The Front Row with JASON ELLIOTT Jan. 26, 2011

At one time, NFL quarterbacks were held to the highest of standards.

Whether Joe Montana or John Elway, there was a time when if a quarterback was injured, nobody questioned it.

After listening to the backlash from Jay Cutler's early exit due to injury, those days appear to be numbered.

CUTLER WAS injured in the second quarter of the Chicago Bears' 21-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC championship game on Sunday.

While he was unable to continue in the game, some fans and commentators questioned his demeanor on the sidelines after being removed from the game.

As Cutler stood on the sidelines, the Bears began to battle back and nearly found a way to tie the game had the Packers not intercepted a pass late in the game.

But as the day wore on, more shots were taken at Cutler for not at least trying to will his team to a win.

On Monday, the team announced that Cutler had a grade-two MCL sprain, meaning that it wasn't completely torn, but that some surrounding ligaments were severely damaged.

Critics have since backed off earlier comments, but the fact that some are doubting his heart worries me.

Not only had Cutler been sacked more than 50 times this season, but the beating that some quarterbacks take - just to bounce back seven days later amazes me at times.

Also, if a player can't protect himself, and the belief of Chicago coach Lovie Smith was that Cutler couldn't, then keeping him in the game could have been a bigger mistake.

BUT THE debate has continued through Tuesday, with commentators continuing to weigh in.

Meanwhile, the Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers have advanced to the Super Bowl at Arlington, Texas, taking place in a little under two weeks - just in case you hadn't heard.

It amazes me that two years ago, Cutler was supposed to be a franchise quarterback for the Denver Broncos. Later that offseason, he was shipped to Chicago.

Cutler likely won’t be dealt anytime soon.

Had this happened to either Montana or Elway, the chances they continued might have been pretty good. Especially considering what it takes to get to a Super Bowl — if Cutler was able to play, he might have finished what he started.

Instead, he didn’t and now the Bears will have the offseason to answer questions about what could have been, instead of what should have been.

INJURES ARE a part of the game, no matter what sport a player competes in.

In football, players get injured all the time. Some bounce back from those injuries quicker than others.

But the heart should never be questioned.

Jason Elliott is a sports writer for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He can be reached by telephone at 664-8176, Ext. 2020, or via e-mail at jelliott@cdapress.com.