Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall has stated that quarterback Jay Cutler should not be the scapegoat for the team's shortcomings this season.

The Bears missed out on the playoffs after an epic week 17 loss to the Green Bay Packers, making Cutler an easy target for criticism over the past week.

However, Marshall has leapt to Cutler's defence, saying that it is the team as a whole who are to blame.

Speaking to NFL.com, Marshall said: "Jay has had a different offensive coordinator, has been in a different system almost every year. He hasn't had Alshon Jeffery or Martellus Bennett. He hasn't had those guys or an offensive line.

"We went from one of the worst offensive lines a year ago to a top five O-line protecting the quarterback. Now he has that, and then he has Marc Trestman - someone who stimulates him every day and challenges him. Marc puts him in uncomfortable positions to make him better.

"Before Jay got hurt, we saw his numbers on pace to be the best he's ever had. Because we've been mediocre, people look at just Jay. Because 'he' hasn't gotten it done."

Cutler missed a large chunk of the season through injury, with Josh McCown stepping in for over a month.