Bears Building a Winner Around Cutler on Both Sides of the Ball

When many NFL fans think of their team attempting to build a strong supporting cast around their quarterback, it’s understandable for them to think first of adding weapons in the passing game.

But the Chicago Bears are taking a different approach and doing everything they can to surround Jay Cutler with a reliable running game, a capable offensive line and a stout defense built for the long haul.

Up front, the Bears are anchored by a versatile, blue-collar blocker in guard Kyle Long, but they added a similar player early in this year’s draft to mirror him across the line. With its second-round pick, Chicago grabbed Kansas State’s Cody Whitehair, who played left tackle for the Wildcats but will slide inside to guard at the next level.

Both tackle spots get more press, but interior protection is equally vital to keeping a quarterback upright. The Bears have put together a young nucleus in front of Cutler that should allow him to take advantage of the promising pass-catchers he already has at his disposal.

A quarterback’s best friend is an effective ground game—something the Bears achieved last year with the tandem of veteran Matt Forte and rookie Jeremy Langford. Despite being a fan favorite, Forte was allowed to walk this offseason after spending eight years in Chicago.

Langford now moves into the starting role after totaling 816 total yards and seven touchdowns in his first NFL season, but he’ll have a new running mate following this year’s draft. The Bears added a physical runner in Indiana’s Jordan Howard in the fifth round and will attempt to keep the one-two punch mentality in the backfield.

Martellus Bennett may be gone, but Cutler will still have a big, physical target to pair with Alshon Jeffery in last year’s …

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