We have learned much since that second day of April, when the football savior was gifted to Chicago from Denver.
For instance, a lot of people are really, really interested in Michael Jackson. Usain Bolt is even faster than we thought. Jon Gosselin knows just the trick to getting on a whole bunch of magazine covers.
And we learned six things about Mr. Jay Cutler as well:
1 He can throw the ball as well as anyone, but keep in mind, he’s going to throw some picks.
We knew he had a great arm. But it’s better than we thought — best in the NFL. One of the best two or three we’ve ever seen.
But interceptions are in his history and in his future. Up to this point in his career, Cutler has thrown one interception for every 32.9 throws, and exactly one per game.
Compare him with the two quarterbacks the Bears hope he can play like: Tom Brady (once every 42.4 throws) and Peyton Manning (once every 36.1 throws) don’t throw interceptions as often as Cutler.
To compare him with some contemporaries whose names undoubtedly will come up when Cutler negotiates his next contract, he has been intercepted more frequently than Philip Rivers (once every 39.6 throws) but less frequently than Eli Manning (once every 30.8 throws).
The player he was traded for, Kyle Orton, has a similar rate — one interception for every 33.8 attempts.
Cutler may never avoid interceptions like Brady because he has so much confidence — maybe too much — in that arm. He believes in it to the point of taking risks, even if it sometimes means throwing interceptions.
2 He and Greg Olsen have a wireless connection, but it might take a while for Cutler and Devin Hester to establish a similar link.
From the very early stages of organized team activities, it was evident that Cutler and his tight end worked well together. It was more than just Cutler liking to throw to his tight end. It was Cutler anticipating Olsen’s adjustments correctly and Olsen knowing where Cutler was going with the football.
The chemistry between them appears to be as much about instinct as taking reps together.
As for Hester, there isn’t much game evidence, so we should not overreact. But up until now, Cutler has thrown Hester 10 passes in games, and the two appeared to be out of sync on at least three of them. That isn’t a very encouraging batting average.
3 With his ability to run and throw, he gives the Bears an element in their passing game they have not had since Jim Harbaugh, or maybe even Vince Evans.
Cutler will open up another dimension to defend because of his feet, as he showed Saturday. And he will give the offense chances to make yards after the play breaks down.
The benefits of a quarterback who can move in this age cannot be overstated.
Cutler’s movement ability is deceptive. He certainly does not look like a gazelle in shoulder pads. He ran a 4.77 40-yard dash at the combine — which means he and offensive tackle Lance Louis might race to a dead heat.
But by running smart and with instinct, Cutler avoids the rush, creates passing lanes and takes advantage of open spaces.
4 Matt Forte might be advised to start shopping for an expensive Christmas present for Cutler now.
Cutler is going to force defenses to be concerned about his passes, and even his runs. That will mean fewer defenders ganging up on Forte and the run game.
If Forte stays healthy, his average per carry could increase by close to 1 yard from the 3.9 it was a year ago, courtesy of the QB.
5 He can rub you the wrong way.
Cutler isn’t exactly Mr. Personality, but congeniality isn’t something that’s measured at the NFL scouting combine.
As long as Cutler wins, he can be curt, standoffish, blase or prickly. He can even throw teammates under the bus as long as he throws touchdown passes too.
6 He likes to go out and have a good time.
It is shocking that a 26-year-old single, red-blooded American male who holds the virtual key to the city might like to turn that key now and again.
It would be more troublesome if Cutler stayed locked up in his home all the time.
Besides, if he plays like he is capable, there will be a lot of people having a good time on Sundays — along with No. 6.
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dpompei@tribune.com
