Chicago Bears

HOFer Dan Hampton believes Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler can be fixed

Published Jul. 17, 2015 10:27 a.m. ET

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Members of the Super Bowl-winning 1985 Chicago Bears squad recently bashed the play of current quarterback Jay Cutler. It's the popular thing to do, since Cutler signed a $126 million contract just before the team tanked.

However, one Hall-of-Fame member of that '85 team did the unpopular thing and defended Cutler. Former Bears defensive lineman Dan Hampton (HOF Class of 2002) provided the embattled quarterback with a legitimate excuse for his subpar play—his defense.

"There’s something to be said about when you’re the quarterback of a team [and] so much is expected and you go into a game knowing you’ve got the worst defense in the history of the franchise. That’s got to taint your perspective. You get careless. You make mistakes," Hampton told Jake Bartelson of Chicago Football.

Hampton believes Cutler, despite his recent struggles, is still capable of having a big season in 2015.

"The main thing is: You need to work within the system, and function in a very efficient way…make good throws, be confident, do your reads. I don’t think there’s any question he can have a fantastic year," Hampton said, via Chicago Football.

Even though Cutler was responsible for 24 turnovers (18 interceptions, six fumbles) last season, he also set new career-highs for completion percentage (66.0) and touchdowns (28).

(h/t Chicago Football)

Photo Credit: Rob Grabowski/USA TODAY Sports