This week the 2-3 Chicago Bears show up to the Georgia Dome for their matchup with the 2-3 Atlanta Falcons. Despite the identical records, these teams feel wildly different don't they? The Falcons are a consistent offense that can be undone by issues and continuity along their offensive line. The Falcons defense, is just bad.
As for the Chicago Bears, the team seems to play at the whims of quarterback Jay Cutler. The Bears defense has improved to 21st in the league in yards this season in comparison to 30th in 2013. But because the Bears have a relatively small interest in running the football, the team is subject to which Jay Cutler shows up on game day.
Cutler has thrown four interceptions over the last two games, both losses to the Packers and Panthers respectively. The Falcons will be in much better position to win the game Sunday if "Bad Jay Cutler" shows up. Here is a quick look at his most recent interceptions:
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A common theme for Cutler's throws over the past two games is being late over the middle. On this play, Cutler is down 7-0 in a 3rd and 10 situation. He identifies that WR Brandon Marshall is being defended down the seam by a LB in the Panthers zone coverage. Cutler believes in his big receivers, and will attempt to throw them open even when the coverage is solid. Marshall was unable to come up with this pass as it is intercepted after deflection.
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This is the type of situation that has made Jay Cutler a maddening player. The Bears hold a 24-21 lead and are driving to a game-controlling score. On this 2nd and 10, Cutler comes back over the middle with a pass to WR Santonio Holmes. With a LB taking away the easy throw, Cutler attempts to deliver the ball high as he does with his bigger receivers. The pass sails on Cutler into the waiting arms of FS Thomas DeCoud.
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In the Packers game, Cutler and the Bears were trailing 24-17. With the team on the plus side of the 50 yard line, Cutler drops back on first and 10. Cutler again throws a pick as he attempts to get the ball to WR Josh Morgan. It appears that opposing defenses are immediately jumping the routes run by Bears slot receivers as soon as Cutler looks to his left. Once he comes back to the route on his right, Matthews makes an easy interception.
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There is another aspect that is causing QB Jay Cutler to turn the ball over. He has not been on the same page with his receivers, namely WR Brandon Marshall. Injuries have reduced Marshall's ability to practice regularly, and while talented, this is an area that the Falcons can take advantage of. On the play above, Cutler is attempting to throw a 15 yard out to Marshall. Marshall reaches the top of his route fakes the out, and than takes his route up the field. Cutler throws the out into the waiting arms of CB Shields.
-los