Bears Grades: Cutler has worst game of season in loss to 49ers

Share

By his own admission Jay Cutler was more a part of the problem than the solution in the 26-20 OT loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Cutler had his worst game of the season, with 18-for-31 passing for 202 yards, zero touchdowns and a pick-6 in the first quarter to give the 49ers their first touchdown. Cutler’s 64.2 passer rating fell below his previous low of 67.5 in the opener against Green Bay.

[MORE GRADES: Missed Robbie Gould field goal fatal in loss]

The low point came in the first quarter, with Cutler throwing to Alshon Jeffery on a flanker screen right, in a crowd, with safety Jimmie Ward intercepting the ball and returning it 29 yards for what was then a tying touchdown. Part of the breakdown lay in a missed block on Ward but ultimately the problem lies with the trigger finger.

“It was just a quick screen,” Cutler said. “If he jumps it, it’s probably going to be a pick-6. He had a good read on it, jumped it and made a good play.”

Cutler’s problems were in some measure due to receivers rarely getting anything close to separation against one of the poorest pass defenses in the NFL. But Cutler had several openings for big plays on which his throws were the issue more than his receivers.

[NBC SHOP: Gear up Bears fans!]

Cutler missed Jeffery for a potential TD in the fourth quarter, overthrowing Jeffery who had inside position on the 49ers down the middle. He overthrew Josh Bellamy on a deep cross, although Bellamy was slow to break out of a coverage clog that left him a step late reaching the point.

“I don’t know the stats,” Cutler said. “They presented some problems. I think we made some mistakes offensively that contributed to some of that stuff and it takes a lot of guys to make it work.”

Moon's Grade: C-/D+

Contact Us