15 on 6: Cutler makes most of pass protection

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Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010
5:48 PM

By Jim Miller
CSNChicago.com

I never would have guessed such a high scoring affair. The Jets offense had been sputtering the last three weeks while the Bears have now put together their two best offensive performances the last two weeks. The Bears come away from this game with a lot of confidence to gear them up for postseason play.

Credit the offensive line with excellent pass protection allowing Jay to throw the ball down the field. The footing was poor for both teams, causing problems for the defenses who have combined for the most sacks over the last seven weeks. The Jets have 20 while the Bears have tallied 21 going into Sunday's contest.

Explosive players like Julius Peppers or DEOLB Calvin Pace for the Jets could not get the grip turning the corner on offensive tackles. The lack of footing slowed down their initial get-off which allowed both quarterbacks to find production in the passing game.

This game clearly shows what Jay Cutler is capable of when he has time to throw the football. The beauty of all three of Jay's touchdown passes was where he placed the ball, only his receiver could come down with the ball.

While Jay stats do not reflect how well he really played - he finished 13 of 25 for 215 yards along with the 3 TD's - I tallied four drops and two others he threw away, and two of the drops were going to be 20-yard gainers apiece. But I think Jay comes away from this game with a ton of confidence.

There is a lot of sorting out of a defense when you play against Rex Ryan. Jay never looked panicked or flustered with what he was being presented. He attacked the Jets aggressively with deep throws where he was extremely accurate with the football. Outside back-shoulder touchdown throws to Devin Hester and Johnny Knox displayed how ball placement leads to big plays and, for the Bears today, big scores.

If Jay continues to display command of this offense and his throws lead the Bears past Green Bay, a Super Bowl will definitely be in their near future. That was playoff-caliber football Jay executed Sunday vs. the Jets, which couldn't come at a better time.

Who needs Terrell Owens to get our popcorn ready? Bears fans should be excited.

Jim Miller, an 11-year former NFL quarterback, is a Comcast SportsNet Bears analyst who can be seen each week on U.S. Cellular Bears Postgame Live. Miller, who spent five seasons with the Bears, analyzes current Chicago QB Jay Cutler in his "15 on 6" blog on CSNChicago.com and can be followed on Twitter @15miller.

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