Cutler right to doubt Bears' O-line
The Brandon Marshall trade might end up being the signature move of the entire NFL off-season.
He is that good. He can have that kind of impact.
That said, many in Chicago were astonished that the Bears did nothing of significance through trade, draft or free agency to upgrade a weak offensive line.
And, apparently, Jay Cutler is among those stunned that the Bears chose a Boise State linebacker in the first round with the intention of making him a defensive end, when there were quality offensive linemen available.
Speaking at a school on the South Side earlier this week on the importance of children being tested for diabetes, Cutler also chatted with the media and made it clear he still worries for his safety.
Offered a chance to express his excitement about the 2012 NFL season, Cutler instead volunteered that he's wondering about his protection.
"You know, the offensive line is definitely going to be a concern, and seeing where those guys are going to fit in and seeing what five we go with," Cutler said. "If Gabe (Carimi) comes back (healthy), if J'Marcus (Webb) pans out, (and) where are we going to put Chris Williams?
"There are some question marks there. Until we really get that resolved and get our front five settled in, we've got some work to do on offense."
Well, he may not win any Teammate of the Year awards, but then again, that's never been Cutler anyway.
Maybe the Bears will get away with it and the line will be fine, but kudos to the quarterback for saying what so many wondered on draft day, and for pointing a finger at head coach Lovie Smith for drafting what Smith wanted most, instead of what the Bears needed most.
Convenient amnesia in the wake of the Marshall trade allowed Bears management to forget that in the process of running the Mike Martz system the last two seasons, Cutler was hit 215 times in 27 games.
Cutler knows with Mike Tice and old pal Jeremy Bates replacing Martz that life is going to be a lot easier for Cutler and his chances for survival better.
There will be more max protect and a sane passing system with shorter drops and faster routes, but Cutler says a new scheme - in and of itself - does not solve all the Bears' offensive-line issues.
"It helps some, but it's not a cure-all by any means," Cutler said. "They're still going to be asked to protect."
And that brings us back to Webb, who is at the moment still the left tackle, better system or not. Webb was a turnstile in 2011, allowing 12 sacks, 30 QB pressures and more than a flag a game (including penalties not accepted).
When it's third-and-long, Webb is still going to need help, and with someone staying in that's one less weapon for Cutler to target.
"There are going to be times it's third-and-8 (or) third-and-10 and we're going to have to take seven-step drops," Cutler said. "We're going to have the longer route and they're going to have to protect."
If it sounds like Cutler lacks confidence in his offensive line, it's because he lacks confidence in his offensive line.
After the beating he's taken for his team the last couple of years, one can imagine Cutler watching the draft and throwing things at his TV upon hearing of the Bears' selection.
It makes complete sense.
Of course, the Bears would prefer Cutler not tell the truth. They'd prefer he lie and say he has never seen a better offensive line.
But the reality is he's worried. Like any sane quarterback, member of the coaching staff or fan in the stands, he's concerned about whether he can make it through another season taking that kind of beating.
And for Cutler to take it public in this fashion tells you just how angry he was that the Bears didn't do more to enhance his protection.
If it makes him feel any better, he should know that on this point he is hardly alone.
brozner@dailyherald.com
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