The Bears have a lot to work on trying to improve from last season on both sides of the ball, but with the addition of Mike Martz as the new offensive coordinator, there’s been a ton of pressure on the offense to learn the new system. The pressure might be the greatest on quarterback Jay Cutler, who was intercepted three times by a tackling dummy during camp yesterday.
“I was trying to stretch a pass to [Greg] Olsen downfield and up the middle, and I guess I overthrew him by a couple yards,” said Cutler. “That tackling dummy was right there and made a clean pick. Fortunately for us, it wasn’t able to make much of a return.”
The tackling dummy had a huge day at camp, with the three interceptions off Cutler, to go along with four tackles and a forced fumble when running back Matt Forte tripped over it and lost the ball.
The Bears have been incredibly happy with the tackling dummy so far this season, and are even considering giving it a spot on the 53-man roster.
“If that tackling dummy keeps this up, I’d seriously consider starting it at safety,” said defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. “Have you seen some of the guys we have in our secondary? It seems like a hell of a better idea than our other options.”
From the August 2010 issue by Drew Adams. Click here to subscribe today!
