Rob Ryan called. The Browns defensive coordinator revealed that his sideline exchange Sunday with Jay Cutler consisted of: “You were [bleep] better in Denver. … And your offensive line is [bleep] too!” Not really. But when offering five suggestions for a Ron Turner offense that has stalled the past three games, as special as Cutler can be, it starts with the quarterback. Tribune
More Cutler
Cutler has been sacked 15 times and completed 64 percent of his passes for 1,677 yards, 11 TDs, 11 interceptions and a passer rating of 80.8. Protection has stunk, yes, but nobody has been sacked more than Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay (31 times) and his passer rating is 110.4. Opposing quarterbacks were posting a 90.6 passer rating against the Browns. Playing at home, Cutler finished at 66.7. Objectively, he needs to improve. Such is the burden of a franchise quarterback.
O-line overhaul
Lovie Smith said Monday no more changes are coming, but the Bears shouldn’t stop with inserting Josh Beekman at left guard. Right tackle Chris Williams has struggled. If Williams feels more comfortable on the left side he likely will play in the future, is it too radical to consider moving him? Orlando Pace isn’t the player the Bears thought, and either Frank Omiyale or Kevin Shaffer could be plugged in at right tackle to see if a new combination helps. Could pass protection or the running game get much worse?
Get serious in the red zone
Garrett Wolfe never should replace Forte close to the goal line, as he did Sunday on the 13. Turner, follow your gut more than any script. The team’s No. 1 runner needs to be on the field inside the 20.
Get creative with Hester
Now that Devin Hester quietly has emerged as a legitimate wide receiver the past three games, mix in reverses, sweeps off motion and screens along with his usual downfield repertoire.
Scrap the Wildcat
The formation only works with the right personnel mix, and the Bears don’t really have it. How does any play that keeps the ball out of Cutler’s hands make sense?
