CULVER CITY, Calif. -- Not everyone seems to think the Chicago Bears made the right move by giving Jay Cutler a fat new contract last week.
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During a Tuesday visit to the "Around The League Podcast" studio, we asked Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall why the veteran quarterback has become a magnet for criticism.
"Because we've been mediocre," said Marshall. "It started in Denver, we were mediocre, we didn't get it done there. They shipped us out, we separated for a little bit. You look at just Jay, he got to Chicago and he hasn't gotten it done."
Marshall -- currently prepping for his "Thriller" season -- says Cutler doesn't deserve all the blame for Chicago's shortcomings. Marshall pointed out that the game's best quarterbacks enjoy the benefits of coaching stability and a balanced supporting cast -- things Cutler hasn't had in the past.
"Jay has had a different offensive coordinator, has been in a different system almost every year," he said. "He hasn't had Alshon Jeffery, Martellus Bennett. He hasn't had those guys or an offensive line. We went from one of the worst offensive lines a year ago to a top five O-line protecting the quarterback. "Now he has that, and then he has (coach) Marc Trestman ... someone who stimulates him every day, challenges him, put him in uncomfortable positions to make him better. Before he got hurt, we saw his numbers on pace to be the best he's ever had."
Marshall believes the Bears took another positive step with the signing.
"I think we made the right decision. I love the way (general manager) Phil Emery got it done. He didn't let drag on into the offseason, no distractions for the team. It was like, 'Hey, this is our guy, we're moving forward.' And that's why I love being a Bear."
Cutler has the faith of his team. Now comes the hard part -- proving it's well placed.
Listen to the entire interview with Bears star Brandon Marshall on the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast."
