When wide receivers coach Darryl Drake talks about how his position group has adjusted to Jay Cutler, it has nothing to do with personality.
That particular part of the feeling-out process has gone well, accelerated perhaps because of the receivers joining Cutler for regular 10 a.m. throwing sessions at Halas Hall in early July — four weeks before training camp started. Not only did Cutler prove in those get-to-know-you sessions that he throws like a franchise quarterback, he made clear he talks like one in letting receivers know what he expects from them.
And in an interesting nuance during training camp at Olivet Nazarene, Cutler often reinforces his points during drills by seeking out the target of his pass for a post-reception briefing.
That’s the intangible stuff of Cutler’s Bear indoctrination that is new and important. But what Drake has paid most attention to during this first week of practice has been the way his receivers have adapted to the explosiveness of Cutler’s throws.
From varying angles and in tight spots where many quarterbacks might not dare aim, the ball arrives to them with more force and zip than when Kyle Orton or Rex Grossman was throwing it.
It is not unlike the subtle change in techniques when a baseball catcher has to prepare differently for a pitcher who throws 98-m.p.h. fastballs compared with one who nibbles around the plate with breaking pitches. Adjusting to Cutler is not as simple as saying see ball, catch ball.
“Sure it takes time — [Cutler] has such a quick release that sometimes the ball may come with a lot of velocity or he may see a safety coming, he’ll throw it low to protect the receiver, second-base throws, things like that,” Drake explained.
“Things that a quarterback who understands and has the skill to do that … it’s still a learning process for these guys knowing where it’s going to be. When you have a guy like that, it’s a nice problem to have.”
Nobody’s complaining. From Devin Hester to rookie Juaquin Iglesias, the wide receivers have spoken almost in terms of awe describing what it’s like catching passes from Cutler. They continue to progress, incrementally, but enough that it seems premature to think general manager Jerry Angelo will need to pull the emergency list of veteran wide receivers out of his drawer before the end of the month.
One receiver likely on that list, Amani Toomer, signed with the Chiefs on Monday after he and fellow receiver castoffs D.J. Hackett and ex-Bear David Terrell worked out, according to the Kansas City Star. The agent for Matt Jones would like the Bears to have interest, but so far they have seen no reason to pick up the phone.
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How Bears have fared in the air so far
This is what the Bears have seen early in camp from the six receivers most likely to be on the roster this season.
Devin Hester: The Bears’ speedster and quarterback Jay Cutler have hooked up on a couple of deep passes to titillate the crowd and provide a glimpse of what the Bears think this duo can accomplish downfield. “He’s a No. 1,” coach Lovie Smith said. But is Hester really? That depends on the definition. He could lead the Bears in reception yards but possibly not receptions. His hands haven’t been as consistent as they were last year, yet, but the more familiar he gets with the extra zip on Cutler’s passes, the more that should improve.
Earl Bennett: One of the early surprises of camp, Bennett (right) has looked more seasoned than the player who disappeared as a rookie. His comfort with Cutler has been obvious, just as is Cutler’s confidence in his former favorite target at Vanderbilt. Must stay focused.
Brandon Rideau: There has been nothing spectacular yet from the guy penciled in as the team’s third receiver in three-receiver sets, but he offers the size and athleticism nobody else in the position group can.
He could be an asset in the red zone and still emerge as a solid third option.
Rashied Davis: He has experience with the system, which should help him in a group full of unproven guys. Given that history, he also has to show that the pattern of drops he went through last season is a thing of the past.
Juaquin Iglesias: He has had days when he has looked capable of stepping in and contributing, and days he has made observers wonder why the Bears took him in the third round. Those are natural ups and downs for a rookie, but Iglesias has to catch everything thrown at him to keep the Bears from citing his inexperience as a reason to sign a veteran.
Johnny Knox: Knox has opened eyes with his speed and displayed sticky hands so far. Is he good enough to warrant the Bears keeping six at this position? Perhaps — especially if his yards-after-the-catch in preseason action captures the imagination of offensive coordinator Ron Turner.
— David Haugh
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dhaugh@tribune.com
