Jay Cutler: Fair or Foul?

Yesterday was of course a big day for football fans, as it was the day of the conference championships in the NFL. And though both the Packers and Steelers impressed in victories (leading to Superbowl berths), the biggest story seems to revolve around the NFL's resident punching bag, Jay Cutler.

In case you missed it, Jay Cutler left the crucial game early on with an apparent leg injury. So far in his drama-filled career, Cutler has been labeled as a cry-baby, a sore-sport, and not a team player.

The notion that Cutler left the game due to him playing badly is ludicrous, however. I am not a Cutler fan really, as I think he couldn't care less about winning at times, but this instance is different. Cutler isn't the type to admit that he played poorly. Hell, after throwing four interceptions (!) to D'Angelo Hall after a game against Washington, Cutler claimed he would throw the ball to him again. Clearly, the guy has some cajones, and doesn't care what people think about him or his performance.

Now, Cutler played badly in his limited time yesterday. But that doesn't mean he was feigning injury. This is the guy who has been sacked 52 times this season, the most of any quarterback. That, on top of frigid conditions, and having to look at Clay Matthews across the way, could all contribute to an injury.

Again, Cutler is far from a model athlete. In fact, I lean more toward dis-liking him more than toward liking him. But to claim that he's not injured without any MRI results or other medical backing, is uninformed. I'm giving Cutler the benefit of the doubt here, as should others. You don't know what it's like to be battered and bruised behind a terrible offensive line for two seasons in chilly conditions.

What does the UB Faithful think? Was Cutler really hurt, thusly justified and leaving, or is he slowly morphing into Jeff George? Let us know in the comment section or in the all-new UB Forums.

Thanks to ESPN.com for the link.