With criticism of Jay Cutler mounting, the Bears quarterback spoke with the media in the locker room after Sunday’s loss in an attempt to explain his disappointing day.

Cutler said he was hopeful he could keep playing, but he was unable to plant and throw because of his knee injury. He said the decision to come out of the game was not his decision.

Coach Lovie Smith echoed that sentiment.

“There was no decision at all,” Smith said. “He was injured. He was hurt and he couldn’t go. The trainers and doctors . . . made that decision.”

Cutler said he was disappointed and that it was a “lonely feeling” to watch the game from the sideline. He “hoped” he wouldn’t require surgery, but didn’t know the extent of the injury. (Center Olin Kreutz thought Cutler had a torn knee ligament, but that may be guesswork at this point.)

A reporter asked Cutler what he thought of all the criticism from other NFL player on Twitter about his toughness.

“No comment,” Cutler said, his distaste for the question clear.

And with that, Cutler’s resurgent season ended as he limped out of the locker room.