Bears GM on Cutler: Jay is a 'franchise-level' quarterback

Much-maligned Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has a fan -- and it's one of the most important people Cutler could have on his side.

Bears general manager Phil Emery declared himself a Cutler fan, despite Cutler's sideline antics.

"I'm a Jay Cutler fan. I believe in what he's doing as a quarterback," Emery said. "You look at some of the simple things, the 9-1 (record) in the last 10 games, 22-10 over the last three years. Those stats say something that we have a winner at a key position for our franchise. I said earlier in the year I felt Jay was a franchise-level quarterback. I will continue to say that."

Chicago's season was derailed last season when Cutler went down with a broken thumb. The Bears had started off the season 7-3 behind Cutler, but finished with an 8-8 record without Cutler.

So far in 2012, Cutler has completed 90-of-156 passes for 1,209 yards, while throwing seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. Four of Cutler's interceptions came in Chicago's Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Cutler's Bears are currently tied atop the NFC North with the Minnesota Vikings (4-1) heading into Chicago's Week 6 bye. The Bears will be back in action on Monday, Oct. 22, when Chicago plays host to the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football.