Jay Cutler has gained a reputation as a -- how can we put this nicely? -- malcontent. So perhaps it's not surprising that Cutler came very close to throwing his offensive line under the bus when asked about the battering he's taken early.
If this continues, then obviously we're gonna have a problem. We're gonna have to address it. ... I know the guys are gonna bounce back, as will I.
On the other hand, Cutler might have a point. The Bears have allowed the most sacks (11) and are tied for having allowed the most quarterback hits (18) in the NFL. But the culprit might actually not be the offensive line, at least not alone.
From 1999 to 2010 (Martz didn't coach in 2009), Martz's offense ranked in the NFL's top 10 in sacks allowed in nine of the coach's 11 seasons, and in the top three in each of his last four. Martz's offenses with the Rams, Lions, 49ers and Bears gave up 40 sacks or more in 10 consecutive years after allowing 33 in 1999.
Buckle up, Jay. It's going to be a long season.