The Facts: HC John Fox said last week that Cutler would be in an open competition for the starting QB job in 2015, something that could result in Cutler making $15 million to hold a clipboard while Jimmy Clausen or David Fales leads the Bears into the fray on Sundays. That seems like an unlikely way for things to play out, something that even Fox seemed to admit while discussing what needs to change in order for Cutler to put forth a better effort than he managed last year. “I think he got to the point that he lacked confidence a year ago. To build that back up is going to take time, daily. It takes trust like any relationship. I think he and [offensive coordinator] Adam Gase having a relationship from back in Denver [is helpful] so I think it starts there,” Fox said.

Diehards Line: The coach continued: “Football-wise, there are things you can do in coaching to minimize some of the exposure. Playing complementary football is going to help. I don’t want to just single him out. I have concerns with really everybody we’re going to line up as a starter. But I know this: Unless something good happens, it’s hard to have confidence. ...” We'll suggest that's a two-way street. It's not just Cutler having confidence in himself; that confidence has to be shared by the staff. We'll see if both sides can boost theirs over the course of the coming OTA and mini-camp run.