Bullish On The Bears

Chicago is red-hot thanks to a flawless Jay Cutler

A 24--20 victory over the Lions was significant to Bears QB Jay Cutler for several reasons: It kept Chicago (9--3) one game ahead of Green Bay in the NFC North; it assured him of his first winning season as a full-time starter since he was a senior in high school; and it marked the first time since the Broncos traded him to the Bears in 2009 that he had gone back-to-back games without throwing a pick. Cutler led the NFL with 26 interceptions last season but has only 10 so far this year, and he finally appears comfortable with new offensive coordinator Mike Martz's up-tempo system. When coach Lovie Smith declared in the preseason that this team was more talented than his 2006 Super Bowl squad, many around the league thought it was just wishful thinking. But if Cutler continues to play this well, Chicago will be formidable come the playoffs.