28, Falcons 24 finally silencing Matty Ice for the season.
Seahawks at Bears, Sunday at noon: If you read my blog Monday with the 10 reasons why the Bears will not lose to the Seahawks you know which way I am going with this. This game is in 15 degree temps on the Lakefront. Any question of the Bears being over confident just has to remember how bad the Bears were whacked by the Seahawks in that 23-20 loss during the regular season. With that, this team will right a wrong and move on to the NFC championship game.
Bears 31, Seahawks 17 with it not being THAT close!
Jets at Patriots, Sunday at 3:30 p.m.: Will the score of this game be 45-3? No. But the Patriots will still beat down the Jets. I know I want the Jets out of the way in the worst way, which may be clouding me a bit, but the Patriots are that good and have something to prove too. And really, I think Bill Bellechick shares my disdain for Rex Ryan and wants to shut him up, too. Pile it on Pats!
Patriots 30, Jets 14 with a big second half of adjustments to break it open.
It's time for the Nussie Hunter portion of today's broadcast. With it being my birthday, I have to honor of my favorites, who happens to be in the latest edition of Maxim with a new sitcom debuting Wednesday night on NBC. Yep, it's the return of Olivia Munn to Wilber's Way. Be sure to check out Coed Magazine for a gallery, here. Then get ready for "Perfect Couples" to debut Jan. 20. Woohoo!
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