Jay Cutler: Is He Taking Steps to Be the Biggest Hope for the Bears Super Bowl?

The Bears made it to the NFC Championship game last year. That fact might surprise some people considering how little discussion they've gotten as a contender for the Super Bowl this year.

While the Bears have done a number of things to improve themselves, the biggest improvement might come at the feet of Jay Cutler. 

When he came to camp there were two things that were immediately obvious. First, there was the fact that he has shed some pounds. His cheeks have lost their chubbiness. He looks leaner. That's indicative of some serious offseason conditioning and that's encouraging. 

The other thing is a small thing, but it's more encouraging: the way that offensive coordinator Mike Martz was downright giddy over the improvement in Jay Cutler's footwork.

While some of the blame for Jay Cutler getting sacked a club record number of times last season should be placed on his offensive line, a part of the blame has to be put on him too, perhaps even a larger part.  

Because of his sloppy footwork, Cutler wasn't able to smoothly drop back and quickly deliver the ball as Martz's system calls for. Players like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have spent their careers mostly on their feet because they are efficient with them. 

There are some other things that should help the Bears passing game. Having a blocking tight end is a big plus. Adding Gabe Carimi should further enhance the line. Chris Williams will have to show that he can hold down the left tackle spot, but the Bears commitment to not playing musical chairs with the linemen this year could actually be a big help.

All in all, the line can't do any worse than last year, and there's a good chance that with the additions of Carimi and Speth, they could at least evolve to below average protection. That would be a fine improvement from worst in Bears history.

Furthermore, the addition of a power back in Marion Barber should help keep defenses honest. They won't be able to tee off on the offensive line and crash in on Cutler the way they were able to last year.

Each of these are little things that add up to fractions of a second that make the difference between getting the ball and not getting the ball, seeing a receiver and not seeing a receiver or a receiver having time to get open or not get open.

The improved footwork means the improved offensive line has to hold on for a fraction of a second less, and it means that the Bears could be moving the ball forward on a good number of the plays last year that they spent moving backwards. 

All of that could be the difference between winning and losing a very close fought NFC Championship game. While the Packers and Eagles are getting all the headlines now, the work Cutler has put in in the offseason could very well have him getting the headlines in February.