Cutler's Audible

by axthelm on Dec 31, 2009 8:53 AM CST

There seems to be some confusion regarding Jay Cutler's audible to DA to end Monday nights game against the Vikings. Ron Turner called a running play and Cutler audibled to a pass. Some saw that as Cutler saying "Screw this . . . I'm going for it all."

That's not what happened here. Cutler himself said he simply called an audible from a running play to a passing play, based on his look at the blitzing defense. This is almost standard procedure in the NFL.

As Mike McCarthy said regarding Aaron Rodgers:

McCarthy became sold on giving his quarterback the option to run a play in an opposite direction or change it from a run to a pass after watching defenses become more sophisticated. Rodgers has full authority to change certain plays, but he is expected to act as an extension of the head coach.

"The run-pass thing, everyone's doing it," McCarthy said of an audible or a so-called "check-with-me" system. "It's not, are you doing it, it's how you're doing it. Everybody does it differently. Sean Payton does a good job of it in New Orleans. Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, they have a lot on their plate and they're able to do it and do it at a high level.

As I stated elsewhere, if Cutler didn't have that authority or option this season, that would help explain a lot of the problems on offense.

BTW: Jim McMahon and Mike Ditka used to get into blow ups all the time. McMahon had the freedom to audible but that wasn't the biggest problem between the two. Oftentimes McMahon would change the play in the huddle, before he got a look at the defense.

RT Keith VanHorne: "Certainly there were some explosions on the sidelines. He'd send the play in and McMahon would say 'Screw that, we're not running that we're gonna run this. And it would work.'

McMahon: "He (Ditka) wanted to be in charge of things and at times it wasn't the right way I thought."

That wasn't defiance (contrary to the Punky QB's image). That was a QB who had a better understanding of what was happening on the field at that time than the coaches.

We can only hope that Cutler one day becomes that proficient at the mental part of the QB position. Having the strongest arm in the game is great. Knowing what to do with it is even better.

Tweet Comment 12 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

The audible was a check-off called in the huddle

NFL Network had the replay of the game, and their was an interview DA, who said it was check-off called in the huddle if the Bears recognized single-coverage with Winfield on DA. Cutler saw it, called the check, Winfield looked run, Bears win!

"Coaches who can outline plays on a black board are a dime a dozen. The ones who win get inside their player and motivate." ~Vince Lombardi

by Fire Ron Turner on Dec 31, 2009 9:55 AM CST reply actions

No argument

But again that’s based on the look from the defense. Whether it’s called in the huddle or at the LOS.

There’s been some confusion here at WCG as to whether Cutler had the ability to change plays at all or if he was just defying Turner.

McMahon would often change plays in the huddle based on his feel for the game, as opposed to a certain look by the defense.

by axthelm on Dec 31, 2009 10:16 AM CST up reply actions

Also... they had Winfield already set up... from the first play in OT

On the first play, Winfield was giving DA a little cushion at the LOS, and turned his shoulder to run with the route practically right after the snap. So, DA broke his route off for a comeback, and by the time AW turned around he was ten yards away.

On the game winner, Winfield was tighter at the LOS. He back peddled for the first 5 yards to keep the play in front of him, looking for the run. As soon as he turned his his hips, DA ran right past him.

Those are the little details that win football games.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Dec 31, 2009 10:23 AM CST up reply actions

And what makes football great!

by Jhitt81 on Dec 31, 2009 1:18 PM CST up reply actions

i noticed this audible as well.

And right before the play, I said out loud, “I wouldn’t be surprised to see them take a shot right now.” All we needed was 10 yards or so to get a field goal, so why would they need to pass the ball? At least thats what the defense would be thinking. I was thinking that one the first drive, we had great field position, took it easy, and it didn’t work for us. I know 9/10 times, Robbie Gould makes that kick, but still. They had 8 in the box, with a safety shaded over the middle, which left a favorable one-one-one matchup outside. Whoever called the play, I don’t really care. But it was one of the best all year.

"I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying" - Michael Jordan, the one and only...

by LPLancer23 on Dec 31, 2009 5:32 PM CST reply actions

This is why I don't want Cutler to lose his moxy.

I love the fact that our QB has gotten into dust ups with Urlacher and Kreutz and at times can be a S.O.B. and I’m not saying that as some meatball fan. I really think that Cutler needs to be the leader of this team. Look at the tug of war between Farve and Childress. Farve knows what needs to be done but has to spend half a game in a pissing match with a coach whose job he saved.

Cutler is like AJ Perzinski. One of the guys you’d love to punch but know that you’ll have a beer with him afterward because you need him. He needs to be who he is to be successful, and having the ability to audible or check down or have input for the offense is going to be crucial to his success. So when he says he wants D.A on the field, PUT D.A. ON THE FIELD. When he says he wants to move the pocket, MOVE THE POCKET. It’s his team now.

by Dils on Jan 1, 2010 1:23 PM CST reply actions

The QB has to have a big set of B++LS

He has to know he’s great and his teammates have to believe he’s great.
He has to have the stones to go at it with teammates and coaches when he feels it’s necessary.

And then he has to back it up.

If a team’s HC and QB aren’t leaders that team probably isn’t going anywhere.

The ’85 Bears had a lot of great players and they had four real leaders on that team: Mike Ditka, Buddy Ryan, Jim McMahon and Mike Singletary.

by axthelm on Jan 1, 2010 4:39 PM CST up reply actions