Hillenmeyer familiar with Cutler's ability

Strong-side linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer's career at Vanderbilt overlapped Jay Cutler's first two years with the Commodores, one of which was a redshirt season, but it was long enough to be impressed by the young quarterback.

"He's a great football player," Hillenmeyer said. "He's a good guy. We were good buddies. I think he's gotten better every year since the last time I played with him."

Cutler had TD passes of 48 yards to Brandon Stokley and 41 yards to Brandon Marshall Monday night in a 34-20 victory over the Titans, the first time a Broncos quarterback had 2 TD passes of at least 40 yards in the same game since John Elway did it 12 years ago.

Cutler has a strong arm, and he's not shy about trying to fit the ball into tight spaces even when there's little room for error.

"I think to be a great quarterback you've got to be a risk taker," Hillenmeyer said. "All the best quarterbacks are willing to throw the ball into some tight spots. They're not really afraid of interceptions. He does a great job of forcing it into some good spots.

"He's got a lot of confidence in his arm, and he probably should because he's got as strong an arm as anybody in the league. He creates plays with his feet, just like last week, just like Dallas, just like a lot of the teams that have given us a hard time.

"Those quarterbacks that keep plays alive tend to have a lot of success, so that will be a big challenge for us."

Pick (just) six: The Bears are tied for last in the NFL with just 6 interceptions, 18 fewer than they had last season, when they were fifth in the league in interception percentage.

None of the team's quarterbacks has even 1 interception yet.

"We've had missed opportunities where we had chances to catch a ball," defensive coordinator Bob Babich said. "We've always said, 'Hey, catch the ones that are thrown to you. If you do that, you'll get plenty of interceptions.'

"But we haven't had as many opportunities. It's something we're working on. Depending on the different coverages we use, it can help us, so it's definitely a problem that we've addressed."

Last year Ricky Manning Jr. and Charles Tillman were tied for the team lead with 5 picks, and Nate Vasher was tied for third with 3, but none of them has intercepted a pass this season.

Injury update: Cornerbacks Nate Vasher (groin) and Trumaine McBride (hip), fullback Jason McKie (foot) and wide receiver Bernard Berrian (toe) did not practice Thursday for the second straight day.

Vasher will miss his eighth straight game.

"My story hasn't changed," he said. "I wish I had better news for you guys, but hopefully, things'll come around and I can get back out there sooner than later."

Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee) practiced on a limited basis, and cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. returned for a full practice after missing Wednesday with an illness.

Giving thanks: Thursday's practice was three hours earlier than usual because of the holiday, as players were off the field by 12:30 p.m..

"We moved practice up a little bit earlier so we could get our regular practice in, then allow our team a chance to go home and watch the games and enjoy Thanksgiving with their families," coach Lovie Smith said.