Why Jay Cutler 2.0 is proving to be user-friendly

The biggest difference between the old Jay Cutler and the Cutler of 2015 (Cutler 2.0?) is the lack of negative, head-scratching plays he's committed.

In the past, those plays resulted in interceptions. But Cutler has been picked off just seven times this season, and his 1.8 interception percentage is easily the best of his career. He has yet to throw more than 1 interception in any game this season, something he's never accomplished. He had 7 multiple-interception games last season and for a total of 18.

Cutler's 92.2 passer rating is the best of his 10-year career. More importantly, if there were an official statistic for decision-making, he'd also be having his best season.

Especially when plays break down, or when failed protection dictates a quick escape, Cutler has been better at winging it, according to offensive coordinator Adam Gase.

“He's been right a lot,” Gase said. “He's taken those few times where he's had to really ad-lib, and he's made the right decision. Very rarely has he made a decision where we were all sitting there going, 'Why would he do that?' He hasn't done that. He's stayed within the offense. He hasn't tried to venture out.”

Cutler gives the credit to Gase and quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains.

“We do a lot of stuff in individual (portion of practice) with the other quarterbacks to get that (number of turnovers) down,” Cutler said. “It goes back to a lot of the scheme and the way Adam calls plays and designs stuff, and the coaching. There's always an emphasis of knowing where everyone is and not forcing balls. If we have to punt, we have to do it.”

Cutler has frequently complimented Gase's play-calling, but there are times when opponents' defensive play-calling outsmarts the offense. When that happens, Cutler has also made good decisions changing the play.

“He's done a good job of taking some of these play calls and getting us out of some bad plays and putting us in some better situations,” Gase said. “He deserves a lot of the credit for what's going on. He can say it's the scheme, but it's been him making the right decisions and putting our offense in the right position.”

That Cutler's enjoying his best season despite a watered-down supporting cast makes it even more impressive. Pro Bowl wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has already missed five games. Big, fast, dynamic first-round pick Kevin White never played a snap.

With those two on the field together, Gase would have needed a legal pad to draw plays, since they could have vertically stretched defenses to the breaking point.

Veteran wide receiver Eddie Royal was earmarked as the quick, shifty, underneath possession guy that could complement Jeffery's down-the-field threat, but he has missed six games. Pro Bowl tight end Martellus Bennett (ribs) went on injured reserve after 12 games, and big-play wide receiver Marquess Wilson (foot) was finished after 11 games.

Cutler did his best to utilize the tools at his disposal. No Bear has caught more than 53 passes, yet seven players already have caught more than 20 balls, and eight players have at least 1 touchdown catch.

“He's never panicked,” Gase said of Cutler. “He's never wavered. He's just gone about his business as if the starting three, from what we thought they were going to be in the spring, have been out there the whole time.

“He's just moved on week to week. Whoever's been out, there has stepped up and made plays, and he's done a good job of just staying focused on his job.”

Jay Cutler 2.0 has proven to be extremely user-friendly.

• Follow Bob's Bears reports on Twitter @BobLeGere.