Bernstein: Cutler Audibly Distressed
Jay Cutler wants it known that he's doing all he's allowed to do.
He was asked after Sunday's game if he is permitted to change a play at the line based on what he sees.
His answer was "Nah," followed by a halfhearted, droning recitation of their offense's rules regarding hot reads and adjustments.
Lovie Smith yesterday indicated a bit differently, though, when asked the same question about such audibles, saying "Yeah, we have some (audibles) in. Our quarterbacks have some things they can go to. Yes."
So which is it? Let's get the answer directly from coordinator Mike Martz, who said this to the Score's Laurence Holmes during training camp:
"We want to play fast and put the defense on their heels. You can't do that and slow the game down and audible. It's just a different philosophy. Indy does it (audible), and they do it terrific. We like to get guys moving around and hit and get things moving fast."
So there. Why Smith would say what he did is anyone's guess.
And now, two prominent former Bears are independently urging Cutler and the receivers to go rogue, straying from the reservation when the situation dicatates.
Jim Miller told the Danny Mac Show yesterday that Cutler needs to take the reins of the game, especially when there is confusion. "Who cares if he's allowed to do it? Who cares?" Miller said. "You're the chief executive officer, you're on the field, you're the one that's getting your manhood driven into the dirt, take some control of it. Take it into your own hands and get guys coordinated."
(Interesting use of the word "coordinated" noted)
Dennis McKinnon told us on Boers and Bernstein that the edge-blitzes by Seattle defensive backs only worked because the Bears let them. "It's a quarterback's job to audible out of the play," McKinnon said. He blamed receivers for not breaking off routes more shallowly, regardless of what was called in the huddle.
Cutler has no good choice to make. On one hand, he can run what's called behind a rickety line, while trusting receivers and backs who don't seem to know where to go or when to go there. He stays in the good graces of a demanding coach, and defies his reputation as a petulant pupil (which followed him from Denver and continued during his time here with Ron Turner and Pep Hamilton), all while tending to the cleat marks on his face.
On the other, he can do as Miller and McKinnon advise, and immediately cause total chaos on the field, in the meeting rooms, and in the media. His longstanding critics cry "See? What'd we tell you about this guy?" Coaches, players and fans take sides behind Cutler or Martz. What was believed to be an inevtiable schism accelerates into a firestorm.
Sadly, though, this entire discussion ultimately returns to the old truism about any offense -- that it is only as good as its blockers.
Allowing Cutler more freedom to adapt could be helpful in the short term to avoid a negative play or two, but it doesn't change the real issue.
