Chicago Sun-Times

Davis expects deep insight from Cutler

- BY ADAM L. JAHNS Staff Reporter Email: ajahns@suntimes.com

NFL analyst Charles Davis has been in television production meetings with Jay Cutler, first in 2009 and then more recently.

“There’s a natural change that comes with age,” Davis said of Cutler. “But it wasn’t a huge shift.”

Cutler’s answers are what resonated with Davis. Invaluable insight — and not faked.

“We may not have been bro- hugging,” Davis said, “but if I asked Jay Cutler a question, I got a thorough answer. And I’ve had plenty of other guys where I’ve asked those questions and I’ve gotten bro-hugged, we had a good time and it was affable, and when I’ve gotten back to my room to put down my notes, I don’t have anything. I always appreciate­d that about Jay.”

Davis and Cutler can officially bro- hug every Sunday this fall. As of Friday, they’re partners on Fox Sports broadcasts, joining play- byplay announcer Kevin Burkhardt and sideline reporter Pam Oliver.

As a respected longtime analyst and former player, Davis believes Cutler can bring a lot to the job.

“His ability to know the personnel that’s on the field — I mean, he just walked off the field,” Davis said. “Just think about him walking into production meetings [ with players] now. He’s going to be walking in essentiall­y with his peers.”

In an 11- year playing career, Cutler also endured endless scrutiny, particular­ly in Chicago, where he played for three head coaches.

“He can provide incredible perspectiv­e, introspect­ion and thought about all of that,” Davis said. “He’s still standing, and he’s off to a different phase now. And I can’t wait to go along on the ride with him.”

Follow me on Twitter @ adamjahns.

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