May 25--Bears receiver Kevin White and quarterback Jay Cutler worked together by themselves on a side field Wednesday while the punt units took over the main field for one session in practice.
Earlier in the organized team activity, Cutler sought White out to discuss a play they had just run in team drills.
It's clear White and Cutler are trying to foster a bond that would help a Bears offense in transition. And with Alshon Jeffery staying away from these voluntary practices, it's an ideal opportunity for White to make up for lost time with his quarterback.
So what does White stand to gain from a good rapport with Cutler?
"Maybe some extra balls," he said with a smile.
"Moving the chains on third down," White continued. "Being on the same page is the difference between completing a ball on third down or punting on fourth down."
White and Cutler are trying to get there fast after White missed his rookie season because of a stress fracture in his left shin. The Bears are counting on last year's seventh overall pick to be a major contributor this season, especially after the organization moved on from running back Matt Forte and tight end Martellus Bennett -- players with Pro Bowl pedigrees -- during the offseason.
White was one of several Bears players who watched the Super Bowl at Cutler's house in February, and he was among the group Cutler hosted for informal workouts and bonding activities in Nashville, Tenn., in April.
"Jay has a familiy, so he has to handle whatever he has to handle as a father off the field," White said. "But when we can, we'll go to dinner or go to his house, hang out a little bit."
The Bears are not making Cutler available to media until mandatory minicamp in June, but White explained their progress Wednesday. They continue to refine details such as where Cutler wants White to stop against a certain coverage, how to play off of linebackers and how Cutler wants him to come back to the ball on a hook route.
"Being on the same page with your quarterback," White said, "is everything."
