Jay Cutler: 5 Reasons Why He Should Not Be Criticized for Sunday’s Exit

Football is certainly a man’s game. There’s hard-hitting and even some cheap shots throughout the course of a game. The bigger the stage, the more reluctant a player is to leave a game due to injury.

Jay Cutler reportedly injured his knee sometime in the first half and was forced to leave Sunday’s NFC Championship game that the Chicago Bears wound up losing to the Green Bay Packers.

As soon as the game ended (and even on Twitter during the game), the speculation that Cutler was a coward disseminated quickly.

In my view, here are five reasons why Cutler should not face any criticism for leaving the game.

1) Cutler Helped His Team By Coming Out

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Sam Shields #37 of the Green Bay Packers sacks quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears in the second quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Ge

Up until the point he exited the game in the third quarter, Cutler wasn’t exactly putting on an offensive show. He had completed only 6-of-14 passes for 80 yards, no touchdowns and an interception.

He was making poor decisions and could not advance the ball, forcing the Bears to punt on their first five possessions.

Yes, the Bears’ strength is their defense, but they could only contain Aaron Rodgers so much. The defense could have used a little more help from Cutler and the offense.

2) Brian Urlacher’s Comments

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Linebacker Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears looks on against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

I know I’m not one to disagree with Brian Urlacher.

After the game, Urlacher vehemently protected his quarterback, saying that he trusted Cutler’s instincts. If Cutler could have continued playing, he would.

Urlacher bashed critics and even other NFL players on Twitter for their comments.

No one knows better than a teammate (or the team doctor, I guess) whether an injured player can continue. I believe Urlacher when he said that Cutler would have played if he could.

3) The Timing of the Injury

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears reacts after throwing an incomplete pass in the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois.

Bears’ center Olin Kreutz said he could not pinpoint the exact play on which Cutler got hurt, but he thought it was sometime late in the first half.

Kreutz admired Cutler for attempting to come back out after the injury and even trying again to start the third quarter.

Rather than bash Cutler for his cowardice, we should be respecting him for trying to help his team in the face of adversity.

4) A Hurt Cutler Is Not a Hurt Roethlisberger

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back against the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the New York Je

While Cutler showed signs this season of becoming an elite NFL quarterback, he’s still not in that top tier.

Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers took a helmet to the thigh early in the first half in yesterday’s win over the Jets. But Roethlisberger remained in the game and led Pittsburgh to the victory.

Roethlisberger has the talent to make up for an injury that Cutler does not possess. Besides, Cutler’s injury was to a joint, so every time he moved, he must have felt excruciating pain.

Cutler made significant strides this season, and going back into the game yesterday could have ultimately led to more severe consequences. He should take the time this offseason to properly heal and gear up for another deep run into the playoffs next year.

5) The Bears Almost Pulled It Out Late

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Caleb Hanie #12 of the Chicago Bears reacts after Chester Taylor #29 scores a one-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 i

Todd Collins was atrocious yesterday, but third-stringer Caleb Hanie kept the Bears in the game late. He completed 13-of-20 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown.

But the two interceptions, especially the second one to Sam Shields, sealed the Bears’ fate. The pick-six by B.J. Raji didn’t exactly help either.

Still, Hanie gave the Bears a better chance to win than an injured Cutler would have. While I’m sure deep down Cutler wanted to play, his presence on the field would have been a detriment to the team.

Cutler made the sacrifice of putting the game in the hands of a third-string quarterback in the NFC championship game, because he knew Hanie would be a more serviceable option.

I’m sure Cutler will continue to receive criticism, but, for what it’s worth, I’m on your side, Jay.