The Bears offense has gone from a dictatorship to a democracy (of sorts), for better or worse.

Offensive coordinator Mike Tice is receiving a great deal of input from players in adding or changing plays and terms. Previously, Mike Martz ran a totalitarian regime by calling plays no questions asked and forbidding audibles by QB Jay Cutler. 

"We want to know what he likes," Tice said of Cutler. "I think its very important to have a line of communication with the quarterback and the running back and the wide receivers. Why call things they're not comfortable with?"

Often last year, Cutler had to run a play right into the teeth of a formation lined up to defeat it. The Bears wasted timeouts, the play simply went nowhere or it resulted in a turnover. 

"I've got a little bit of input," Cutler said. "Not much, but I've got a few things that I whisper in (Tice's) ear, and he's always receptive of it. ... No matter if a rookie has the idea, Mike has the idea or (QB coach) Jeremy (Bates) or me, whatever’s going to work against a given defense we’re going to use it.” 

But in practice, the offense has done anything but click despite this freedom of input. 

Tice was upset Tuesday about a few snaps by C Roberto Garza that ended up on the ground, and some bobbled passes by Brandon Marshall and others -- one of which wound up in an INT for a TD by Tim Jennings. 

When the defense tightens its coverage it's been difficult for Cutler to find a receiver in the three-step or five-step drop. Still, one of Cutler's strengths has been hitting receivers after the original routes break down or as he moves out of the pocket. 

"A lot of plays happen off-tempo and off-rhythm in the NFL," Cutler said. "It’s just part of the business. Very rarely are you going to be able to take three, five or seven and deliver the ball. You’re going to have to take a little sidestep left, right, up, back, and find holes in the defense. That’s part of the game.” 

Installing a new offense and making it work perfectly at the outset is seldom one in the NFL. 

From that aspect, it's a positive for the Bears that Cutler can ad lib or extend plays as well as he's done in the past. It can help Chicago score points and buy time until everyone involved has a full grasp of the offense and a rhythm in the passing game has been established.

Follow Bears reporter Gene Chamberlain on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLCHI.