Smith, Cutler happy to see Garza get extension

The one constant, steadying influence all season on the improving offensive line has been Roberto Garza.

During training camp he made the transition from guard to center without a hitch and took on the duties of line leader that former center Olin Kreutz had handled for more than a decade.

Garza, who started at guard for the previous six seasons, was rewarded on Tuesday with a two-year contract extension worth $6.55 million.

“He's done just a great job moving into a different role for us,” coach Lovie Smith said. “We've gotten that type of play from Roberto since he's been here, just a steady performer. He's led our offensive line (and) we've seen them make a lot of improvements. A lot of it has to do with Roberto's leadership.”

There were a lot of doubters when the Bears moved the 6-foot-2, 310-pound Garza into the pivot, but he quickly allayed any concerns.

“I think a lot of people were a little hesitant when we threw him in there to see exactly what he could do,” quarterback Jay Cutler said. “But he's responded brilliantly, and I'm happy for him. We're happy he's going to be here for another couple years.”

After being sacked 14 times in the first three games, Cutler has been dropped just three times in the past three games.

All My Running Backs:In the latest installment of the ongoing Matt Forte Contract Extension soap opera, Bears general manager Jerry Angelo weighs in on the team's website. #8220;As I said on our radio pregame show Monday night, Matt was the only player we targeted, and we made him what I feel is a very lucrative offer on a contract extension,#8221; Angelo said. #8220;The deal did not get done, but we definitely want Matt to play many more years with the Bears. Any suggestion otherwise, simply is not true. We buy into Matt as both a player and a person.#8221;One time only: Wide receiver Earl Bennett busted out with 5 catches for 95 yards Monday night against the Eagles in his first game since suffering a chest injury in Week Two. Then the NFL busted him with a $5,000 fine for wearing orange cleats that didn't conform to the No Fun League's sense of style. #8220;I pretty much knew I was going to get a fine,#8221; Bennett said. #8220;It's cool. I've been out for a long time. I wanted to come out with the orange. I'm not really worried about the fine.#8221;But don't expect to see Bennett wearing unapproved orange again this week against the Lions.#8220;They say they'll double the fine,#8221; Bennett said. #8220;It would be 10 grand, and I don't think my wife would like that.#8221;Eye of the beholder:Jay Cutler was asked if, as alleged in a tweet by his girlfriend Kristin Cavallari, he had the nicest (butt) in the NFL.After laughing, Cutler said, #8220;According to one person. But I think she's biased.#8221;Tight end shuffle:Tight end Kyle Adams was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, and tight end Andre Smith was promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. Tight end Draylon Ross was signed to the practice squad.Adams appeared in all eight games, primarily on special teams. Smith is an undrafted rookie out of Virginia Tech. Ross is an undrafted rookie from North Texas State who spent part of training camp with the Bears. #376; Follow Bob's Bears reports via Twitter @Bob LeGere and check out our Bear Essentials blog at dailyherald.com.