Nov. 20--Jay Cutler doesn't read the newspapers or listen to sports-talk radio because those media triggered his self-preservation instincts long ago. If he did, though, he might actually enjoy the current narrative.
Cutler has helped the Bears win four of six games since he returned from a strained hamstring. His production during that stretch, including a 98.7 passer rating with 11 touchdowns to three interceptions, has added league-wide sizzle to his and coordinator Adam Gase's names.
But while some fans have already come to dread the possibility Gase could leave town for a head coaching job and end his partnership with Cutler short of its potential, Cutler has a nearer-sighted outlook.
He has experienced how pendulums swing in the NFL, and he sees the league's top-ranked defense on the horizon. The Broncos are set to visit Soldier Field on Sunday, truly testing his resurgence.
"Offensively, we're definitely growing," Cutler said. "We're heading in the right direction. We're obviously not there yet. A lot of that -- good and bad -- is going to fall on the quarterback. That's every team across the league."
The praise faucet would gush if Cutler could engineer a victory against the team that drafted him 11th overall in 2006. The Broncos' statistical output reflects a deeply talented defense at all three levels.
They're ranked first in the NFL in total yards, yards per play, sacks per pass attempt and yards per pass. They're second in yards per carry and third in points allowed.
It comes as no surprise to the Bears coaching staff. Coach John Fox helped assemble the Broncos defensive personnel as coach for the previous four seasons, and Gase practiced against that group as the offensive coordinator for the last two.
"You can see the swagger, which they were developing last year," Gase said. "You are playing a team that doesn't have holes."
What stands out most to Cutler about the Broncos? Wherever you look first, he said.
Cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Chris Harris (three and two interceptions, respectively) match up well in man coverage, which Cutler likes to attack while trusting his receivers to catch contested throws.
"They read routes, they read concepts, they read the quarterback's drop," Cutler said. "You've got to know where they're at."
Outside linebacker Von Miller (five sacks) leads the pass rush in the absence of injured linebacker DeMarcus Ware. His explosive first step is matched by his speed, which he effectively converts to power.
Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips likes to stunt with Miller and his other rushers, stressing opponents' protection schemes.
They're daunting challenges, but Cutler has already conquered his share in eight starts under Gase and quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains.
Most importantly, perhaps, he's on pace for about 13 turnovers after he led the NFL last year with 24.
"We've made some strides as far as our ball security in the pocket," Gase said. "A lot of it has been he's getting the ball out quick. He's been decisive."
Also, Cutler's third-down passer rating of 103.6 is better than any of his previous single-season marks and the fourth best in the NFL this season.
"Adam has done a really good job of play-calling, running the ball efficiently, getting to third-and-manageable," Cutler said. "When we are third-and-long, we call appropriate plays and try to stay out of some danger zones."
When Cutler was asked to analyze his progress Thursday, he shined a light on his supporting cast, praising their performance despite key injuries.
That veteran move seemed particularly appropriate during a week when many are taking stock of his growth, not only since the start of this season, but also since he came into the league in Denver.
Cutler said he feels no extra juice to Sunday's matchup. After all, he didn't play with anyone currently on the Broncos' 53-man roster.
But it is an opportunity to validate his improvement just months after the Bears' new regime considered parting with him. And if he plays well, the cheers will become harder to ignore.
rcampbell@tribpub.com
