Trestman Admits To Failure To Develop Jay Cutler
(CBS) In one of his more introspective moments with the media as his job security has come under fire in recent weeks and followed the robotic next-game script, Bears coach Marc Trestman on Wednesday admitted to failures on his end in developing quarterback Jay Cutler.
Simply put, Trestman said he hasn't been able to draw out of Cutler what he's wanted as the Bears have spiraled downward in a 5-9 season in which their offense has regressed from 2013 and failed to score more than 28 points in a game.
"It's evident I haven't up to this point," Trestman said. "Am I working at it? Yes. We've seen moments, but we haven't done it on a consistent basis, and that's clear. I can't hide from that. I haven't been able -- and we haven't been able -- to do the things we want to get done.
"We're working towards that, but the answer to that is obvious, and I'm trying to give you the most truthful answer -- and that is we've seen moments of it, but certainly it's not where we need to go. It's not where we need to be. But it's not all about Jay. It's about our entire offense working together to get it done."
The highest-paid player in the NFL this season, Cutler is on pace to put up some big counting stats, but much of that's because the Bears are so pass-happy. His 24 turnovers lead the league, and the Bears' plan to have their offense lead a playoff push has failed miserably.
In Monday's loss to the Saints, ESPN analyst Jon Gruden -- whom Trestman worked under in 2001 in Oakland -- suggested the Bears should consider benching Cutler, to which Trestman responded Wednesday.
"Jon certainly has a right to his opinion, and each and every week we go through our evaluations all the way around," Trestman said.
In other news, the Bears didn't practice Wednesday but did release a hypothetical participation report that reflected where players dealing with injuries stand in hopes of playing Sunday against the Lions.
Cornerback Kyle Fuller (knee), defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff (knee), defensive end Trevor Scott (knee) and linebacker Darryl Sharpton (hamstring) wouldn't have participated.
Safety Brock Vereen (shoulder) would've been a limited participant.
Tackle Jordan Mills (ribs) and guard/tackle Eben Britton (illness) would've been full participants.