Bears Blitz

Published by Eric Phillips on August 17, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

This weekend’s preseason games involving the Bears and Broncos could be described as disappointing. It was clearly evident that the new arrival quarterbacks were not bringing their “A” game.

All this media hype about the Cutler vs. Orton trade saga has finally brought in video tape to back up the scrutiny. Unfortunately for both quarterbacks, the numbers do not help their cases.

Kyle Orton was a game manager while with the Chicago Bears. He was an ample quarterback in a system that would allow other players to make the plays. He did a good job for the most part, not allowing turnovers. He had a good record as a starter, and is a good leader and team player.

However, there are plenty of concerns surrounding him.

When it comes to being behind and having to score some points, this is where it turns ugly.

He has good poise at times, but loses it when the game is on the line or pressure is unleashed. He has a very, very weak arm for a starting NFL quarterback while making great throws at times, only to follow it up with a disgusting throw and/or decision. He is not very mobile, and doesn’t have the best pocket awareness.

Compare that to Jay Cutler who is a prototypical gunslinger.

He is very accurate for the most part, and is very quick on his feet. These are all traits that make him deadly for opposing defenses. He possesses the skills to lead his team to victory.

I believe he bonds very well with his teammates, which is obviously important. He has excellent pocket awareness and a great long ball.

Jay Cutler does have his issues at times, and he gets a little carried away. He relies on his long ball a little too much, which gets him into trouble, especially when it comes to the Chicago Bears’ WRs.

They do not have a big target like they did in Brandon Marshall, nor do they seem to have a guy that’s going to fight for the ball, in mid-air nonetheless. He seems like the player that when things start to go wrong, his body language will show how he feels.

I do not believe he means to do this, but he is very competitive and has a little bit of growing up to do.  

Preseason: Week One—Denver Broncos vs. San Francisco 49ers

Kyle Orton, by the numbers: 9 for 16, 86 yards, 0 Touchdowns, 3 Interceptions, and a 32.6 QB rating

Kyle started out decent, completing six of seven passes, but then followed that up by being Kyle Orton’s usual self. The three interceptions that were thrown were awful, and just plain embarrassing to watch.

The first interception was to a player that was clearly being covered. When a player is covered and you want to get him the ball, you need to make sure you put it in a place that only your WR can get to it. This is not a quality that Kyle Orton possesses, which obviously was witnessed this past weekend.

The second interception reminded me of countless Kyle Orton interceptions. If you watch the play, I still cannot think of a reasonable explanation why he would throw the ball to a guy that was clearly covered.

Last, but surely not least, the Denver Bronco offensive line is a very good line. This was proven last weekend. On the third (and thank god final) interception, Orton had all day to scan the field, which he did.

The throw that was made was sickening. He had two defenders underneath, and what looked to be nobody covering his wide receiver over the top. Yet, he still manages to get picked off after throwing the ball 10 yards short.

In closing, it was clear that this was a poor game for Kyle Orton. I know it’s only the first preseason game, but he really needs to improve to make that team better than it looked. It should be interesting to see how he looks in game No. 2.

Preseason: Week One—Chicago Bears vs. Buffalo Bills

Jay Cutler, by the numbers: 5 for 10, 64 yards, 0 Touchdowns, 1 Interception, and a 30.8 QB rating

Something obviously was amiss in last weekend’s preseason loss versus the Bills.

The timing between Cutler and the WR’s was definitely off. He would have a great throw, followed up with a poor throw.

The interception thrown to Hester obviously is not what they should be doing. Hester is a small guy, and honestly not much of a leaper.

When you throw a ball and let it hang up in the air down the sideline, the WR needs to be a big target and a go-getter. This is not Hester’s forte. Seven times out of 10, that ball will be intercepted, unless you can utilize Hester’s speed and throw ahead of him in stride.

Cutler is obviously strides ahead of Orton when it comes to accuracy and arm strength, but both lack concentration every now and then.

Cutler should have had two interceptions that game. He threw it directly at a defender’s chest, five yards away from the line of scrimmage. This should never happen.

Once again, assumptions say it’s due to poor communication, body language, and timing of plays. This needs to be corrected in order for this unit to succeed. It should be interesting to watch.

Now that both first preseason games are over and done with, what are your thoughts concerning both Kyle Orton and Jay Cutler’s debut?