2010 Fantasy Football Player Watch: Is Jay Cutler Worth the Risk?

Apparently Bears QB Jay Cutler has some "trust issues" with his offensive line after he was sacked nine times in the first two preseason games.

"We had some protection issues last game," Cutler said. "There might have still been some little effects from that, just trusting the guys up there."

Cutler was showing himself to be very ancy at the sign of any pressure what-so-ever.

There are two distinct problems here:

1. Mike Martz style of offense isn’t designed around a mobile QB running for the hills because he is being chased by giants, it is designed for quick releases and it is designed to exploit one on one matchups. Cutler had some problems holding onto the ball too long last year, but that is only half the issue.

2. In order for this system to be effective, the receivers must get separation at the line of scrimmage, to be available vertically, or simply break coverage to give Cutler an option if he is on the run.

None of this has happened yet.

The Bears are an interesting team for fantasy owners in that, many view WRs Devin Hester, Devin Aromashodu, and Johnny Knox—as well as TE Greg Olsen—to have some clear cut value, with Aromashodu leading the way, but isn’t going to happen unless the O-Line can keep Cutler focused on the field, not who’s getting through.

Still, each of these receivers have been targeted equally in practice, averaging out around 75+ targets, so it isn't as if Cutler has trust issues with his go to guys.

Incidentally, TE Greg Olsen leads the way in targets with 80+, and if the O-Line is breaking down, you can bet your keester Olsen's fantasy impact will be significantly higher than everyone thinks.

In the end, though, if the Bears do continue to struggle with pass protection, I wouldn’t be that owner who decides it’s cheeky to take a chance on their WRs, it isn’t worth the risk.

But not all stories are bad in fantasy football, right? Here’s a great piece on why you may want to consider taking Arian Foster early in the draft.