Top Ten Bears records Jay Cutler could break

The Bears have a Pro Bowl quarterback.

Still looks weird doesn't it? Sure feels strange to write it.

After years of ineptitude at the position, the record book doesn't speak too kindly of Bears signal callers of the past. It's littered with NFL journeymen like Erik Kramer, Jim Harbaugh, Brian Griese and many others.

And now it's time to get out the eraser because Cutler is going to rewrite every single one of them.

Here are the Top Ten Bears single season records that could be broken with or with the help of Jay Cutler.

A big thanks to Pro-Football-Reference for the stats.

10. Longest TD Pass

Billy Wade in 1961, 98 yards

It's a long shot Cutler tops this record.

But then again, did you ever think the Bears would get burned for a 99-yd TD by Bernard Berrian and Gus Frerotte?

9. Most TD’s Caught by a TE

Mike Ditka in 1961, 12 TD

Number 10 on our list of Top Ten Chicago athletes 25 and younger, Greg Olsen, is nothing but untapped potential.

Never before has this team had a TE who could stretch the field like Olsen. Don't get me wrong, Mike Ditka was the best TE the Bears have ever had and his enshrinement in the Hall of Fame only cements that point.

But the Cutler to Olsen connection is an exciting thought.

8. Most Receiving Yards for a RB

Matt Forte in 2008, 477 yds

It was surprising to see that Forte holds this record and not Bears legend Walter Payton.

Forte's ability to catch a ball out of the backfield is a commodity few teams have in the NFL. Cutler should be able to run the screen pass to perfection, a play that his given the Bears fits for years.

7. Most Receiving Yards for a WR
Marcus Robinson in 1999, 1,400

This hinges entirely on whether or not the Bears sign a veteran receiver for their new QB.

A guy like Torry Holt could easily develop a rapport with the young gunslinger and make a run at breaking Robinson's record.

6, Single Season Completion Percentage

Min 200 Passing Attempts

Jim Harbaugh in 1993, 61.5%
Brian Griese in 2007, 61.5%

Having Matt Forte in the backfield will benefit Jay Cutler more than you think.

Last year the Broncos had a revolving door at RB, relying on guys like Peyton Hillis, Selvin Young, Tatum Bell, Ryan Torian and P.J. Pope.

Without a rushing game to keep defenses honest, Cutler was forced to attempt passes considered risky at best. Now that Forte can keep defenders close to the line, Cutler won't have to take as many chances and his completion percentage should improve tremendously.

5. Yards Per Passing Attempt

Rudy Bukich in 1965, 7.8 ypa

The days of the dink and dunk offense are hopefully over.

This staple of the Bears game plan has driven fans to the brink of insanity.

Good riddance.

4. Highest QB Rating

Min 200 Passing Attempts

Rudy Bukich in 1965, 93.7
Billy Wade in 1961, 93.7

You'd have to expect the Bears will open up the playbook this season, but don't get too excited about that.

You have to remember the mantra of Lovie Smith if you're looking for a sufficient explanation: "We get off the bus running".

This staff remains very conservative and will need to experiment with the idea of introducing imagination to the way they draw up plays.

3. Avg Passing Yards Per Game

Brian Griese in 2007, 257.6 ypg

I really think Cutler could pull this one off in his sleep.

Griese may have averaged 257.6 yds in 2007, but that was in only seven games of action. I have a tough time believing he could have kept that pace up for an entire season.

The highest full season average was set by Erik Kramer in 1995 (239.9). Cutler's totals from a year ago, 282.9 ypg, put that number to shame.

2. Single Season Touchdown Passes

Erik Kramer in 1995, 29 TDs

Cutler jumped up to 25 TD passes in 2008 after tossing 20 in his first full season as a starter in 2007.

It's going to be difficult for Cutler to throw more than Kramer's 29. To give you an idea, only three quarterbacks threw more than 29 this past season: Drew Brees (34), Phillip Rivers (34) and Kurt Warner (30).

Even more damaging to his chances is the lack of talent the Bears have at WR.

1. Single season passing yards

Erik Kramer in 1995, 3,838 yds

You'll notice Kramer's 1995 season show up quite a bit on this list.

Sid Luckman may get credit as the best quarterback in Bears history, but in '95 Kramer obliterated the Bears record book.

Even still, Cutler's yardage totals in 2008 (4,526) surpasses Kramer's totals by 688 yards.