Adam Gase Defends Jay Cutler Once Again as Criticism Mounts

After another putrid offensive performance in their 20-0 shutout loss at the hands of the New Orleans Saints last Sunday, the Miami Dolphins (1-2) and head coach Adam Gase continue to face criticism for the play of starting quarterback Jay Cutler.

A play that forced some to question Cutler’s effort came early in the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Saints.

In the play, Cutler lined up as a wide receiver in the wildcat formation while running back Jay Ajayi took the snap. Cutler was heavily mocked on social media because he barely gave any effort whatsoever on the play.

Coach Gase, however, said his quarterback did what he was supposed to do on the play and that he wasn’t concerned about Cutler’s body language.

“As soon as he steps forward, they can knock the … I won’t say it, but they can hit him,” Gase said. “If he steps back or doesn’t move, now you’re looking at different kinds of penalties. Until you go through it, where a quarterback steps off the ball and starts working downfield and you watch one of them get blasted.”

Cutler echoed his coach’s words and said that he was just following his assignment for the play.

“That’s what they told me to do: Sit there, don’t get hit, don’t touch anybody, don’t move,” Cutler said. “I feel like I executed that one.”

The Dolphins will look to correct their offensive woes on Sunday when they play their first home game of the season against the Tennessee Titans, who are coming off a 57-14 blowout loss to the Houston Texans.