Jay Cutler: Colts 'Won The Day,' Bears 'Got To Fix A Lot Of Things'
(CBS) The first of two Bears-Colts joint practices was completed Wednesday, and one early return is in.
The Indianapolis defense is better than the Chicago offense at this point.
"I thought they got after us," Cutler said of the Colts. "I thought they won the day. We've got to fix a lot of things. I've got to fix some stuff, O-line, receivers. We'll have some good film to watch tonight, we'll make some corrections and see what we can do tomorrow."
Cutler and the Bears are in Indianapolis this week for a pair of practices against the Colts before Saturday's preseason game. In addition to breaking up the monotony of practice against your own team, a joint practice gives coaches of each team insightful film in which to evaluate players. The Bears evaluate every single snap of practice.
Cutler didn't throw an interception during team drills, he said, but did throw one during one-on-ones. All in all, he was glad to get a different look in practice.
"It's good work, good work for the line, good work for me and the receivers," Cutler said.
"It's always good to break up camp, see somebody else and compete a little bit."
Bears coach John Fox called it "great work" for his team to face an Indianapolis squad that reached the AFC Championship game last season.
"I thought it was great work," Fox said. "Again, everybody's different styles. We saw a 4-3. They tend to be a little quicker and faster maybe, a different style of defense. I thought that was good work for our guys to see. It's nice to hit on somebody other than your own team."
Jeffery sits out
As expected, Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery didn't participate Wednesday as he recovers from a strained calf. His status for Saturday's game isn't certain, but he seems unlikely to play. The return of Jeffery is important, as Chicago will also be without rookie receiver Kevin White for at least the first six games of the regular season.
Cornerback Tracy Porter left Wednesday's practice with a hamstring strain, Fox said.
Bears will keep Forte's preseason workload light
Running back Matt Forte sat out the Bears' preseason opener last Thursday, and the coaching staff still hasn't decided how much work, if any, he'll get Saturday against the Colts.
"We'll just kind of play that by ear as the week goes, see how the work goes here," Fox said. "These (practices) are a little brisker because it is competitive. We'll be smart with him but also get him some work (in preseason) so he's ready for the opener."