Cutler's in the running
Coach Lovie Smith says scrambles by Jay Cutler are always part of the Bears' game plan if a play breaks down or if the quarterback sees an opportunity.
Cutler's legs were never more important than they were in Sunday's victory. He produced 41 yards on 3 scampers vs. the Bills, and all 3 carries picked up first downs, two of which came on third-down plays.
On third-and-7, Cutler picked up 14 yards and on third-and-4, he bolted for 9 yards to help set up the Bears' second touchdown.
“It helps a lot,” Smith said. “You normally don't account for the quarterback (on defense). He's kind of a free guy. You want him to stay back in the pocket of course. (But) when he takes off, sometimes you can get a big play from that, and Jay is mobile, he's fast, and he knew when to get down, too, so those plays were big with him using his feet.”
Cutler has 120 rushing yards on 21 attempts this season for a 5.7-yard average, which is even more impressive considering his totals include several kneel-downs for negative yardage.
Injury update:I Julius Peppers' injury late in Sunday's game appeared more serious than it was when he remained on the ground after he banged his head into quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick's knee and then the ground. #8220;He's going to be OK,#8221; coach Lovie Smith said Monday afternoon. #8220;Especially after you go back and watch the video, (it did) look a lot worse than it ended up being. It's going to take an awful lot to keep him out, to knock him down, but he's fine, good to go.#8221;Earl Bennett was involved in a traffic accident just after midnight Sunday that may have totaled his 1973 Chevy Impala but left him uninjured.#8220;He's working out down there (in the Halas Hall weight room),#8221; Smith said during his Monday after press conference. #8220;He was, from what I'm told, in an accident. But he's fine. No issues.#8221;Cornerback Zack Bowman, who lost his starting job to Tim Jennings after three weeks, has missed the past two games with a sprained foot but is expected back at practice this week.#8220;We need him back out there playing,#8221; Smith said. #8220;But in the meantime, I like the way Tim has stepped up and given us great play.#8221;Smith said he expects everyone to practice Wednesday. IBalancing act: IIn a rare plot twist, Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz called for an exactly even mix of runs and passes Sunday, 31 of each.Martz and Lovie Smith had talked for two weeks about achieving balance in the offense, but Smith reiterated that it doesn't have to be a 1-to-1 mix.#8220;When I say balance, I'm talking about just having a commitment to both,#8221; Smith said. #8220;Taking what the defense gives you; but you have to be productive in both areas, and for us it was about us being able to run the ball more.#8221;It was just the second time in eight games that the Bears ran as many times as they passed. Neither Matt Forte (49 yards on 14 carries and 12 yards on 3 catches) nor Chester Taylor (13 yards on 10 carries and 14 yards on 1 catch) were particularly effective running the ball, but they were more involved in the offense.#8220;That's the balance I'm talking about,#8221; Smith said, #8220;of just being able to run effectively and pass.#8221;