It was only a matter of time before Jay Cutler was KO'd.
The Chicago Bears' quarterback was sacked nine times in the first half of last week’s loss to the New York Giants before finally absorbing the knockout blow late in the second quarter. Cutler left the game with a concussion and never returned.
He won’t return this week either as Chicago (3-1) visits the Carolina Panthers (0-4) for a 1 p.m. start Sunday.
The storyline was supposed to be the return of Julius Peppers to Carolina, where he became an All-Pro defensive end and the Panther fans’ favorite son. But Cutler’s absence is now the focus.
Many speculated that Cutler was removed from Sunday night’s game not because he was injured but because the Bears’ offensive line could not protect him. But Cutler returned to practice during the week and still demonstrated some symptoms of a concussion and will be held out of this week's game.
That gives veteran clipboard holder Todd Collins the start. Collins also left Monday’s game with a stinger following a New York sack but is healthy. He expected to start Sunday.
Collins is in his 16th NFL season and has not started a game since 2007 while with the Washington Redskins. He’s thrown 34 passes in the league in the past three seasons.
Both of these offenses are a mess.
The Panthers, ranked last in the NFL in scoring, are still searching for their first win. With coach John Fox’s hot seat beginning to sizzle, Carolina played well last week but still lost at New Orleans 16-14 on a late field goal.
Wide receiver Steve Smith is sidelined with a high ankle sprain. Although he is listed as questionable, he watched practice with an air cast on his leg during the week. Carolina has a bye next week so it seems likely that Smith will return in two weeks.
The Panthers also cut WR Dwayne Jarrett on Tuesday after his second DUI arrest and signed David Clowney from the New York Jets’ practice squad. Clowney admitted he didn’t have a handle on the offense yet but he may start Sunday. Carolina also has three rookie receivers.
The Panthers finally got the running game going last week. DeAngelo Williams ran for 86 yards and his first touchdown of the season. The Bears, however, are ranked sixth in the league in run defense and, with rookie Jimmy Clausen at quarterback, you can expect them to dare the Panthers to throw the ball.
Even under offensive guru Mike Martz, the Bears’ offense has struggled. Matt Forte leads the team with just 134 yards rushing in the four games as Chicago ranks 31st in the NFL in rushing. The Bears are also in the middle of the pack throwing the ball, and don’t expect that to improve with Collins behind center.
Forte leads Chicago with 16 receptions - three for touchdowns - but Chicago has not run for a touchdown all season.