Jay Cutler responds perfectly to Martellus Bennett’s criticism
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler got criticized by a former teammate on Wednesday, and his response was measured and perfect.
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The NFL’s Bennett brothers, the always loquacious New England Patriots tight end Martellus and Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael, gave their thoughts on some current quarterbacks in the league for a feature by ESPN’s Mina Kimes that came out on Wednesday.
Martellus had a weird sort of complement for Tom Brady, his new quarterback in New England. But when the subject turned to Jay Cutler, both brothers were brief but pulled no punches.
"Michael: “Worst quarterback in the NFL.”Martellus: “I’d be open and he’d throw into double coverage.”"
Martellus Bennett played for the Chicago Bears with Cutler as his primary quarterback for the last three seasons, including 2014 when he set career-highs in receptions ( 90) and yards (916) with six touchdowns as he earned a Pro Bowl selection. Outside of that season, Bennett has mostly been an underachiever over his first eight NFL seasons, and he’s now on his fourth team.
Cutler was asked about Bennett’s criticism, and via Chris Emma of CBS Chicago, here’s what he had to say from Bears’ training camp:
"“I’m really not going to get into that,” Cutler said. “Most receivers and tight ends are always open. Hopefully, Tom (Brady) can do a better job of finding him than I did. You can’t please everybody.”"
New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall apparently does not agree with the Bennetts, as he offered Cutler up as an MVP candidate during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take earlier this week. While that’s an overly optimistic statement, that two former teammates have such opposite views of Cutler seems perfect given how polarizing he is in general
I’ve been a card-carrying Cutler defender, since reactions to his demeanor are often overblown, and he’s had to deal with multiple offensive system changes during his career. He’s finally getting a bit of continuity this year, with quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains promoted to replace the departed Adam Gase as Bears’ offensive coordinator.
Cutler will remain a lightning rod for criticism until he retires since he can do no right in some people’s eyes. Those people will surely say he should have responded to Bennett’s criticism more controversially, if only so they can criticize him some more for defending himself heartily. But Cutler took the high road, and I commend him for not stooping to Bennett’s level.
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