Chicago Bears Week 12: What To Look For

Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Have Cutler continue to roll out.

Last week, Trestman had Cutler roll out more than he had all season. That seemed to work for Cutler. Having him under center and dropping back made Cutler a target. Once the pocket broke and Cutler ran, it was too late. He would also throw off his back foot on a drop back, which would cause his passes to sail away from the receivers and into the opponents’ hands.

Now, having him roll out by design, Cutler can see the field better, throw the ball better (Cutler actually has better throwing mechanics while on the run than standing in the pocket for whatever reason), and if there isn’t anyone open, he can use his legs to get first downs.

Having Cutler roll out also helps the offensive line. Let’s face it, this is not the same effective line the Bears had last season. Cutler is getting hit, and getting hit a lot this season. The rollout buys him and the line some time for him to throw.

“It was great,” Cutler said to CSNChicago’s John Mullin. “We got to keep doing it. We got to keep doing it in different ways, showing different looks, get off the spot as much as we possibly can because it helps with everything. It helps the pass rush, get some easy balls out to the flat, out on the outside lets the guys run, it’s got to be something in our offense that we do more of.”

Cutler did not get sacked against the Vikings, and was touched just five times in 43 pass attempts. He also completed 72 percent of his passes.

Now, before you start saying “It was against the Vikings,” you should know that the Vikings had the fourth ranked pass rush in the NFL, so while the overall team is not good, their pass rush is among the best.

Next: The Bears secondary must come up big