Cutler embraces it. In fact, he achieved a contractual $100,000 bonus for attendance at the voluntary offseason workout program over the past few weeks. He had to achieve a 90-percent participation rate; his rate was 100 percent.
“Anytime someone trades two first-rounders and a player for somebody, the expectations are going to be really high,” Cutler told reporters in early May. “It’s good to come to a great organization like this … and have a city behind you.”
The NFL schedule-makers certainly anticipate Cutler’s impact. The Bears have five prime-time appearances that could grow at season’s end if they lead the pack in the NFC North.
Sept. 13, at Green Bay, 8:20 p.m., NBC
Overview: Cutler’s debut in prime time comes against a Packers team in the midst of changing its defense to a 3-4. Advantage: Bears
Sept. 20, Pittsburgh, 4:15 p.m., CBS
Overview: This is the top early season game with the defending champ Steelers coming to town in Cutler’s home debut. Advantage: Tossup
Sept. 27, at Seattle, 4:05 p.m., Fox
Overview: The Seahawks are in an enviable position, and could be aligned to be this season’s surprise with the return of quarterback Matt Hasselback. Advantage: Bears
Oct. 4, Detroit, 1 p.m., Fox
Overview: The Lions finished 0-16, and no amount of change (coach, quarterback) can right the ship quickly. Advantage: Bears
Oct. 18, at Atlanta, 8:20 p.m., NBC
Overview: Every single Bear will recall last-season’s, last-second loss to the Falcons and Matt Ryan. This is must-see-TV. Advantage: Bears
Oct. 25, at Cincinnati, 1 p.m., Fox
Overview: The first of back-to-back weeks of games against AFC North teams which are imminently winnable even if Carson Palmer returns healthy. Advantage: Bears
Nov. 1, Cleveland, 1 p.m., CBS
Overview: New coach Eric Mangini may bring a more disciplined team to visit, but the Browns’ offense figures to stumble against the Bears. Advantage: Bears
Nov. 8, Arizona, 1 p.m., Fox
Overview: The Super Bowl runner-up Cardinals still have to prove that they can back that performance up and they have two new coordinators. Advantage: Bears
Nov. 12, at San Francisco, 8:20 p.m., NFL
Overview: A tough turnaround, a tough trip and a much tougher opponent now that Mike Singletary has had time to change the atmosphere of the 49ers. Advantage: 49ers
Nov. 22, Philadelphia, 8:20 p.m., NBC
Overview: Perhaps an early playoff preview. The Eagles have reloaded and should be strongly in contention in the NFC East by this game. Advantage: Tossup
Nov. 29, at Minnesota, 1 p.m., Fox
Overview: Will Brett Favre return or won’t he? A reasonably healthy Favre makes this interesting, although regardless of the quarterback situation, the Bears have to find an answer for Adrian Peterson. Advantage: Vikings
Dec. 6, St. Louis, 1 p.m., Fox
Overview: The second time during the season that the Bears get an easy pass; the Rams won’t contend beyond 3-4 games and this won’t be one of them. Advantage: Bears
Dec. 13, Green Bay, 1 p.m. Fox
Overview: By this game, the Packers may have things on defense figured out and could be a roadblock. Advantage: Tossup
Dec. 20, at Baltimore, 1 p.m., Fox
Overview: A game that has the makings of another prime-time matchup and could change game times from 1 p.m. if both teams live up to expectations. Advantage: Ravens
Dec. 28, Minnesota, 8:30 p.m., ESPN
Overview: Could be the home game of the season, and the game that settles the NFC North. Advantage: Tossup
Jan. 3, at Detroit, 1 p.m., Fox
Overview: Even if Matt Stafford can be in the ballpark of the rookie performances of Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco, this shouldn’t be a contest. Advantage: Bears
