April 15--Tackle Jermon Bushrod became the latest Bears offensive lineman to voice offseason support for Jay Cutler and also addressed Matt Forte's absence from the team's voluntary workout program.
Asked Tuesday about Cutler during an interview with Alex Marvez and Bill Polian on Sirius XM NFL Radio, Bushrod said, "I'm behind him. The offensive line is behind him. We love the guy. I see the work he puts in. We have to be better. We all have to be better around him. We have to give him the looks that he needs. We have to give him the time that he needs back there. Everyone has to do their part and he's going to do his part. He wants to win just like the rest of us."
Guards Kyle Long and Matt Slauson also have rallied behind their beleaguered quarterback this offseason, with Long saying of Cutler last month, "He's as consistent as anyone I've ever been around in terms of his work ethic and his preparation. I think Jay is one of the most talented guys in the NFL. And if you were to tell me there was a better option out there, I'd be willing to hear you out, but my vote is with No. 6."
Bushrod also cited Cutler's work ethic as something fans need to see to truly appreciate.
"The way people talk about him, they would feel pretty bad about themselves after they got the chance to meet him," Bushrod said. "I see the guy every day. I see what he does. We all have to be better. We all have to rally around each other and we have to know that when times get tough, we have to be closer. When we are having some success we have to be closer. We have to have the same mindset and our coaching staff will do that."
Forte, who is entering the final year of his contract, skipped the first day of the Bears' voluntary workout program Monday at Halas Halll in favor of training in Florida.
"Whatever he has going on, he's handling it," Bushrod said. "This is a business and guys are going to do what they feel like is best for them. I see the work he puts in.
"Whether he's here or wherever he's at, he's working. We're not going to worry about what we can't control. We have to focus on what's going on in the building right now, and when he comes back, we won't skip a beat."
