Jay Cutler-to-Brandon Marshall may need to do more

The Bears offense feels a need to take on more responsibility Sunday at Minnesota in the wake of injuries that will sideline LB Brian Urlacher at least three weeks and CB Tim Jennings this week, if not longer.

Feeling a need and being able to accomplish it are separate things entirely for an offense ranked 31st in passing and 30th overall. Playing in a noisy Metrodome against an opponent desperate to stay in the playoff hunt makes it all the more difficult.

"We've got to find a way," QB Jay Cutler said. "We've got to score more points. We've got to be more efficient.

"Third down we've been getting better. First down, we have been getting better. Red zone, when we get in there, we've done a good job. We've just got to get more points."

It can't be easier Sunday at Minnesota considering the Vikings defense just had a chance two weeks ago to face the Cutler-to-Brandon Marshall passing game that has become the centerpiece for offensive coordinator Mike Tice's offense.

Then again, in the case of Cutler to Marshall, there appears to be little rhyme or reason. The two aren't doing something that scouting and preparation can account for, short of triple-teaming Marshall all over the field. The Bears have 151 catches by wide receivers and 91 came from Marshall -- even with defenses trying to stop him.

"We go where they're not," Marshall said. "It's as simple as that. Jay gives me freedom out there and coach (OC Mike) Tice gives me freedom out there to adjust within our offense and our scheme.

"Jay is the type of quarterback where he has such a strong arm that it doesn't have to be a rhythm throw all the time or a timing. A lot of times he may read me or I may read a coverage and we'll be on the same page. That's the fun part about playing this offense is the freedom to adjust. So it's been clicking."

It's a variation on playground football, with Cutler moving around until Marshall can get open. While it hasn't worked for the scoring or balance in the passing game the Bears would like, they did maintain drives well enough against Minnesota last time for an easy 28-10 win. Two more wins in their last four games and they figure to have a spot in the playoffs.

"I mean, (Cutler) has a lot to do with it, his mobility and what he does in the pocket," Marshall said. "I remember in Denver when we gave up 13 sacks (in a full season), it was still Jay making a bunch of plays but we had some guys up there, we had some Pro Bowl guys up front. But Jay still was getting it done with his feet.

"There's no quarterback in the league that has a minute to sit back there. There's a lot of quarterbacks that are making plays with their feet and just moving in the pocket. Jay is one of the best at doing that and you just watch the games and he's creating a lot of opportunities."

For Marshall to elevate his play might require sprouting wings. It's difficult to see how he can do more after making 91 catches for 1,182 yards. The offense is 12th in third-down conversions (40 percent) despite being the worst at gaining yardage on first down largely because Marshall has been able to get open for 21 first down catches on third down, second highest total in the league.

"Especially this time of year, I want the pressure," Marshall said. "We have four games left and our goals are still ahead of us, so if I can carry a larger load I expect it. I'm prepared to do that. I expect to carry a bigger load this time of the year and I actually want to pick up my play."

The Vikings defense got burned by Marshall two weeks ago to the tune of a season-high 12 catches by Marshall for 92 yards. None of his catches were longer than 17 yards. He kept going beneath the coverage and taking big hits, but accounted for critical gains.

"The thing that stood out most to me when we played them two weeks ago is as soon you catch the ball they're right on you," Marshall said. "Those guys are rallying to the ball, and they play together and they'll hit you.

"So you have to be tough out there, especially against that secondary because they're an aggressive group. And there's not a lot of separation out there. So it's going to be another grinder, I think."

Follow Bears reporter Gene Chamberlain on Twitter @CBSBears.