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Bears' Cutler Responds To Comments From Marshall, Bennett: 'Can't Please Everybody'

By Chris Emma--

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. (CBS) -- Even as the years go by and circumstances change, there's always conversation surrounding polarizing Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.

Fans will have their fill of talk about the 33-year-old Cutler, and players will too. Most notably, former Bears receiver Brandon Marshall and tight end Martellus Bennett spoke out about Cutler recently.

"I'll go out on a limb and say this again," Marshall said on ESPN's "First Take." "I truly believe if Alshon Jeffery stays healthy, and then you have Kevin White, if this rookie can come in and catch 55-plus balls, Jay Cutler can be an MVP this year."

Co-host Stephen A. Smith responded: "I can't believe you just said that with a straight face."

Then came a not-so-positive remark from Bennett, speaking in an ESPN The Magazine feature with his brother, Michael, a defensive end for the Seahawks.

Michael Bennett called Cutler the "worst quarterback in the NFL."

Added Martellus, now with the Patriots: "I'd be open and he'd throw into double coverage."

Back in Bourbonnis on Wednesday, the Bears were at work in their second camp without Marshall and first without Bennett.

Staying consistent, Cutler took the high road when asked about the commentary.

"I'm really not going to get into that," Cutler said. "Most receivers and tight ends are always open. Hopefully, Tom (Brady) can do a better job of finding him than I did.

"You can't please everybody. We're at both ends of the spectrum here.

"We wish both of those guys good luck. I had fun playing with them here. It's just kind of how it goes, guys go to different teams. We wish them the best of luck."

Cutler was then asked why he believes former teammates feel the need to offer commentary from the outside.

"I don't know," he replied. "I could say something clever and smart, but I'll just pass."

Bears Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long was asked similarly why former teammates would be enticed to speak about Cutler.

"Because they're not here anymore," Long said.

"I couldn't care less would somebody who's not on our team thinks about our players. We've got our guys, we love our team. Best of luck to them."

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.

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