National Football League

Bears legend Ditka defends Jay Cutler

Published Jan. 24, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

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Legendary Chicago Bears player and coach Mike Ditka defended quarterback Jay Cutler Monday following Chicago's 21-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers Sunday in the NFC Championship Game.

The Super Bowl-winning player and coach dismissed mounting criticism regarding Cutler's toughness after the Bears quarterback left Sunday's game early in the third quarter with an unspecified knee injury.

“I can’t buy that stuff,” Ditka said.

“I know damn well he did not quit on this football team. I think people who think that, I think they’re ridiculous. Whether they like him or they don’t like him, he did not quit on this football team," he added.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported Monday, citing an unnamed source, that Cutler will undergo an MRI Monday to determine the extent of a possible MCL tear in his left knee.

Cutler said after the game that he had taken a shot to the outside of his knee, which would be consistent with possible MCL damage.

The fifth-year veteran managed just 80 yards passing in the first half against the Packers. He was seen on the sidelines after the halftime break riding a stationary bike as trainers looked on.

Cutler was initially replaced by backup quarterback Todd Collins, but third-stringer Caleb Hanie was brought in after Collins went 0-4 on pass attempts.

Hanie nearly sparked a Chicago comeback, but came up short after two critical interceptions sealed the deal for Green Bay, who will now face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6.
 

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