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Former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher calls out Jay Cutler for poor play

Matt Marton / USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears have stumbled to a 3-4 start and plenty of questions have been raised about the team's lack of leadership.

After Sunday's loss to the Miami Dolphins, reports emerged that wide receiver Brandon Marshall participated in a shouting match with Jay Cutler, calling out the Bears' quarterback for his poor play.

Former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher also pointed fingers at Cutler, telling 87.7 FM The Game on Wednesday that the Bears' quarterback is paid like an elite QB, but fails to play like one.

"Financially, he is one of the elite guys in the NFL. ... He just hasn't produced like an elite quarterback," Urlacher said.

Cutler is being paid a base salary of $22.5 million for this season.

"You look at the Bradys, the Mannings, the Rodgers, the Brees, those guys win every year, even with no one around them," he said. "And you look at Jay. He's got Brandon (Marshall), Alshon (Jeffery), Matt (Forte), this great offensive line, Martellus Bennett, and they can't seem to put it together, for some reason. 

"I'm not sure if that's his fault, but for some reason, they just can't figure it out."

On Wednesday, defensive end Jared Allen responded to the criticism of Cutler. 

"I mean there is always a fine line when someone is just spouting off and acting crazy. But that sure as heck didn’t happen in our locker room," Allen said of Marshall's alleged post-game tirade, according to the Chicago Tribune's Dan Wiederer. "That was just raw, good emotion. I respect guys like that, I respect guys who have passion for the game."

And Allen certainly doesn't think the Bears are lacking leadership. 

“I think we have great leaders here. I mean leaders don’t necessarily have to stand up at the podium and make some big speech," he said. "As a matter of fact, if someone gets up every week and has to have a ‘Coach is out. Let’s have (a big meeting).’ That’s lame. Honestly. What’s that going to do? That’s rah-rah.

"Leadership comes from the guys who show up every week, go out and work during practice. They’re in their playbook, they know what they’re doing and they go out on Sunday and give it everything they got.”

Chicago has a tough test ahead Sunday against the New England Patriots.

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