OKO- Myself and Jay wanted to come in front of everyone together and clear the air. There have been several reports in the media that the organization is not happy with what we have seen on the field from Jay, and also several incidents of Jay firing back with his thoughts on the organization. I will let Jay make a statement, and then I will make a statment, and then we will open it up to reporters for questions.
CUTLER- I do not think that I have been given an opportunity to succeed. When I agreed to come to San Fran and talked about a contract extention, I knew what type of offense they ran here. However, I was told that the pass attempts would go up and the team would also make an effort to bring in more weapons. Neither of those things have happened, and now the media and organization is coming down on me as the scapegoat and I am hearing trade rumors left and right. I have done my best and my frustration is showing now, I dont understand how a team can run this offense and when things dont go well, its on me.
OKO- First off Jay, I will agree that quarterbacks get too much credit when its going well, and too much blame when its not. This is a very unique situation where we ask our defense and running game to lead the way and our passing game to make plays when we need them. This offseason our fans and local media saw the additions of Chris Johnson at RB and Jay Cutler at QB and the return from injury of our #1 wr, 99 spd Delency Kilgo. Everyone got very excited and expected a huge improvement offensively, and when that has not happened, whether fair or unfair, alot of the focus has been put right on Jays shoulders. The reality is that Alex Smith was more efficient with less weapons and we expected more. Now ill open it up to questions.
This question is for both Jay and Oko, Oko are the trade rumors accurate and Jay what do you think of the team openly shopping you?
OKO- Yes, we are looking around the league to see what Jay's value is and what the options might be. Jay is well aware of this. We would love to see the passing game take off, but at the same time we are willing to explore other options and the possibilities of filling other holes.
CUTLER- As Coach Oko said, I am aware that the team is shopping me. I understand that this is a business. As long as I am a 49er, I will try to move the football and score points. Or if the time comes when I am moving to a more pass friendly system, then I would hold no hard feelings.
Coach, looking at the numbers and based on expectations, why would you say this team is struggling, is simply replacing Cutler the answer?
OKO- Its a combination of everything. Its not on Jay. Jay's completion percentage is at 48, and his passer rating is at 84, while the team is dead last in passing. As Jay said, we have had major problems with our passing targets getting open and making catches. We thought a healthy Kilgo would make a huge difference, but that has not been the case. There have also been protection issues and an injury to CJ. Our defense has also taken a step back. So we can point fingers at a number of things. Jay just happens to be a QB and in the public eye.
Coach, what if this team doesnt reach the postseason? Should we expect major changes?
OKO- I dont want to think about the playoffs, until the season is over, one way or the other. Obviously if we dont reach the postseason, that would be an epic fail and the organization will have to evaluate everything from the top down. I guess to answer your question, yes, I would think missing the postseason would result in major changes. Thanks for coming.
Subject: Oko and Jay Cutler Press Conference 
Sun Mar 11, 2012 6:47 pm
