Cutler has concerns over O-Line
Jay Cutler has a worry, that perhaps his Offensive Line won’t be all that great when the team needs them the most. Specifically speaking, 3rd and long! In a recent interview, Cutler voiced his concerns when the Bears face 3rd and long and a 7 step drop is needed. He said
“You know, the offensive line is definitely going to be a concern and seeing where those guys are going to fit in and seeing what five we go with,” Cutler said to the Chicago Sun Times. “If Gabe [Carimi] comes back, if J’Marcus [Webb] pans out. Where are we going to put Chris Williams? There are some question marks there. Until we really get that resolved and get our front five settled in, we’ve got some work to do on offense.”
When asked about Mike Martz’s departure and Mike Tice’s addition (Tice is now the Offensive Coordinator and has worked an Offensive Lineman coach in his past) Cutler responded:
“It helps some, but it’s not a cure all by any means,” Cutler said. “They’re still going to be asked to protect. There are going to be times it’s third-and-eight, third-and-10 and we’re going to have to take seven-step drops and we’re going to have the longer route and they’re going to have to protect.”
THE SKINNY: Cutler never has been one to shy away from his feelings and in this case we think he has a point. The Bears, if they are going to live up to their Super Bowl aspirations, have to protect the Quarterback, not only keeping him from injury but also due to the fact that the deeper you get in the playoffs the better the Defenses tend to get. If the Bears have to face the New York Giants dynamic Front 7 for example, then protection is going to paramount. They still have time to jell and figure it all out but there is obvious concern on the mind of Chicago’s Franchise QB!
Cutler Finally Gets the Luxury to Audible
Gayle Saunders
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Great news for Chicago Bears fans and most importantly Jay Cutler this season, as he will now have the luxury and ability to change plays at the line of scrimmage.
With Mike Tice calling the shots as offensive coordinator, it could be a whole different tune for Cutler this season. Under Mike Martz, Cutler was quite often displeased with some of the play calls, and felt he was limited with his control over the offense.
This season they have also brought in Jeremy Bates as the quarterbacks coach. Bates and Cutler are now reunited as they were together in Denver in 2008. While under Bates tutelage Cutler went to his only pro bowl.
While Cutler played under Mike Martz for two seasons, he threw for over 5,500 yards and 36 touchdowns in 25 games, the only problem with his game was his production and his accuracy dipped while he spent more time dealing with injuries and being sacked while the media questioned his toughness.
The Skinny: With the Bears bringing in old teammate Brandon Marshall, they’re giving him a system he’s familiar with. They believe that with Coach Bates calling the plays and some of the techniques from his Broncos days in place, Cutler has a great opportunity to flourish. They plan to limit the backpedal from center under Martz, while not allowing their franchise QB to be a sitting duck. They said to expect Cutler to be more of a moving, mobile QB this year.
Jay Cutler: Three Step Drop
Get comfortable in the pocket. Jay Cutler, quarterback for the Chicago Bears, covers the Three-Step Drop for hitting pass plays. These plays are usually high percentage plays that are commonly called timing routes. Nike Football Pro Moves is a great resource “to be the best, learn from the best”. This football training video offers a valuable perspective from Jay Cutler.
Proper Base:
Start out under center with a good base. You want to have a go-to stance, with your feet shoulder width apart. Not too wide, not too skinny. Your balance is right in the middle, and whatever happens after the snap you won’t be trying to readjust. Then bend your knees, and take the snap. It’s go time.
Step Back:
Take a good step back, hold the ball up and keep your eyes downfield. This sets you in a good position in the pocket. Then take another step, and crossover to cover more ground. By this time the line has pushed back and you’re going to need some distance. Take the third gather step, a step you’re going to throw off of, so plant your feet in a balanced stance that will be the foundation of your throw.
Ball Placement:
As you step back, keep the ball in an active and comfortable position. Not too high, not too low. You don’t want to have to bring it too far up to release it, and keep it safely in front of you. That’s where you’re going to generate your power from, and when you see a man open up downfield, power is your friend.
Throw Mechanics:
Now is when you step forward and target the receiver. Take a comfortable step forward, again not too small and not too big. As your throw comes forward, follow through with your backside foot and bring it around. The follow through with your foot is as important as the follow through with your arm, it’s a total body thing. And by the time you’re done, you’ve won.
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