Did Martellus Bennett Bash Jay Cutler?

Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. The Lions defeated the Bears 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

There is an unspoken rule in the NFL that teammates don’t call out other teammates. That each player should keep personal opinions and issues within the locker room no matter how difficult the season has been. Some people seem to think Martellus Bennett broke this rule and with his comments on Jay Cutler’s passion for the game, commitment to winning and lack of emotions displayed on the sidelines. Bennett made several appearances during Super Bowl week and answered many questions on Chicago’s starting quarterback. The one commonly asked was, does he still believe in Jay Cutler? Bennett replied yes; he still thinks Cutler or “Cutty” as he called him can get the job done. But it was what he said during an interview on ESPN First Take that made some heads turn. Bennett stated he at times has questioned if winning was important to Cutler and how much losing affected him.

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Of course, fans took to Twitter to share that disappointment in Bennett’s comments. But here’s the thing, he was speaking honestly. He was asked a straightforward question that required a direct answer, which he gave. Yes, there was probably a more “politically” correct way to respond. But Bennett’s comments were nothing to cause an uproar over. He didn’t bash his teammate or throw him under the bus. I mean really, the team was 5-11 and subject to several blowout losses in prime time games. Therefore, shouldn’t everyone’s commitment be in question; especially, their 100 million dollar quarterback, who was the highest paid offensive player in all of football in 2014.

Let’s be real here people, Cutler has all but sucked the life out of every Chicago Bears fan and diminished their hopes of actually competing. So imagine what it must have been like as a player on the field with him and his sometimes nonchalant attitude. Even his biggest cheerleader Brandon Marshall seems to be jumping off the Cutler bandwagon. At this point can his teammates actually defend him? No they can’t. Cutler’s poor performance and lack of leadership has caused any criticism that he’s received. So the only person who can defend Jay Cutler is himself by becoming a better leader and winning games. With that said I don’t believe there was any malice or ill intent on the part of Bennett, he was just being honest and stating the facts.