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Jay Cutler: I Like The Way You Move
Published: August 12, 2009
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Much has been made of Jay Cutler’s laser arm. The number of man crushes in Chicago has increased exponentially as Cutler continues to showcase his cannon in training camp.
However, no matter how much one wants to escape from the doubts and lingering fears, the question still remains, will Cutler improve the Bears’ receivers, or will he tank without Brandon Marshall and co.?
I have heard these questions argued back and forth until I am almost as sick of them as I am of the smarmy look on Roy Williams’ face.
However, after watching replay after replay and highlight after highlight of J-Cutty in Denver, I am firmly convinced that Cutler will be the catalyst for a huge season offensively in Chicago, and the reasons, ladies and gentlemen, are his legs.
Yes, his legs.
Cutler’s ability to scramble will help take some pressure off of the offensive line.
The most challenging part of playing in the defensive secondary is to make sure your assignment is covered for 3-4 seconds. If it goes any longer than that, it becomes easier for the receiver to get open, and more difficult for the defender to stay in position.
Cutler loved to throw to Denver’s tight end Tony Scheffler, and several of the plays that caught my attention were after Cutler rolled out or scrambled.
Most of Kyle Orton’s throws were out of a simple three step drop, and the play was all about timing. Ditto for Grossman.
Cutler will create space and time for his receivers to get downfield and get open.
He also brings a new dimension to the playaction, as freezing the safety allows Devin Hester or any other receiver to get downfield behind the defense for the longball, also the rollout is a viable option with his mobility.
I suppose that my point is, Cutler will make the Bears’ receivers better, just like he made Scheffler, Marshall and Royal better.
Chicago Bears’ RB Matt Forte: Ready To Rumble
Published: July 14, 2009
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The infamous sophomore slump. It is a malady that supposedly affects many a second year NFL running back.
It is merely a myth. Michael Turner, Frank Gore, Adrian Peterson, Clinton Portis, Brian Westbrook, Willie Parker, Willis Mcgahee, Deuce Mcallister, Laurence Maroney, and some guy over in San Diego all give the lie to this assumption.
Why should Matt Forte be any different?
Forte had a sensational rookie season, winning the Rookie of the Year award, and being the spark for a sometimes lifeless Chicago Bears offense.
Forte averaged 3.9 yards per carry on almost twenty attempts per game.
Not mind-blowing numbers, by any means, but solid.
That is a better ypc average than either Tomlinson or Willie Parker, just to put it into perspective.
He had 77 yards per game rushing, more than Parker and Tomlinson, again, and Larry Johnson.
Forte amassed 1,238 yards rushing, putting him at seventh in the league.
Why would one assume he will have a “sophomore slump?”
I watched some highlights of Forte today, and, time after time, he gained yards when there were seven or eight defenders stacked in the box. And while he’s not Barry Sanders, Forte showed quickness and strength.
Many have stated the Bears have an “easy” schedule this season.
Forte and co. will face the Nos. 1-through-3 rushing defenses in the NFL, in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Philly. They will face number six, Minnesota twice, and numbers twelve and thirteen in Cincinatti and San Francisco.
Doesn’t look very “easy.”
Against Philly last season he had only 43 yards, no touchdowns. Versus Minnesota, in the first game, he had 56 yards and a long of only eight yards, but one touchdown. In the second game against the Vikes, he rushed for 96 yards, and no touchdowns.
Not the greatest numbers in the world, right?
The Bears will also face Cleveland, which ranked 26th in rushing defense last year, Green Bay twice, Detroit twice, and the Rams. Arizona and Atlanta were both in the bottom half of the league in rushing defense last season.
Forte will have many opportunities to prove he is as good as his rookie season.
The key to his success, however, will be the success of the Bears’ new quarterback, Jay “I want out of Denver” Cutler.
Because of Cutler’s tendency to throw the ball down-field, Forte will not have the big receiving numbers he had last season. However, he will be an effective receiving threat out of the backfield and this Bears team needs all the receiving options it can get.
Even though Forte’s carries per game will most likely be down this season, if Cutler and the receivers can spread the field a bit, Forte will not have to face the stacked boxes he had to face in ’08.
He will have more one-on-one opportunities, and his elusiveness and quickness will once again carry him to a great season.
Slump? What slump? Forte will rush for over 1,200 yards again this season, and score 9-12 touchdowns.
Perhaps a little consistency at some of the skill positions is all that is needed in the Windy City for another deep playoff run.
