Jay Cutler: Passing Under Pressure
Dec 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) passes against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 13-9. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
ProFootball Focus put together a list of the most accurate quarterbacks under pressure and surprisingly Jay Cutler made the list, checking in at #5 overall in 2014. Here’s the list:
Cutler actually led the league in touchdowns while under pressure with 12. He was pressured nearly 31% of his 618 dropbacks which was surprisingly among the lowest in the league. He connected on nearly 70% of his passes while under pressure. I guess he’s had a lot of practice, especially at the end of the Lovie Smith era.
Of course, on the flipside, Cutler did throw 5 INT’s which was tied for second worst among the quarterbacks with at least 150 dropbacks who were considered in the study.
It’s interesting that the only other NFC North quarterback on the list was rookie Teddy Bridgewater. Where is MVP Aaron Rodgers on this list? You’d be surprised to know that Rodgers is all the way down at #15 on the list. Rodgers’ completion percentage drops for over 65% down to less than 60% when he’s under pressure. Do you think Vic Fangio and the Bears new defensive scheme might take that into consideration?
Back to Cutler…
John Fox is certain that rebuilding Cutler’s confidence will help him to a bounceback year, but he also believes there are things they can do schematically to help Cutler:
"“Football-wise, there are things you can do in coaching to minimize some of the exposure,” Fox said. “Playing defense. Playing complementary football is going to be something that helps. I liken it a little bit, not being critical, to Tony Romo. I think there had been different things said. I know Tony personally. He’s a tremendous competitor. I thought he had one of his better seasons a year ago with that same kind of build-up. With success comes confidence.”"
Being on the move is akin to being under pressure, so putting Cutler on the move where he only has to scan half the field and doesn’t have time to overthink things and he can just go out and play will help him tremendously. At least based on how he fared in PFF’s signature stats.