Morning Bears Bits: Cutler Still Looks Like Cutler
By Adam Hoge-
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. (CBS) -- After all the drama last week about contracts that don't expire until after the season, the Bears took advantage of their first three practices over the weekend and Camp Trestman appears to be off to a strong start.
Most importantly, the Bears haven't suffered any injuries, which is a far departure from how Lovie Smith's first training camp began.
To their credit, the players arrived to Bourbonnais in great shape, which always helps avoid nagging injuries like pulled hamstrings. Meanwhile, Trestman's practice style -- which consists of a fast pace, but very minimal contact -- is helping to avoid the major injuries that have already wiped out Eagles' wide receiver Jeremy Maclin's and Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta's season.
From talking to the players, it's pretty clear Trestman's OTAs and mini-camp scared the players into getting in great shape for training camp.
Cutler Still Cutler
While some players -- most notably Corey Wootton, Shea McClellin and Alshon Jeffery -- look stronger and better, one player who looks about the same is quarterback Jay Cutler.
It's not that Cutler has been bad through three practices in Bourbonnais -- he's just been the same Jay Cutler we've seen the last four years in Chicago. The quarterback has made some great throws, but he's also been off target a lot, even on many completions.
The good news is that Trestman is pleased with how Cutler has gone through his progressions and, to his credit, Jay has been spreading the ball around.
It also helps that his receivers, including tight end Martellus Bennett, have shown the ability adjust and haul in the tough catches.
Meanwhile, for what it's worth, backup quarterback Josh McCown has looked very good throwing the football and running the offense. Don't worry, there's no quarterback controversy, but it's a good sign because, as we've seen often during the Jay Cutler era, the backup ends up on the field from time-to-time.
Latest Trestmanism:
"They have pads in their pants now, which hasn't been the case, getting used to that, carrying the weight of the pads, which is something new to them."
Today's Links
- Here are my practice observations from Sunday's first padded practice.
- Hub Arkush and I hosted an all-Bears show last night on 670 The Score. Catch the podcast here.
Monday's Schedule
The Bears will be back out on the practice field in pads at 9 a.m. Tuesday is a CBA-mandated off day.
Adam Hoge covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @AdamHoge.
