Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew and Cardinals defensive lineman Darnell Dockett, along with former players-turned-analysts Deion Sanders and Mark Schlereth, were among those who criticized Cutler on Sunday. Jones-Drew said yesterday he was merely joking and wasn’t trying to be critical.
Coach Lovie Smith said Cutler sprained his MCL late in the first half and would have been questionable for the Super Bowl Feb. 6 had the Bears won. He also emphasized the team and medical staff made the call to lift Cutler, who played the first series in the third quarter before standing on the sideline.
Cutler underwent an MRI yesterday, and did not make himself available to the media.
His coach and teammates had plenty to say, though.
“Our quarterback’s a tough guy,’’ Smith said. “It’s pretty simple what happened yesterday. Before the half, Jay hurt his knee. He showed a lot of toughness to continue to play with it.’’
The way the Bears see it, Cutler doesn’t owe anyone an apology. They think he’s owed a few, in fact.
“I can’t even believe I’m sitting here talking about Cutler’s toughness,’’ Angelo said of his quarterback who was sacked a league-leading 52 times.
“We’re in a perception business,’’ he added. “I certainly didn’t like what was said. I take that personally, too. He’s our quarterback. We wouldn’t have been where we’re at without him, and I want that to be made clear. We stand by him.’’
Jones-Drew told the Associated Press that his tweet comparing Cutler to former Florida coach Urban Meyer (“Hey I think the urban meyer rule is effect right now ... When the going gets tough........QUIT.) clearly backfired. Jones-Drew said he has received death threats and plenty of ill will from Bears fans.
“I never questioned his toughness,’’ the running back said. “I think people took my joke out of context. I was taking at shot at Florida fans.’’
Smith near extension A year ago, Bears fans were calling for Smith to be fired. Now, he’s in line for a contract extension, according to Angelo.
