Brian Urlacher on Jay Cutler scrutiny: 'I don't understand it'

Quarterback Jay Cutler has led the Chicago Bears to a 4-1 record and first place in the NFC North, however, he is scrutinized for his behavior off the field far more than he is praised for his performance on it, according to Brian Urlacher, who says, for one, he doesn't understand it.

When asked by Waddle and Silvy of ESPN Chicago why Cutler is scrutinized more than other players in the league, Urlacher couldn't put his finger on it:

"I don't understand it. I do understand it because people perceive him for what he is, which is what I think. So he gets into a fight on the sidelines. So? It happens all the time. People seem to make a bigger deal when Jay Cutler does it."

Cutler has been criticized primarily for two sideline interactions, one incident where he yelled at and bumped offensive lineman J'Marcus Webb, and another where he walked away from offensive coordinator Mike Tice. Urlacher says Cutler doesn't do anything different from any other NFL player, including himself:

"I can't tell you how many times I've gotten into a fight with (linebackers coach) Bob Babich on the sidelines, yelling and screaming. I'd wish I'd walk away like Jay did because me and Bob Babich end up getting into a screaming matches on the sidelines. It's not necessary and Jay did the right – I don't know if it's the right thing – but he felt it's what he needed to do. He walked away instead of getting into a screaming match."