Cutler's toughness a plus, but interceptions painful

Editor's note: First in a series of position-by-position looks at the 2010 Bears before the NFL Draft.

Jay Cutler was a major disappointment last year because of a propensity to make poor decisions that often resulted in interceptions.

His 26 picks were the most in the NFL by a wide margin. In defense of Cutler, who also threw 27 TD passes, the Bears' running game and offensive line were also major disappointments, which had more than a little to do with Cutler's underwhelming performance.

Cutler was also working with a young and inexperienced group of wide receivers with whom he should have a better rapport after a full year together.

While Cutler remains a franchise-type quarterback because of his rocket arm, accuracy and knack for moving in the pocket and buying time, he has yet to prove himself as a leader and a winner.

Cutler has not led a team to a winning record in the NFL or in college. He is sometimes seen as aloof and still has a reputation as a finger-pointer.

Some supporters, however, suggest he may have matured last season. Although there were opportunities to blame his inexperienced group of receivers and a mediocre offensive line, Cutler did not thrown anyone under the bus.

"We knew about Jay's arm, his athletic ability, all those things you can see on video," coach Lovie Smith said. "But when you get a chance to be around him, it's his toughness (that stands out) as much as anything.

"The quarterback of the Chicago Bears should be a tough guy, and that's what I saw," Smith said. "I saw his toughness in how he handled things and his toughness on the football field too. It's OK to slide once in awhile (to avoid contact), but that's not his mentality."

It will be interesting to see how Cutler works with Mike Martz, the Bears' new offensive coordinator. Martz has choreographed some of the most productive NFL offenses, but his tough coaching could alienate Cutler, and it remains to be seen if the Bears' quarterbacks room is big enough to house two massive egos.

Backup Caleb Hanie has impressed with his athleticism and ability to make plays on the run, but most of that has been demonstrated in the preseason. It's possible the Bears may bring in a more experienced backup, which would imperil the job security of Brett Basanez, last year's No. 3.

Marc Bulger, 33, was recently cut by the Rams after three straight subpar seasons, but he would make sense for the Bears since he has started 95 NFL games and played under Martz.

If Bulger is seeking playing time, however, Chicago would be the wrong place for him based on Cutler's durability and status as the unquestioned starter.