CHICAGO — Jay Cutler, in his usual nonchalant manner, stepped up to the podium Wednesday and avoided stepping into controversy.

The Bears quarterback could have declared Sunday’s Bears-Broncos exhibition a grudge match, considering the way he left Denver on bad terms. Instead he took the Mile High road, brushing off the showdown as insignificant.
“Preseason game,” he said. “We can’t make it more than it is.”
Cutler could have used the forum to fire back at first-year Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels, whose desire to bring Matt Cassel to the Broncos infuriated Cutler and led to a trade demand. Instead, Cutler kept his words to a minimum when asked if he communicated with any of the Broncos brass since the trade.
“I don’t think they want to talk to me,” he said.
Not even talk of Broncos fans burning his jersey or serenading him with boos seemed to faze Cutler. It’s not like the guy expected a downtown Denver parade to celebrate his return.
“Probably poorly,” Cutler said of how he would be received by Broncos fans. “That would be my first guess.”
When asked by Chicago media members what he missed the most about Denver, Cutler responded, “Nothing. I’m good right now.”
Shortly thereafter, on a conference call with media in Denver, Cutler said he had fun in Denver, loved his teammates and loved playing there.
If he continues to play things down the middle Sunday night, Cutler may have to follow every touchdown toss with an interception.
In all reality, Cutler no doubt carries a chip into this game. His situation was somewhat unprecedented because Pro Bowl quarterbacks aren’t shipped out of town often, even by request.
“Whenever you get a different coach in there, a different scheme, different personnel guys, they want their type of guys,” Cutler said. “So I can see (such a trade) happening in the future.”
That was about as close as Cutler came to taking a shot at McDaniels. But shortly afterward, he lauded McDaniels as a great offensive mind capable of putting guys in the right spots.
So what should we expect from Cutler come Sunday? Well, probably not a group hug with his former teammates. But he is sure to share a moment with embattled Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall, formerly his top target. Cutler did not want to speculate about Marshall’s situation, with Marshall also seeking a trade.
“He’s a really good player,” Cutler said. “He has had some problems off the field. I think everyone knows that. But you get him on the field and he makes plays.
“Knowing Brandon, he’s a good guy. I know him well personally. I’ve always liked him. I like being around him”
There might be boos ringing at Invesco Field, but all of them might not be directed toward Cutler. Ex-Bear quarterback Kyle Orton, who was part of the trade that brought Cutler to Chicago, has heard the jeers from the home fans after a rough start in exhibitions.
Cutler can empathize.
“It’s tough,” he said. “I feel bad for Kyle. I think he’s going pull through in the long run.”