Building around Cutler has to be a priority for Bears
The Bears made some major changes on Tuesday when they moved on from general manager Jerry Angelo, offensive coordinator Mike Martz and quarterbacks coach Shane Day.
But regardless of the names this team brings in to upgrade the roster or call plays on Sundays, the focus of the Bears should center on QB Jay Cutler. Build a team for your franchise QB and start competing with the Packers, Lions and the rest of the NFC on a consistent basis. Time to add some talent in Chicago at these three offensive positions…
ICONThe Bears' new GM has to target personnel that adds to the production of QB Jay Cutler.
1. Left tackle: The Bears should expect first rounder Gabe Carimi to be back (and healthy) in 2012 at the right tackle position, but that doesn’t solve the issue on the left side of the line. J’Marcus Webb isn’t the answer and Sunday was a clear example of his lack of production vs. Vikings’ DE Jared Allen. Plus, you can only alter your protection schemes so much to make up for poor play at the left tackle position. The Bears pick No.19 overall in the draft and I would target a rookie tackle—again. To build a consistent winner, you do it up front with your personnel.
2. Wide receiver: This group isn’t good enough in Chicago. No other way to spin it. Earl Bennett is the top target for Cutler, but after that, is there a receiver on this roster that is going to force defensive coordinators to alter their game plans? Devin Hester hasn’t developed outside of the occasional deep ball in the vertical route tree, Johnny Knox will be coming off of back surgery and FA pickup Roy Williams didn’t produce. Even with Matt Forte in the backfield, this is a passing league. Get your QB a true, legit No.1 WR outside of the numbers.
3. Tight end: Think of the top offenses in the NFL from a defensive game plan perspective: New Orleans, Green Bay and New England. What they all have in common is the ability to generate favorable matchups with the tight end position. And with Martz now out of the picture in Chicago, the Bears need to find a TE that can beat a safety or a LB. Give Cutler an option inside of the numbers, in the red zone and a player the Bears can use with some creativity from an Xs and Os perspective. With the amount of pressure NFL defenses bring in today’s game; having a TE to work the middle of the field is crucial for your QB.
There is no question the Bears have some needs on the defensive side of the ball for a unit that is aging and lacking the dominance of the past under Lovie Smith. However, this league is now driven by QB play. From my perspective, bringing in a new GM and offensive coordinator isn't the answer unless building around Cutler is the priority.
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