Bears vs. Lions: How Jay Cutler Can Expose Detroit's Defense

I recently gave my prediction for a Bears win over the Detroit Lions on Monday night, and while many of you may think I've lost my mind, it will certainly be critical for Jay Cutler to have a good game.

For the Bears, who have struggled with a shaky offensive line, an imbalanced offense that sometimes cannot (or will not) run and a defense that has given up way too many yards, to have any chance of stopping the undefeated Lions, Cutler is going to have to perform well.

And I think he will, provided that the line provides pass protection.

I realize that on the surface, this appears to be an easy win for Detroit. They are at home and playing very well.

But they have trailed in their last two victories and have had some yardage piled up on their defense, so if the running game is going well and Cutler is on his game, the Bears can be victorious on MNF.

Here's what the Bears and Cutler need to do.

First, Establish the Run

If running back Matt Forte is indeed distracted by his contract situation, as he recently told ESPN Radio, then I say the Bears should continue to let him twist in the wind.

Because the game he had last week, when he rushed for 205 yards, was amazing and so any distraction could only be helping him.

I may be a dinosaur in a pass-happy NFL, but I still believe that the run sets up the pass. If the Bears can establish the running game early, like they did last week, Cutler will get less pressure in his face.

The defense will be forced to back off a bit and respect the run. When everyone knows that Cutler has to throw the ball, that's when trouble comes knocking at the Bears' door.

But with a balanced offense, the defense will not be able to put all of its attention on Cutler.

Look, that Detroit defense has given up 113 rushing yards per contest, so they can be run against. And this usually helps the passing game, even though it didn't help Chicago last week.

Let Cutler Move Outside the Pocket

I understand that Mike Martz doesn't like to do this, but he has shown last year that he can be told to do it and it has worked well.

The "it" is to allow Cutler some freedom to utilize his mobility. If the Lions have to respect the run (from the previous slide) and the fact that Cutler might take off and run, that really helps soften the defense when you do throw the ball.

Look, Lovie Smith is the head coach; he has the authority to tell his friend and mentor that he needs to run the ball and he should take advantage of Cutler's ability to roll out and take off, if necessary.

Even if this is not part of the game plan, if Cutler struggles early, Martz will be told to change things up. This game is far too critical for the Bears to fool around with a scheme that isn't working.

Last year following the disaster against the Giants, Martz started letting Cutler run and this was a big success.

Don't Be Afraid of the Lions Front Four

Despite the reputation of Detroit's front four, they simply have not generated the pressure on opposing QBs that you might think.

The Lions are one of four defenses that hadn't posted a sack when sending five or more rushers, according to ESPN.

If this holds true, and the Bears' beleaguered offensive line can give Cutler time to throw, he will be able to pick apart a weak Lions secondary.

That is certainly not to say that they aren't a very talented group. But when he has time, Cutler has good accuracy and a strong arm. That combination could lead to big things for Chicago on Monday night.

I know that Cutler's weapons aren't very good. The line hasn't blocked well consistently, and the receivers are not elite by any means.

But with a strong running game, and time to throw, these Lions will give up passing yards.

Watch the Film

Cutler has been sacked 15 times this season and was dropped 57 times—including the playoffs—last season. He admitted recently that being hit so often can tinker with the clock in his head and make him rush a throw, even if the pressure is more perceived than imminent.

But when Jay watches the film from the past couple of games, he will see that the pass protection really hasn't been that bad.

His confidence is shaken, and who can blame him after what he's endured? But if he will allow that tape to sink in, he will realize that he has a lot more time than he thinks.

On more than a couple of occasions, if Cutler had simply moved a few feet one way or the other, he could have evaded the rush.

This is not a knock on Cutler at all, but when he watches this, it will hopefully give him the confidence that he needs to—gulp!—trust the offensive line.

Because if he hangs in there and lets the routes develop, receivers will be open against the Lions. I just hope that Martz hasn't totally shattered Cutler's confidence to the point that he is broken.

I don't think so, at least not yet, and I believe that Cutler, who is a smart guy, will understand this and take advantage of it.

Adopt a Shorter Passing Game

The Bears must attack with a shorter, more lateral passing game to spread the Lions defense out.

Keep in mind that  Matt Forte had a great day catching screen passes in the first matchup between the two teams last season with an 80-plus-yard touchdown reception.

But if Martz unleashes his entire playbook, that could spell trouble.

I think that, despite my disdain regarding the lack of a true No. 1 wideout, our speedy receivers match up well against the Lions secondary.

But I'm concerned that if Cutler doesn't get the time he needs to allow those routes to develop, that his best option is short passes.

Attack a Banged-Up Lions Secondary

Yes, I'd prefer to see a shorter passing game, but in truth, this Lions secondary is banged up and the Bears can get yards against it.

The Lions signed safety Vincent Fuller, who was cut by the Titans on September 3rd, so they know they need help.

Safeties Erik Coleman (ankle) and Amari Spievey (hamstring) are both hurt. Coleman had to leave the game last Sunday after suffering an injury on kickoff coverage, and could be out for a few weeks.

Spievey was in practice on Wednesday, but ran off the field after stretching with the team. 

Meanwhile, let's take a look at how opposing QBs have fared against the Lions.

In Week 1, Bucs QB Josh Freeman threw for 259 yards and a touchdown. The next week, the Chiefs' Matt Cassel had an awful game that doesn't even deserve discussion.

In Week 3, the Vikings' Donovan McNabb, who has struggled, completed 61 percent of his passes for 211 yards, one TD and no INTs.

Last week, Tony Romo was 34-of-47 for 331 yards and three TDs.

Only four teams have given up more receptions, and the Lions rank 10th in the league in yards per game, which is good, but not great. They rank 12th in total passing yards given up.