Ex-Bears Coach Lovie Smith Praises Jay Cutler, Matt Forte
By Chris Emma--
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- On the back end of his tenure as Bears' head coach from 2004-'12, Lovie Smith oversaw his team form an offense around quarterback Jay Cutler and running back Matt Forte.
Now three years removed from his time in Chicago and coach of Tampa Bay, Smith had high praise for Cutler and Forte. He's preparing to face the quarterback and running back Sunday as his Buccaneers host the Bears.
In his second season in Tampa Bay, Smith's developing quarterback Jameis Winston, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Smith remembers Forte as "an advanced rookie," comparing that to the gradual growth of Winston.
"I remember the first day that Matt Forte showed up as a rookie, in a suit, like he was on a business trip," Smith said. "It seems like he's been on a business trip ever since.
"So many fond memories of Matt Forte. He's a great player (and) a better person."
When asked about whether the 30-year-old Forte has tailed off, Smith quickly said no. Yet, Forte could be entering his final two games with the Bears, as he's in the final year of his contract and about to enter offseason uncertainty.
Smith took in Cutler after years of a quarterback carousel under his watch. Cutler is the Bears' all-time leader in passing touchdowns, surpassing Sid Luckman this season. However, Cutler has led Chicago to the playoffs just one time -- during a 2010 season in which Smith's Bears reached the NFC Championship.
Cutler's having one of his most productive seasons in Chicago, and his former coach has been impressed.
"Jay is playing outstanding ball," Smith said. "Of course, when I was there with him, the talent, he was throwing the ball as well as anyone around. He's mobile. They're doing some good things with him, where he's moving the chains with his feet, buying time, making good decisions. Just a good football player. He was that way. We won a lot of games there, with Jay as our quarterback. He's still a very good quarterback."
In 2014, the Bears beat Smith's Bucs, 21-13, in his first rematch with Chicago. That Bears team was led by Smith's replacement, Marc Trestman, who was fired at season's end. The franchise is now on its third head coach in four seasons, John Fox.
Smith referred to his role in Tampa Bay as a "dream job" but spoke of joy when asked about his memories in Chicago.
"We have lasting memories of my time in Chicago," Smith said. "It's always special when you play against a team that you have fond memories of."
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
