Cutler's comments likely irked Marshall
The Jay Cutler-Brandon Marshall tiff did not begin earlier in the week when Marshall agreed that he, too, would have buyer's remorse if he had signed Cutler to a $126.7 million contract.
The war of words started after the 34-17 Thanksgiving Day loss to the Lions, when Cutler was asked about Marshall's performance.
“He had a couple drops,” Cutler said. “He made some catches for us. I'm not sure how he blocked.”
It wasn't as bad as when Cutler shoved J'Marcus Webb after chastising him on the sideline during a 2012 game, but the quarterback rarely says anything negative, publicly, about a teammate.
Marshall was targeted 11 times and had 6 catches in that game for only 42 yards. Cutler completed 31 of 48 passes for 280 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions for a 76.7 passer rating, his third worst of the season.
The quarterback-wide receiver relationship was considered rock solid after Cutler campaigned for the Bears to get Marshall and it came to fruition before the 2012 season. Now, with Marshall on injured reserve after his least productive season since his rookie year, it remains to be seen if the dysfunctional duo will be back intact in 2015.
Coach Marc Trestman was asked if he was aware of any problems between Cutler and Marshall.
“All I can tell you is what we see every day,” Trestman said. “And we see an amicable relationship, a working relationship, a professional relationship — that's all we see here. That's the only time I'm around them, basically, is when I see them here. And that's all I've seen throughout the course of the year.”
Good for him:
Safety Ryan Mundy is the 2014 winner of the “Good Guy” award presented by the Chicago chapter of the Professional Football Writers of America.
The six-year veteran, who leads the team by a wide margin with 70 solo tackles, was given the award based on his professionalism, courtesy and respect during the season.
“It's something I'm proud of,” said Mundy, who was signed by the Bears as an unrestricted free agent in the off-season after spending 2013 with the Giants and the previous four years with the Steelers. “Being there for the media is particularly important with the season we are having so we can help tell the story.
“If no one says anything, writers are left to write whatever they think is going on. The message can get distorted. I've tried to give perspective on where we are as a team. That was my role, one of my responsibilities I took on this year.”
Join the crowd:
Eleven-year-veteran middle linebacker D.J. Williams landed on injured reserve Thursday, joining fellow defensive starters Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman and Lamarr Houston.
Jon Bostic will take over for Williams in the middle, with undrafted rookie Christian Jones starting on the weak side, where Bostic started the past three games. Bostic also started once in the middle (Week 3) and twice on the strong side (Weeks 4-5). Jones has started once at weak side and once at strong side.
Williams' neck injury has been a nagging problem for much of the season and could likely be a career-ender for the 32-year-old, who is third on the team with 73 tackles. He missed 10 games last season with a chest injury.
Special delivery:
Two-time Pro Bowl fullback Montell Owens was signed Thursday.
The nine-year veteran, originally undrafted out of Maine, has appeared in 108 games with four starts playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars (2006-12) and Detroit Lions (2013-14).
He has 74 career special teams tackles, 3 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries. The 5-foot-10, 225-pounder has 56 carries for 292 yards and 3 touchdowns and 12 receptions for 132 yards. He will wear No. 24.
Injury update:
Safety Chris Conte (back), kicker Robbie Gould (right quadriceps), offensive lineman Michael Ola (back) and linebacker Darryl Sharpton (hamstring) did not practice Thursday. Defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff (knee) was limited.