This was not what the franchise or its franchise quarterback had in mind for a third preseason game. Not by any means.
In a 14-9 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Jay Cutler had the kind of game that too often defined his 2009 season and might be starting to show some signs similar to ones that surfaced as pressure on him grew through the year.
Cutler was sacked on two of the Bears’ first three possessions, three times total in the first half plus once on the opening series of the second. He threw two interceptions, both to backup cornerback Greg Toler, although one appeared to be the result of receiver Devin Aromashodu not breaking toward the inside where Cutler delivered the ball.
And Cutler, taking four sacks and six quarterback hits, may already be starting to react to pressure or the expectation of pressure. Combined with the difficulties against the Oakland Raiders, Cutler was sacked nine times in barely more than two halves.
Cutler finished with 10 completions in 20 attempts for 129 yards. He was intercepted twice and sacked four times to finish with a passer rating of 31.0, his worst of the preseason.
Cutler had performed well in Chicago's earlier exhibition games, but line issues definitely could be a concern, especially as often as he'll be throwing in Mike Martz's offense. Fantasy owners that draft him can expect a roller coaster ride, but more often than not, he'll be an asset for your team.
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