Cutler's Criticism Uncalled For.

The Green Bay Packers defeated their divisional rival the Chicago Bears in last week’s NFC championship game.

The Packers have been praised for their victory and a chance to win their fourth Super Bowl two weeks from now in Dallas.  But recent sports commentary seems to suggest that only Bears quarterback Jay Cutler lost to the Packers and the criticism he is receiving is not only unjust but plainly ridiculous.

Cutler's toughens has been mocked and his character questioned because he could not finish the game due to a knee injury.  These notions are preposterous; Cutler led the Bears to a North Division title and secured the team a two seed in the playoffs. 

But because Cutler did not look hurt he has been vilified by media members, fans, and players across the nation.  Many have said his lack of emotion showed apathy, but we know that Cutler has never been overly demonstrative with his emotions. 

So the question is why do we as sports fans require that of our athletes to be so ostentatious when it comes to emotion. Would him crying after a loss like Tim Tebow or challenging his teammates to fisticuffs like Ryan Leaf after a bad practice make him a better quarterback?  No, of course not.  What if he were to choreograph a dance routine with his sunglass clad teammates like former Bears quarterback Jim McMahon would he then find favor among the sports nation. 

Writhing in pain would have been the appropriate reaction since we have found out that Cutlers injury was in fact serious.  The sprain of the MCL should have made it very difficult for Cutler to stand or bend his knee as well as put him a great deal of discomfort.  

But he did not grimace or cringe he pushed through the pain and stayed on the sideline with his team when many players with similar injuries would have been icing their knee on a training table in the locker room. 

Why is it so bad that Cutler remained stoic through his trying time, do players have to put on show when they tweak an ankle or stub their finge? What is this The World Cup where players throw themselves to the ground and are carried off the field only to run back on a few minutes later?

Why can we not accept the Jay Cutler did not show emotion and be fine with it?  It does not mean that he cares less about the game.

 Might it mean he is processing his thoughts internally rather than simply letting emotions fly?  It is often discussed that more cerebral players have an advantage at quarterback because they will be cool under pressure, and that is a trait that is praised.  Fans have given Matt Ryan the nickname “Matty Ice”, for his poise in all situations

Cutler is doing just that, he stayed cool through what was likely very difficult time for him as an athlete.  While fan and media criticism is to be expected, what is shocking is how many former players are chastising the Bears quarterback. 

Maurice Jones-Drew via twitter accused Cutler of quitting on his team.  Really Maurice so I guess you quit on your team this year when you tore your meniscus.

Mark Schlereth said he would play through the pain and would only come off the field on stretcher.  Well Mark when one considers you mass and history of knee instability, had the same injury happened to you, you might have been carried off.

Bruce Gradkowski wondered in his tweet whether the Bears would stick with Cutler in the off season.  Bruce, are you serious?  You’re a career journeyman backup, what; do you think you can get the Bears past the conference championship game? I guess he feels he could have done more with the league worst offensive line, one that allowed Cutler to be sacked 42 times, 12 more than any other quarterback.  Or maybe Gradkowski feels he could do more with the dynamic receiving duo of return specialist Devin Hester and Johnny Knox who specializes in sideline routes.  

Maybe Bears fans should be angry that Cutlers only legitimate weapon in the passing game is Greg Olsen.  After all when he had weapons like Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal, and a competent offensive line he played at a pro-bowl level.