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A bruiser to step up at RB (120+ yds/game) would be a huge asset - and make Jay Cutler look like the second coming of John Elway. One of the keys to win is to keep Denver's defense off the field.
The Broncos, in their last 2 games, display a team that is mentally down.
A change to Cutler is an awesome thing for these reasons:
1/ Adds a down field threat and re enthuses the offence.
2/ Makes the defence want to play better to the help the rook out.
3/ Will take stress of running game as Cutler has a lot more options than Jake does.
4/ The Broncos do have offensive weapons, and Cutler gives them the better chance to take advantage of them,
This whole thing will re invigorate and galvanise the team. Dont be surprised if this turns out better than we think. If it does not, we just get a jump start on next year. It is a good situation either way!
A Vandy fan here. I saw Cutler do things in college that make me more than confident that he will thrive in this offense.
Also: He loves pressure.
Cheers!
We need a LEADER at the QB position, Cutler can be that person! Be patient and I honestly think we will see good things come from Cutler.
Denver 28 Seattle 16
Jay Cutler will make mistakes as a rookie just like John Elway did. But you have to start sometime and I would lots rather see him start know instead of next year. Jay has to skills and the arm this team needs to develop a deep threat. We have two awesome wide receivers and we should be taking advantage of them.
Let JAY PLAY
I haven't heard anyone mention the absence of Gary Kubiak all year long. Does anyone remember him? Doesn't anyone see the connection with the flat offense and no Kubiak?
Denver would be 10-1 or 9-2 if they would have taken Maroney in the draft and a pass rusher
according to Denver 'fans':
Global Warming - Jake's fault
war in Iraq - Jake's fault
homeless in america - Jake's fault
Poopr tackling, no blocking, bad play calling, running game stalled and un creative defensive coverages - all Jake's fault
Get real people - you'll ruin Cutler too. I wouldnt want to play for you after seeing how you treated Jake.
Fact: Plummer is more mobile and more elusive than Cutler.
Fact: The Bronocs defense, through the course of the season thus far, has in various games been rung up like a pin ball machine by opposition offenses both by running and passing the ball.
Fact: The Broncos cannot prssure the oppossing quarterbacks and cannot pass protect for their own.
Fact: The Broncos kick off and punt coverage teams are the worst in recent memory for the entire NFL.
What will be the results of all these facts?
I think 9-7, maybe 10-6 and this year's playoffs will see the Broncos as a no-show.
The last I check Jack Plummer wasn't the one blowing a 17 point lead or letting LJ run wild on us. Jack Plummer is not the only problem this team has. Have you ever heard of special teams. It is hard to get going when we start every drive on the 20 yard line or inside the 20. I don't believe Jay will do any better than Jake. And what if he starts to struggle, you fans that wanted him will be calling for his head. Our best chance this year is Jake Plummer.
How many years left on Shany's contract? Does it contain a performance clause? If so, he's in trouble fro the next 3 years
Remember Jim Plunkett who was trashed by NE....Went to Oakland and and the rest is history. Hope Jake learns from this experience. Best of luck to you
Hope Al Davis gives Plummer what he needs to square off against Shany's NEW Golden Boy
but shanahans play calling
at end of games has been abismal,he may need benched
also
The Bronco's are in a dire straight at many levels. Jake was probably the least necessary position that needed tending.
I hope the fix for this team is as simple as the dawning of the Cutler era, but I doubt it.
Bronco fans, are you ready to hang on for a long pony ride? I hope so.
PUT THE KID IN.......NOW!!!!!
Even with Jay...the second coming of old Horse Face...Cutler, you still have no running back, an O-line that is far dirtier than it is skilled, and a Defense that was heralded as the tops in the league by the overzealous media, but which has been raked over the coals and exposed by the rest of the AFC West.
The Broncos switching QBs now is a total desperation move. Maybe Cutler IS as good as he is billed, but you won't find out this year.
Have fun sitting out the playoffs. Maybe you and the raiders fans can have fun watching the playoffs together :)
Where did our running game go? It's a little more difficult when they are putting eight in the box because they know the quarterback stand in the pocket and beat them.
How about all the dropped passes and interceptions that have gone through receivers hands? They will be greatly minimalized with an accurate passer. Our receivers are talented, but they are not Gumby.
Defense is losing games now? It doesn't help that the offense can't stay on the field. Also, if a defense holds a team to 19 points, we should still have the fire power to beat them.
I am excited for the change. I am primarily excited to say good-bye to the constant need for bootleg passes. Having to run the bootleg to complete passes is like having to run reverses to rush the ball. At this point it's a gimmick and I am happy to see it's use reduced.
Good-bye Jake.
Hello Cutler.
Eat that, Denver.
Last year the media made up excuses all year long for the Chargers and their schedule. Denver's schedule this year looks like the entire playoff bracket, and I am certainly happy with 7-4 taking a step back and looking at the entire year.
Plus no media member in Denver has mentioned the fact that Rod Smith is the only returning starter at the skill positions for Jake. Who's fault is that? Jake's? I think not. There are obiviously some chemistry problems with the new offensive personnel and the blame goes to Shanny. New England had a similar situation and got this done while struggling through some close games, and now appears to be very capable on offense.
I think that Jake could have had a great year, but Shanny pissed it away by thinking rookies could replace Putzier, Anderson and Lelie. Shanny has also showed that he can't coach. He can game plan and call plays but he can't coach. Jake and Shanny didn't have blow-ups like they have this year, reason: No Gary Kubiak. Kub is a great QB coach and his presense and value are sorely missed this season. I've been a Jake supporter, but I'm looking forward to Cutler next Sunday. However, it should be Shanny and the coaching staff taking the heat for inconsistent play this season not Plummer.
Post script: The Denver Bronco beat writers are in love with Shanahan and Elway. Hence, no harsh statements against Shanny and all quarterbacks that wear a Bronco uniform will never get the treatment Elway received in the media. Just a fact of life.
You can't deny the facts about this Bronco team. We have the worst special teams unit in the NFL. The O-line has more holes in it than a Swiss cheese factory. Only Walker has had a consistent set of hands all year. The play calling has been suspect most of the season. We also give up too many stupid penalties on defense.
Yes, I give you that Plummer has been inconsistent, but he is the fall guy for everything else that is wrong with this Denver team. I hope Cutler does well, but the basics haven't changed.
Witness the Arizona Cardinals yesterday. They turned Matt Leinart loose to throw on nearly every down, and it still didn't matter. I'm not saying we're as bad as the Arizona, but Cutler could throw for 500 yards and it wouldn't matter if these other problems aren't fixed!
So I think this move is absolutely the right one.
It could have even been right 2 weeks ago, although subjecting a rookie to the last 2 games as his first starts might have been tough on his psyche.
Did none of you watch last year's AFC Championship?
Can a suingle one of you posit a logical argument as to why Jake could do better this year?
I would rather have a rookie with potential making horrendous throws (or fumbling snaps) than have someone who might make few enough mistakes to get us to the playoffs only to completely embarrass us!!!
Another rumor ive heard is play calling has been consertive mainly due to Coach doesnt want Jake to make a Mistake... Maybe he'll be able to open up the book with Cutler... So far this season when the game is on the line Jake has crumbled under pressure... I could of expected Jake to stuggle a game or two ever QB does but to have it week in and week out making bad judgements cant cut it for a starter... I have good respect for Jake and will Support him if he's still under Center and think Every Denver Fan should regardless of their opinions towards him... And since most likely Cutler will get the start and most likely will be the beginning of his era Not to expect him to take us to the SB this year...I can tell you from watching tapes of him from Vandy he'll do very well but being a rookie he'll have a learning curve but the City and fans should get behind him and support him... He'll only get better plus playing in these big time games i think will help him develop...
This is just a sad day. I like Jake a lot and he tries so hard.
I just hope somebody takes Jay to the center of the 50 yard line and points to the number 7 on the hall of fame ring and lets him no the standard this town expects. You're that or you're nothing at all, young man.
Now, we're calling for Cutler. Why? Because he is an upgrade to Jake. Plain & Simple. Watch and see and you'll enjoy a qb who can throw from the pocket as well as throw on the run. He is NOT 1 dimensional.
I Believe in JC!!
People: Plummer is the 29th rated QB in the league, helllllloooooo? Denver won't win ANYTHING with that kind of abysmal performance from a QB, get a grip! Ask yourselves HONESTLY: When was the last time Plummer WON a game for Denver, all by himself? Ever? I cannot remember Plummer ever carrying Denver to a win on his back, and that's the QB's entire JOB on occasion. Jake has proven over his 11-year career that he simply cannot make "the BIG PLAY" when his team needs it.
Bottom line- Jake's mediocre play affects EVERY aspect of the team INCLUDING the D AND the run game. How?
1- If a D stacks 8 or 9 people in the box to stop the run, you HAVE to make them pay by beating them with the QB's arm. Plummer is simply unable to do this, thus, we can't run.
2- If the D is on the field the entire time because the O can't make a 1st down, the D gets tired eventually. Furthermore, the O's inability to get a first down wears down the D's psyche, making them more vulnerable.
We've seen these clearly in the last two games.
No, Plummer is not to blame for everything, but history shows time and time again that there's nothing like a QB change to spark a team. Denver needs that spark, and HAS to have better performance and efficiency from the QB to get to where they, and we all want them to go- the Superbowl.
If JC gets mangled, you won't have any QB
Shany will have to say Jake, PLEASE be my friend. Won't happen Let's call up former Bronco (CSU) backup for insurance
Shaking things up might be the best way to re-ernergize the team. Jake's been far better than Griese ever was, and got us to a new level. Let's take a moment to remember that as we welcome Cutler. Moving forward, a lot of other team problems are going to be better with a stronger arm at QB. No matter what, it's going to make some fun games to watch!
Think of the wasted draft picks over the past three years -- Maurice Clarrett (3rd round), Darius Watts (2nd round), Darrant "Toast" Williams (2nd round), Tony Scheffler (2nd round), Karl Paymah (3rd round), Jeremey Leseur (3rd round), George Foster (1st round), Terry Pierce (2nd Round), Quentin Griffin (4th Round), Nick Eason (4th Round), Bryant McNea (4th Round).
Outside of DJ Williams, who is the last player that we have drafted that is productive member of the team? This is the underlying problem not Plummer.
I honostly think Jake is suffering under the public scrutiny and outcry for Jay Cutler. Jake just doesn't have that thick skin that John Elway had when it came to dealing with criticism. and when Shanny drafted Jay that was a huge blow to Jake's ego.
Let's see what the kid Jay can do. you guys are forgetting that Phillip Rivers is a rookie this year too and he is have a fantastic year. yes he's been an understudy of Drew Brees the last couple of years and is in a better systme too. But i think the kid will do fine this year. proably not fantastic but fine. The one thing that will make a big difference is accuracy. I've heard that Jay has an Elway type arm, but is he accurate. Accuracy is what is missing from this years passing game. to many errant throws that are way off target. This is what will spread defenses and make the running game a little more effective.
I think this year is a wash, especially if Shannahan continues his stubborn streak of not being aggressive. There seems to be a deadly combination between Jake and Shanny. Whenever Shanny decides to get aggressive Jake is not up to the challenge. therefore Shannahan is left to be more conservative, and this is more often than not.
When you wrote that maybe Cutler won't be any good for a game or two...you really meant a "year or two" didn't you? You really don't think this rookie is going to be a homerun QB do you?
I emailed Mike Shanahan 6 years ago saying Jake the Snake needed to be benched and someone else to take on the reins. However, I guess he never got the email till NOW..!!
Comment by Scott — November 27, 2006 @ 10:38 am
What a bunch of clowns we have for fans-this is manifest with that ni66er in the barrel that shows up each game-THANKS LOSER WE HAVE A MASCOT-IT IS A BRONCO NOT SOME CHRIST-KILLING BRITISH SOCIALIST NI66ER IN A BARREL. The Haters can hate Jake all they want and Shanahan as well- Jake is 39-15 as a starter and will leave Denver with the highest winning percentage EVER! You aren't the man unless you are the man- as sorry as I am to see Jake's time wrap up without a championship, save all your pity for the troops and innocent Iraqi's being butchered by the war profiteering anarchist augustus bushie II who all you champions who can talk mad sh*t all day about Jake would never bring the heat to Haliburton/KBR/ Blackwater- who are purpossely creating instability and then exploiting it for the political and economic cornbread...are you going to write your new Dem reps when they walk away from the mandate the people gave them to end this international fuhqfest World Wide Waco...oh no you got to hate on Jake. That being said Shanahan is not evil and neither is Jake. With Jay Cutler in the offense has one guaranteed positive that cannot be marginalized- Cutler is bigger and stronger- he can punish teams downfeild in a way Jake cannot. The logic is that at 7-4 we simply cannot lose more than one more game and once we do reach the playoffs what will we do?- Well, by forcing Defenses to honor Jay's big play threat, it will help both the O-line and the running game which also helps the Tight-ends. By converting even a few more third down plays/ long yardage which is sure to result- it will increase our T.O.P. and keep opposing offenses off the filed- when those offenses do take the feild they will face a more rested D with less chances to beat them. Obviously the special teams are going to have to step up and play better. The only fault I have with Shanahan is that the whole 'carrot and stick' approach of sitting starters for whatever reason has turned from motivating tool into offending and demoralizing. Their IS NO BETTER CURE FOR ANY SPORTS TEAM THAN WINNING- and no more corrosive ill than losing. All Jake did for us was win, these two losses back to back- although not all on him...I think he sees that it is time for him to be a starter in a city that isn't full of british-sympathizing haters. So, good luck Jake- I love the Broncos and I love you and all that you have done for the team-best of luck...NOT ALL BRONCO FANS are souless cretins. Jay welcome to the NFL- I think we are seeing a future Hall of Famer begin his carrer and let me be one of the first to say-We had Super Bowl quality and potential before...Welcome 'The Franchise III'...Hey non-saintly diego...HOW DO YOU LIKE US NOW
I’ve been a fan of the Broncos since 1960. The backup QB is always the favorite. The team has no running game or special teams, and the D has failed, partly because of key injuries. Cutler won’t be the solution to those problems. He will look worse than Jake. Jake is a good QB. The offensive game plans should include Sapp and Johnson to block for Jake’s rollout passes, and catch them when the wideouts are covered. Shannahan is losing his capability as a coach.
Comment by Jim — November 27, 2006 @ 8:19 am
"
BINGO, this guy hit the nail on the head.
Interior D-line gets worn down in the first half due to small size. During the second half they don't get pressure, that's what led to the scoring of Indy and SD.
Darrent Williams needs to study film seriously. He lays off too often, and Champ gets in his face for it.
With both Ferguson and Brandon gone, this is a trouble spot. Hello Bradlee Van Pelt, this spot could be yours!!
Offensively, Mike Bell is the back, just let him pound the ball.
With Cutler starting, le's see if Sheffler decides to work hard at TE.
Special teams effort is a disaster, much like the past few years. Seems like a coaching change is necessary.
Cutler is a good thing.
Shanny's time is coming!
Who's the crackhead claiming greise is taking the Bears to the S.B.?
Yeah if Kub were here he would hold Jakes hand and make him play better. Whatever!He was a great Off. Co. because he had Shanny coaching him. Last time I looked Houston was 3 and 8 and Kub blew the draft!
For thirty years I dreamed of that day. That day that I would be in Denver to watch the Broncos play for the AFC championship. Against the black headed yellow bellies of soot town Pa. A few cold ones with the folks at the Coors T.G. party and on we go. Then we left. You Jake freaks Don't know what a real train wreck looks like till you see it in person. It was a bloody mess. The TV and print don't do it justice. It scars you for life. I was willing to forgive and forget by the time this season rolled around but forget it Jakes done. He has been given all the chances he deserves. It's called life. Now move on.
What's with all the sappy save the whale submissions from all these chicks? He's a nice man and a good person and where's the defense? wahh. They are on the field all day everyday you dorks!
(Hope not, because he is never open). I think Rod should have a seat next to Plummer on the pine.
here is how I see it...
Dave logan is calling the game:
Cutler fades back...he's got Jevon Walker down the sidelines
would you look at that spiral...Jevons got it in full stride at the 20,10 5 That is a Denver Bronco TOUCHDOWN!!!!!
I dont like the looks of this its 3rd and 12, Denver needs a 1st down bad to keep this drive alive in the 4th qtr..
Cutler fades back..he throws a stike between 2 defenders at midfield to Brandon Marshall at the 40 the 30 20...10....That is a denver Bronco TOUCHDOWN !!!
3rd and 20 denver is going to need a big play, looks like San diego is bringing the house on this play, Cutler sees the blitz and dumps it off to Tatum Bell, Bell has some blocking out in front of him, he cuts back at the 40...makes a guy miss at midfield..Tatums got one guy to beat...he wont catch him 20...10...05 and THAT IS A DENVER BRONCO TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!!!
Jake who?????
Find a decent team in the NFC that needs a good QB and take them to the Super Bowl. JC and the Broncs will be there next year and give you the classic game of the decade...check it out
I just wish Mike would have allowed Jake to play out of the pocket. You can't make a scrambler, a pocket QB.
I also don't know why Mike has gotten away from his cutting against the grain plan for the backs. If he doesn't change it, the Broncs are going nowhere except back home.
It wasn't all Jake's fault.
As always... Go Broncos!
Never have been a Jake Plummer fan, but I would have kept him through this season, which will be over soon enough for the Broncos under any circumstances.
The Mastermind is bagging the season with 5 games left. Just what has this has-been accomplished this century, anyway.
How many times have you seen Cutler attempt a fourth quarter comeback? Pre Season?
You fake.
A Bronco fan is proud of his teams legacy. And that legacy deserves a fan base that is not willing to accept mediocrity. One that is willing to further it's cause.You do not understand the depth of being a true Bronco fan. It consumes your soul. To be at Mile high, old or new, is to walk on hallowed ground. If you do not feel a tingling in your neck and spine when you walk up those steps in front of those mighty bronze stallions then you are not a Broncos fan. It is not something you have the ability to turn on and off.You cannot and will not root for another. It is more than who the coach or QB is. A Bronco fan is beyond your comprehension. It is not easy playing in Denver because of that. Nobody said it would be fair. It is a system that chews people up and spits them out if they underachieve rather then stroke their back and telling them it's OK. That's the way this whole dam country used to be and we were better off for it! Jake accepted responsibility. Now your kind need to accept reality.
"I hope your boy gets thumped good and hard Sunday"
That is a really intelligent thing to say. Guess what? YOUR
boy from the left coast bowl got thumped today!ahahahaha.
Now go back to AZ where you enjoy mediocrity. Maybe you can trade us your equipment manager for Jake. Nothing personal Jake. But it is time.
The guy is done like dinner.
I listened to the monday interview of Cutler, he looked like a very decent and humble guy. I only hope he can provide us the spark that the time needs :)
Touchdown! and one guy inthe booth will love it too.---7---
Your right it may be like a whole 5 or 6 weeks.
I wrote Shannan an email 6 years ago and told him to bench Plummer?
Brian Greise is leading Chicago to the Super Bowl?
Shannahan dumped Lelie?
It was Jack Hamm who said that all Quarterbacks should wear skirts. What amazes me is he made that statement without ever watching Plummer throw like a girl.
Denver fans it is our turn to give the finger back to this “great Quarterback�.
I have never seen a team give up on a winning quarterback, like the Bronco's did today.
Thank you!
Larry L
I want to see the Broncos win as much as the next guy, and am excited to see what Cutler can do. I'm not expecting he'll set the world on fire given the holes in the offensive line, but I do think the change will pump some life into the team overall. Ultimately, I'm disappointed in the lack of support from our fans in general. So much for backing your team and everyone on it. If you treat Cutler the way you did Plummer, he'll fail too.
Here's to you, Jake. Best QB winning percentage in team history. Most yards in a season. Most TD's in a season. Higher QB rating than Elway. Playoffs every year. Sorry that Shanahan, the media and fans have thrown you under the bus.
Yall just sold your winning team off fair weather fans not supporting a 40-18 winning QB.
That said, I think the timing is right as well. It's clear that the Broncos are not a Superbowl contender with Plummer. We know his game, and we know what to expect come playoffs. Cutler at least gives fans that hope of potential. It could be a rough five weeks to end the season, but Cutler's ceiling, along with the thoughts of what his arm can do in the future, at least help bring a little excitement back to the Mile-High City. The regular season experience will only help him out when he starts with a fresh slate next season.
which team will Plummer end up going to next year?
who is going to come in and back up Cutler?
Mike says that Jay "gives us the best chance to win right now", but how is now different from week 1? The Broncos have made it through the toughest part of the schedule and are still a WildCard team (don't forget that KC still has to play Colts, SD, and Jax).
Maybe this change will force the "fans" to start pointing their fingers at the real problems with this team.
I still can't believe that Mike would pull the starting QB for a rookie and surrender the rest of a winning season. I didn't realize Shanahan was a French name.
To everyone who says changing the QB won't fix everything that's wrong, I agree. However, without a steady QB, you're going nowhere fast. Jake has been inconsistent and unreliable. He's not getting better, he peaked just before his biggest career game last season. Jay will only get better. Time to get started!
Plummer won at Arizona State, ending Nebraska's unreal undefeated streak of nearly 4 years and he should've won the Rose Bowl that same year. He made an Elway-esque 4th Qtr. drive to give the SunDevils the lead but the ASU defense blew it and Ohio State won the game.
Arizona Cardinals drafted Plummer even though he's undersized by NFL standards, yet with a crappy team he engineered 21 comeback wins (Eway had a record 47 in 16 seasons). Since he got to Denver he's had 1! ONE!
Last season Jake was in the Pro Bowl. He finished 6th in the league in QB rushing yards. And he's being forced to throw out of the pocket???
Jake is called the 'Snake' because he slithers in and out of coverage and MAKES plays happen. He's no John Elway. He's not supposed to be. But he made plays like Elway. Right now he's a robot - three step dropback, look, throw. It's not what he's built for. He's useless in the pocket and it's not his fault. What happens when he bootlegs? Pure Excitement, usually with success.
Shanahan hasn't used him to his strenghts lately. But he did leave it open for Plummer's return, saying that Cutler gives the Broncos the best chance to win "right now." Maybe Jake/Shanahan need to take a break for a week and observe - and maybe Plummer will be back.
Give Cutler the reigns for this week and then BRING BACK PLUMMER...
From a Die Hard Broncos, Elway, Plummer, Kubiak, Gradishar, Jackson, Alzado, Davis et. al fan...
"He became what he despised most."
Shanahan has become Dan Reeves. Surprised he didn't try to trade Jake to Washington, or put Russell Freeman at left tackle like Reeves did for Elway.
Hope Cutler can tackle.
The experience Cutler will get with a playoff game will benefit the Broncos for years to come. This experience is priceless, Cutler starts in the playoffs.