Post by Deleted on Sept 11, 2016 21:49:08 GMT -6
Play of the game: Kevin White's mix-up a crippling growing pain
Rich Campbell Contact Reporter Chicago Tribune
Jay Cutler began a disappointing walk back to the Bears sideline with a gesture that left no doubt where he expected Kevin White to be moments before.
As the Texans celebrated a third-quarter interception, the quarterback pointed in the direction of his rookie receiver and waved his arm toward the right sideline.
That was where Cutler threw the pass. That was where safety Andre Hal made a diving grab several yards away from White. And that was where the Bears offense stalled in a 23-14 loss.
It was a back-breaking misunderstanding. Quarterback thinking one thing. Receiver thinking another. And the ramifications transcended the change of possession at the Bears' 25-yard line with the visitors leading 14-10.
The mix-up was White's greatest impact on a game he finished with three catches for 34 yards. It wasn't how he or the Bears envisioned his delayed NFL debut. It was another reminder of the chasm between this stage of his development and what the Bears believe his potential to be.
"I'll just have to go back and watch film," White said when asked about the play. "Not being on the same page. We'll figure it out and correct it for next week."
Such fixes have been a prominent part of White's routine as he tries to master the nuances of the Bears offense and the variety of routes and sight adjustments in it. Missing all of last season with a stress fracture in his leg set back his transition to the NFL, which was always going to include those steps.
Coaches, management and players at Halas Hall understand that. But it doesn't automatically dull the growing pains, especially during the regular season. Cutler's reaction immediately after the play spoke volumes.
Afterward, though, the quarterback was more measured.
"I'll talk to Kev about it," he said. "First game out there. It left my hand. It's my responsibility."
Cutler's relatively soft post game tone underscored the challenge the Bears face as they proceed with their youth movement. It's difficult to strike a balance between being patient with inexperienced players and the disappointment when mistakes change games.
"We need him," Cutler said of White. "He's going to be fine. We're not worried about him."
The interception set the offense's course for a scoreless second half after an encouraging start.
On second-and-5, White lined up to the right. Cutler faked a handoff to Jeremy Langford and took a seven-step drop. But the play began to break down when nose tackle Vince Wilfork pushed rookie center Cody Whitehair back into Cutler's face. Cutler didn't have room to step into his throw and fully follow through.
Meanwhile, White slanted in to the 35-yard line, then began to break toward the sideline. But he stopped as Cutler let the pass go. Hal was the only player near where it came down. He snared it at the 37 and got up to return it. White stood and watched for a moment before starting in pursuit.
Then he retreated to the bench, where he talked with receivers coach Curtis Johnson. The correction had begun.
rcampbell@chicagotribune.com
Rich Campbell Contact Reporter Chicago Tribune
Jay Cutler began a disappointing walk back to the Bears sideline with a gesture that left no doubt where he expected Kevin White to be moments before.
As the Texans celebrated a third-quarter interception, the quarterback pointed in the direction of his rookie receiver and waved his arm toward the right sideline.
That was where Cutler threw the pass. That was where safety Andre Hal made a diving grab several yards away from White. And that was where the Bears offense stalled in a 23-14 loss.
It was a back-breaking misunderstanding. Quarterback thinking one thing. Receiver thinking another. And the ramifications transcended the change of possession at the Bears' 25-yard line with the visitors leading 14-10.
The mix-up was White's greatest impact on a game he finished with three catches for 34 yards. It wasn't how he or the Bears envisioned his delayed NFL debut. It was another reminder of the chasm between this stage of his development and what the Bears believe his potential to be.
"I'll just have to go back and watch film," White said when asked about the play. "Not being on the same page. We'll figure it out and correct it for next week."
Such fixes have been a prominent part of White's routine as he tries to master the nuances of the Bears offense and the variety of routes and sight adjustments in it. Missing all of last season with a stress fracture in his leg set back his transition to the NFL, which was always going to include those steps.
Coaches, management and players at Halas Hall understand that. But it doesn't automatically dull the growing pains, especially during the regular season. Cutler's reaction immediately after the play spoke volumes.
Afterward, though, the quarterback was more measured.
"I'll talk to Kev about it," he said. "First game out there. It left my hand. It's my responsibility."
Cutler's relatively soft post game tone underscored the challenge the Bears face as they proceed with their youth movement. It's difficult to strike a balance between being patient with inexperienced players and the disappointment when mistakes change games.
"We need him," Cutler said of White. "He's going to be fine. We're not worried about him."
The interception set the offense's course for a scoreless second half after an encouraging start.
On second-and-5, White lined up to the right. Cutler faked a handoff to Jeremy Langford and took a seven-step drop. But the play began to break down when nose tackle Vince Wilfork pushed rookie center Cody Whitehair back into Cutler's face. Cutler didn't have room to step into his throw and fully follow through.
Meanwhile, White slanted in to the 35-yard line, then began to break toward the sideline. But he stopped as Cutler let the pass go. Hal was the only player near where it came down. He snared it at the 37 and got up to return it. White stood and watched for a moment before starting in pursuit.
Then he retreated to the bench, where he talked with receivers coach Curtis Johnson. The correction had begun.
rcampbell@chicagotribune.com
