Houston Texans linebacker Tim Dobbins was fined $30,000 for the helmet-to-helmet hit that concussed Jay Cutler.

But the Bears quarterback didn't blame Dobbins and added that defenders are in a tough spot with heightened NFL rules to protect his position.

"I don't think there's ever any malicious intent," Cutler said on ESPN 1000's Waddle & Silvy show. "He's out there reacting and playing football.

"At the end of the day, I wouldn't want to be a defender. It's hard. You're expected to play at an extremely high level, but your target has shrunk."

Asked about the $30,000 fine, Cutler said, "Fair or unfair, those are the rules."

On the play, late in the second quarter, Cutler approached the line of scrimmage, released a pass intended for Devin Hester then was smashed by Dobbins. It appeared Dobbins took at least one step and perhaps two after Cutler released the pass.

Cutler was flagged on the play for crossing the line of scrimmage. But that play offset Dobbins' personal foul penalty.