Thread: Some Advice to Jay and His WR'sClick to from a Former Bears QB.............

Cutler, WRs can benefit from extra repetitions prior to training camp

June 19, 2012, 12:08 pm SHARE THIS POST



Jeffery wants Bears to win the Super BowlBears rookie Alshon Jeffery discusses his relationship with Jay Cutler and the rest of his teammates - 6/8

	JIM MILLER

Many front office members of the Bears will utilize the next six weeks to recharge the batteries for training camp and the 2012 season. Most players take advantage of the down time as well, but as I’ve stated in a previous blog, it could be valuable time for Jay Cutler and the receiving corps to really pick up their game.

Training Camp Preparation
A tremendous base has been built during OTA’s for Cutler to build upon. Arm strength is crucial for any NFL quarterback and, realistically, Cutler will throw close to 500 passes per practice during training camp. The throwing totals have slowly increased as OTA’s have moved along, similar to how routes run by receivers have also increased. I would hope Cutler has a set schedule to throw four-to-five days per week with his receivers. It really doesn’t matter if it is accomplished at Halas Hall or back in Nashville.


Why it's important

We have already mentioned a couple important benefits such as arm strength and conditioning. Even if Cutler experienced a period of dead arm during camp, his arm would remain pretty lively because he's just naturally strong. But you have to prepare your arm for a staggering amount of throws. Throwing sessions prior to camp are also a great time to discuss route execution with receivers against different coverages. Cutler and his receivers will have a good understanding of each other by practicing various scenarios and attacking different defensive coverages.


Cutler most likely has a good understanding of Brandon Marshall and Earl Bennett, but this could be a good opportunity to really get to know the mannerisms of young Alshon Jeffery. Mannerisms such as range, flexibility, ability to track football to either side, quickness in and out of breaks, hands, etc...


If Cutler can get answers to questions like: Can Jeffery go get the football if it's overthrown? Is there a sweet spot where Jeffery just never seems to drop the football? Can he adjust to an underthrown football as well as an overthrow? What’s his flexibility if I throw a football behind him on a crossing route? It would be another opportunity re-emphasizing learning the new Bears' passing game principles four-to-five days per week prior to training camp.


After our final mini-camp in 2001, Marty Booker and I worked every day at Halas Hall, all the way up to the training camp reporting date. Marty had a Pro Bowl season with 107 receptions. It's safe to say we were on the same page and knew exactly what each other was capable of doing.