Jay Cutler has his detractors. He has his believers. Most fall squarely in one category or the other.

One of the Bears QB’s outspoken critics — at least since Cutler left last season’s NFC Championship Game with a knee injury — has been NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders. After checking in with his guys on Chicago’s roster, Sanders sounds like he’s ready to have his opinion swayed.

“I think he’s come a long ways,” Sanders said Wednesday on “No Huddle.” “I’m going to believe those guys that are right there in the locker room with him on a daily basis that he’s made the maturation to be the guy that we think he can.

“Do I believe in him? Mmmmm, a little bit. I think he has everything to be a successful quarterback. And, I do like him.”

For many, Cutler certainly loses some style points with his demeanor. Steve Mariucci was in on the discussion, and he’s one who doesn’t question Cutler’s toughness.

“I believe he’s a tough guy,” Mariucci said. “He got a lot of grief for not playing in the second half (of that game). But you know what? The doctors pulled him out of that game.”

Perhaps the court of public opinion on Cutler is starting to shift as well.

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