Jay Cutler says Chicago Bears offense must step up with Brian Urlacher out

Chicago Bears icon Brian Urlacher could end up missing the duration of the regular season because of a strained hamstring -- and Bears starting quarterback Jay Cutler knows that the offense must step up during Urlacher's absence.

Cutler told reporters that his offense simply has to "score more points" with Urlacher out.

"We've got to score more points," Cutler said. "We've got to be more efficient. Thirds downs, we're getting better. First down, we've been getting better. Red zone, we're getting in there, we've done a good job.

If the Bears are going to score more points, Chicago will likely need better play out of the quarterback position. Between Cutler and Jason Campbell, Chicago averages just 181.3 yards per game through the air -- a figure that is second-worst in the entire NFL.

Cutler himself is averaging 203.1 yards per game passing through the air, through 11 games played. Cutler has thrown 15 touchdowns against 11 interceptions this season, and has fumbled four times.

As a team, the Bears are scoring 24.5 points per game -- but Chicago's defense has been responsible for a fair share of those points.

With three of Chicago's last four games on the road, it certainly won't be easy for Chicago's offense to step up.

Chicago will head to Minnesota to take on the Vikings in Week 14, before playing host to the Packers in Week 15. The Bears will wrap up the regular season on the road against the Cardinals and Lions in Weeks 16 and 17.