Bears Bounced Out Of Playoffs, Cutler Watches

After the Bears' 21-14 loss at home in the NFC title game to the Green Bay Packers, QB Jay Cutler is taking heavy criticism regarding his play and health. Trailing 14 to nothing in the third quarter with only 80 yards passing to show for, Cutler was pulled from the game in favor of back-up Quarterback Todd Collins. What seemed to be more of a mechanic issue or struggle to find his rhythm, turned into a more serious injury than first thought, as it's been learned that Cutler has a torn MCL in his left knee. With Cutler sidelined prior the injury was officially announced, it wasn't long before players and fans alike began bashing Cutler over Twitter, as he became a trending topic on the social network within minutes.

Unlike those questioning whether or not he was hurt, Cutler's teammate and defensive captain LB Brian Urlacher came to his QB's defense, as did Bears head coach Lovie Smith, stating that Cutler was indeed hurt and not faking his injury. Having been the most sacked QB in the league this season, leading the NFL with a whooping total of 52 sacks, including a career high 9 sacks against the New York Giants earlier this year, there's no doubt Cutler has had his fair share of cuts and bruises since the start of the season. Cutler's toughness shouldn't necessarily be questioned, based on that stat alone, despite the arguments former and current QB's such as San Diego's Philip Rivers recently made. "I would've played until I had to be carted off the field, but that's just me." Rivers said.

Though he's been bombarded with the widespread skepticism, I personally can't attack Cutler, but I will make the case that players in the past have remained in the game after suffering more severe injuries, such as Donovan McNabb who returned to the field after suffering a broken ankle in 2002. For Cutler, a 2008 Pro Bowler during his tenure with the Denver Broncos, the biggest disappointment has to be the sour ending to his impressive season in which he bounced back from a disappointing 2009 campaign when he threw 27 Touchdowns to go along with a league leading 26 Interceptions for a 7-9 Chicago Bears team. Improving off his forgetful season just a year ago, Cutler helped the Bears to a division leading 11-5 record by compiling 23 TD's and 16 INT's, resulting in a better QB rating, despite throwing for fewer yards.

Even with Cutler out for most of the second half on Sunday, the Bears hopes of making it to Super Bowl XLV were anything but over, as third string Quarterback Caleb Hanie took over for the injured Todd Collins. Down 14-0 in the fourth quarter, Hanie led the Bears offense to a touchdown during his first series on the field. After a costly pick-six to defensive lineman B.J. Raji, Hanie moved Chicago down field for another score to bring the Bears within seven, before a late Sam Shields interception with less than a minute remaining ended the possible rally, sending Green Bay to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1997.