WADDLE'S WORLD: Some advice for Cutler
By TOM WADDLE -- Shaw Suburban Media
I’m not usually in the business of giving advice, but I feel compelled to reach out to Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, even if it’s through the written word.
And as the Bears emergency QB in 1994, I feel I’m more than qualified to counsel the Bears Pro Bowl signal caller. OK, maybe not, but after that four-interception performance Sunday night in Green Bay, I hope he’s open to a few suggestions.
With all due respect to L. Frank Baum: Jay, you’re not in Denver anymore. Mike Shanahan no longer is the offensive genius at the controls. Receivers Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Tony Sheffler didn’t come with you to the Windy City. Neither did your offensive line. Here in Chicago, the game plan is simpler, your receivers are more limited and the pressure will be greater, both from the opposing pass rush and the passionate fans who haven't seen a franchise quarterback in their lifetime.
Take a deep breath and let the game come to you. Encourage offensive coordinator Ron Turner to call running back Matt Forte’s number more often, especially at the beginning of games. Don’t force the ball into tight places and expect your average group of receivers to bail you out. Throw the ball away or tuck and run using your considerable athletic ability.
I can’t believe I’m writing this, but lower your expectations for yourself and the guys in your huddle. Put the gunslinger in timeout and promote your inner “game manager.” I know he’s in there! Find him!
Your considerable talent will come through even if you take a more conservative approach. You’re trying to win the Daytona 500 in a Prius. There’s no fifth gear in that vehicle!
Look, I’m the self-proclaimed president of your fan club. You’re the best thing that ever has happened to me, in my private football world, that is.
We’re gonna share a lot of great memories, but take it slow, man. As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day. And this Bears offense won’t become high octane over night. That’s all. Good luck Sunday.
I’m not sure about Jay, but I feel better already. But then I’m reminded that the Pittsburgh Steelers pull into town this weekend. The truth is, it’s not the loss last Sunday night that’s sticking with me. In fact, as you know, I predicted a Packers win. It’s the way things played out that leaves me more than a little woozy about this matchup.
Cutler is in desperate need of a short memory as the home crowd has high expectations and this Steelers defense is much better than the crew in Green Bay, even without safety Troy Polamalu.
Whether he heeds my advice or not, I still expect big things from Cutler this season. But this is a tough spot. It’s also a tough spot for a defense that will be without its emotional leader, middle linebacker Brian Urlacher.
Hunter Hillenmeyer is an adequate backup, but he’s no Urlacher. Playing without linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa doesn’t help either.
Fortunately, this isn’t a great Steelers team at the moment. But they are the defending champs and they know how to win without their best.
Prediction: Steelers 20, Bears 17.
• Tom Waddle appears daily on the "Waddle & Silvy Show" from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on WMVP AM-1000. He writes a weekly column on the Bears, "Waddle's World," for the Daily Chronicle.
