Chicago Bears Week 7 All-22 Film Session: Jay Cutler Interception
By Chad Wandell
Oct 19, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) passes against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Soldier Field. Miami Dolphins defeat the Chicago Bears 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
If we have learned anything from the 2014 Chicago Bears this year, it has been that turnovers always tell the story of the game. On Sunday, the Bears were tagged with committing three turnovers, two of them by the Quarterback. Let’s take a look at the Jay Cutler interception that he threw in the 2nd Quarter of the game as the Bears were driving in Dolphins territory.
Game situation: 3rd down and 2 at the Bears 37 yard line (2nd Quarter 7:13 left)
Personnel: 11 (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs)
Defense: Cover 2 Man
Offensive scheme: Go-Stick Out
The Bears balance the field in a four wide 2×2 set with Cutler in the shotgun and Forte offset to his right. The play is designed to clear out the Flat area on the left side (Holmes Go route), with Bennett filling that void for the first down catch. The Dolphins are playing Cover 2 Man, therefore the left CB (Finnegan) should carry Holmes on his Go route.
However, the Dolphins are utilizing a “trap” technique for their cornerbacks on the play. Finnegan will read the route of the #2 receiver (Bennett), if he runs up the Seam, Finnegan will stay vertical with Holmes on his Go route. But with Bennett stemming his route outside at about 7 yards, Finnegan will release Holmes to the FS (Jones) and squeeze inside to take away the Out route from Bennett.
This is where Reshad Jones’ quote about Cutler locking on his receivers comes into play. Cutler stares down Bennett throughout his route, making it even easier for Finnegan to read the Quarterback’s eyes and Jones can forget about Holmes streaking down the sideline as he breaks on the throw.
Cutler is actually lucky the pass sailed on him because Finnegan would have been right there for a Pick 6 if the throw was on target to Bennett. Jones does a great job securing the catch and keeping his arms under the ball as he falls to the ground.