NightLink II: Jay Cutler's Thoughts

With day 1 of OTAs complete, we have heard about our defensive backs and wide receivers... now we get to hear from the man himself, new gunslinger Jay Cutler.

"We've really been going at it," Cutler said. "We've got a lot of young receivers, and they have to get used to the way I throw the ball. I thought day one (of OTAs) they looked good.  Obviously, there's stuff we can improve, we'll look at the film, but it was a good start."

On his new set of receiving threats:

"I think they did well today," said Cutler. "I think with Devin [Hester] and Earl [Bennett] and Rashied [Davis], plus the tight end group and the way Matt [Forte] catches the ball, I think we've got more than enough."

On whether the Bears will still "get off the bus running":

"I don't know, you have to ask Ron [Turner]," Cutler said, laughing. "We're going to run the ball. I learned the hard way you have to run the ball and stop the run to get anywhere in this league, and to make the playoffs and make a push for the Super Bowl. Especially here in December with the wind and the weather, you're going to have to able to grind out those four- and five-yard runs, and get yourself to manageable positions."

I know that most of us here at Windy City Gridiron are chomping at the bit for August/September to get here, but these next 3 months will prove crucial to the development of our new offense.

As we sit now, our offense has experienced as close to a complete makeover as you will see in the NFL.  With only a few exceptions, we have so many players that are either brand new to the Bears, or are still in their first couple of seasons with the team. One of the biggest challenges will be on Ron Turner's shoulders:  trying his best to get everyone not only on the same page, but gelling to the point where we will be contenders in the NFC.

Our OLine looks pretty good, our running game is great, our two WRs with the most potential have a full year under their belts (and a couple of rookies who will have a chance to contribute), we have one of the best TE tandems in the league, and we have a Pro Bowl QB.  Certainly, we will have our growing pains due to all of the newness, but as far as our offense goes, the ball is now in Ron Turner's court.

What he can do with it remains to be seen...