Chicago Bears Week 10: What To Look For

Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Jay Cutler must protect the ball. 

The way you hear things about Cutler, you would think that he is having one of his worst seasons. In reality, the opposite is true. Statistically, he is having the best season so far since he came to Chicago.

So what is the problem with Cutler?

Well, it is his turnovers. He has eight interceptions, which is not too bad. He has double the number of touchdowns as interceptions (17 to 8), which is good. But he has a penchant for coughing up the ball when he gets sacked. He has lost four fumbles this season. Add those to the interceptions, and you have Cutler leading the league in turnovers (12).

It is also WHEN and WHERE Cutler commits those turnovers. He has thrown interceptions in the red zone, late in games and during critical times. He has lost fumbles in Bears territory, leading to the opposition having a short field.

Those turnovers have cost the Bears an amazing 44 points. Those are points that the Bears were on their way to getting, then end up giving them away, making it hurt two times. Take those 44 points that the Bears should have gotten (maybe even more) and add them in, and the Bears are averaging 28 points per game (224 instead of 180), good for 6th in the league, just ahead of…the Green Bay Packers.

Conversely, take those 44 points the defense gave up because of Cutler’s turnovers and the defense would be averaging 22.2 points per game (178 instead of 222), good for 15th in the league.

Those numbers translate to more wins for the Bears, and they would be a playoff contending team.

I know this is would’ve, would’ve should’ve, but it demonstrates how one thing like ball security can turn you from a playoff team to a team struggling and fighting with itself.