BEARS IN BRIEF: Cutler expecting Lions' attack on edges
Jay Cutler has a good idea of what he's going to face in the season opener against the Lions. Given the problems the offensive line had protecting him during the exhibition season, the Bears quarterback said he expects Jim Schwartz's defense to be in attack mode Sunday at Soldier Field.
''I would think so, some stuff off the edges,'' Cutler said when asked if he expected pressure. ''We struggled containing the edges, and they have some good pass rushers.''
The Lions' defensive line has been bolstered with the acquisitions of free-agent defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and No. 2 overall draft pick Ndamukong Suh.
''[Suh's] hype is well deserved,'' center Olin Kreutz said. ''His talent is rare. Anybody who is No. 2 has earned it. We'll go out there and play against him and see what he's about.''
Mike Martz's offense requires more five- and seven-step drops, which can expose a quarterback to more sacks. Still, Cutler said he can't prepare for punishment.
''That's why we have Mike Tice here,'' Cutler said, referring to the team's first-year offensive line coach. ''Mike Martz is very sensitive to the issue of quarterbacks getting hit. We've talked about it many times. A lot of our stuff is timing. The ball is supposed to be out. If everyone is doing their job and Mike is calling good plays, the ball should be gone.''
Cutler is more mobile than many of the quarterbacks who have thrived in Martz's offense. He said he'll use his feet when necessary.
''I'm going to move,'' he said. ''There are going to be instances in this game where I move around a little bit and see what happens. Once it breaks down, I've got to go. I'm not just going to sit in there and take a sack.''
Wright is ready
Major Wright said he has been cleared after recovering from a hand injury suffered in the first preseason game and expects to play Sunday, although the rookie may contribute more on special teams while working his way back into the rotation at safety.
''Right now my role is to go out there and play special teams and do whatever I can,'' he said.
Although he missed most of the preseason, he said he doesn't feel as if he has fallen behind.
''The learning process never stopped,'' the third-round draft pick said. ''The coaches have done well with me, and my teammates have been bringing me along.''
Bear necessities
Linebacker Lance Briggs (ankle) and safety Craig Steltz (ankle) were the only players who did not participate fully in practice. Briggs' participation was limited, while Steltz worked out on an adjacent field with a member of the training staff.
? Lions safety Louis Delmas and linebacker DeAndre Levy did not practice. Both are recovering from groin injuries.
