Nov. 12--Rams coach Jeff Fisher has known Jay Cutler since the quarterback was coming out of Vanderbilt before the 2006 draft. So when it comes to measuring Cutler's progress, Fisher has a firm grasp on how his recent production fits within the context of his full body of work.
He has been impressed with how Cutler has responded this season to Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase and quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains.
"They've done a great job with him in the pocket," Fisher said on a teleconference Wednesday. "His feet. His fundamentals. Everything."
Cutler enters Sunday's matchup against the Rams riding high from Monday night's 22-19 comeback win over the Chargers. He lost a fumble and threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown, but he led two second-half touchdown drives.
For the season, Cutler's 89.6 passer rating and 2.0 interception percentage are better than any of his previous single-season marks.
"Jay's playing really good," Fisher said. "I'm not excited about (that) this week, but I'm happy for Jay."
Fisher recalled the 2006 pre-draft process in which he interviewed Cutler as coach of the Titans. They were in the market for a quarterback, as were coach Mike Shanahan's Broncos.
The Titans selected Vince Young third overall. The Cardinals drafted Matt Leinart 10th, and the Broncos traded up to take Cutler 11th.
"It was very close. Very close," Fisher said. "I loved Jay. I mean, we watched him play in our own backyard, man. We had a private workout there in our indoor and coached him in the Senior Bowl. It just didn't work."
Fisher was asked Wednesday about public knowledge that he actually disagreed with the Titans' choice at the time.
"Looking back, I would say that I had the three quarterbacks ranked Cutler, Leinart and Young -- yes," he said.
McPhee's knee: Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee's ailing left knee prompted him to remove himself temporarily from the Chargers' final drive on Monday, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio indicated.
"He felt like somebody else's pressure could do a better job," Fangio said.
McPhee missed one of the Chargers' eight plays on that drive. It was the first snap after the two-minute warning, on which Lamarr Houston had the first of his two sacks.
McPhee did not practice Wednesday. Nor did receiver Eddie Royal (left knee), safety Antrel Rolle (right ankle) or kicker Robbie Gould (illness).
Running back Matt Forte (right knee) was listed as limited, but there's great doubt about his availability for Sunday. Center Hroniss Grasu (neck) and inside linebacker Shea McClellin (left knee) also were limited.
rcampbell@tribpub.com
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