Schefter on Cutler "Best Denver Rookie QB Debut Performance Ever"

[Houshmazode]

I know the preseason means crap, but...
Schefter on Cutler "Best Denver Rookie QB Debut Performance In 31 seasons"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If this was already posted I apologize this is a great article comparing Cutler to QB's of the past.

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/9601217

ROOKIE REVIEW
Not even John Elway put on a show like Broncos first-round pick Jay Cutler did in his Denver debut.

In one quarter and the opening series of the third quarter, Cutler completed 16 of 22 passes for 192 yards, one touchdown and an impressive 114.2 quarterback rating. What made those numbers so impressive is that no other rookie quarterback has achieved anything like them in the preseason this decade, Ben Roethlisberger included.

Of the 19 quarterbacks drafted in the first round since 2000, none threw for more than the 140 that Cincinnati's Carson Palmer had against the New York Jets in August 2003. In his limited action, Cutler threw for 52 more yards than Palmer.

And if those numbers weren't impressive enough, how about these: Cutler's showing was the best debut for a Denver quarterback in 31 seasons, since John Hufnagel threw for 308 yards against the Baltimore Colts in August 1975. Craig Morton didn't do better, nor did Elway, nor Jake Plummer.

Yet saying all that, Cutler's only chance of playing this season is if Plummer suffers some type of injury. Otherwise, Cutler will spend his rookie season on the bench, learning and getting ready for the 2007 season. Because no matter how much some people want there to be a quarterback controversy in Denver, there isn't one. Not this season. Next season is a different deal.

And here's something else to remember about Cutler. He plays like a veteran and acts like one, too. Broncos officials who have gotten to know Cutler say he handles every situation like the consummate pro. Looks like Denver found a player to build their franchise around the next 12 years.

[ludo21]

He looked poised and never looked confused. Thats what i liked the most.

He may have the gunslinger in him that wants to force balls, but hopefully with more Shanny tutelage he wont let it overtake him. (ala Favre)

[baja]

I hope they do not beat all the gunslinger out of him.

Let the kid use his talent

[Hulamau]

I know the preseason means crap, but...

next 12 years? ... make that the next 16 years! I can see us holding a #6 jersey retirement ceremony at Invesco (or whatever it is called by then) many TD passes and victories from now in about 2021!

[Houshmazode]

I agree with Ludo. He tried to force a couple dangerous ones in there, including that one to Watts in the endzone, hopefully he can stray away from that.

[alkemical]

ashley lelie, ashley lelie - you have missed your meal ticket

[DomCasual]

You know, did anyone else think Cutler didn't look like the same person with his helmet on? He sort of looks Aw-Shucks-ish (don't look it up - I made it up just now) without his helmet on. With his helmet, he looks a bit more imposing.

Maybe it was just me.
http://www.theopensecret.com/cutler_motown.jpg

[fdf]

next 12 years? ... make that the next 16 years! I can see us holding a #6 jersey retirement ceremony at Invesco (or whatever it is called by then) many TD passes and victories from now in about 2021!

Why think small? We could all imagine ourselves at the HOF induction ceremony in 2026. May I have the envelope please . . .

[DomCasual]

Oh, and one other little national tidbit on Cutler. Don Banks had this little blurb at the end of his column.

• And so begins Jay Cutler's inevitable rise to starter status in Denver. I don't know exactly when it'll occur, but my money's on by Halloween or so. Some things you can just see coming.

Man, he's a fool - not just for this (although it is kind of stupid). He's just a fool in general.

[2KBack]

You know, did anyone else think Cutler didn't look like the same person with his helmet on? He sort of looks Aw-Shucks-ish (don't look it up - I made it up just now) without his helmet on. With his helmet, he looks a bit more imposing.

Maybe it was just me.
http://www.theopensecret.com/cutler_motown.jpg

I think that's football players in general. Pads and hemlets make people look badass....Well unless their helmet is too big.

[freak6]

next 12 years? ... make that the next 16 years! I can see us holding a #6 jersey retirement ceremony at Invesco (or whatever it is called by then) many TD passes and victories from now in about 2021!

I remember I was pretty hyped up about Tommy Maddox, especially after his first TD pass. Elway was getting dinged up etc... Shawn Moore...lmao

Anyway, let's not get ahead of ourselves and talk about retiring his jersey after he has played in exactly one preseason game.....bwa ha ha haaaa

Ah Fk it, you can't cure Broncomania...

So should we start planning the trip to Canton when Jay gets immortalized in 2025!!!

[DomCasual]

I think that's football players in general. Pads and hemlets make people look badass....Well unless their helmet is too big.
Like who? I can't remember anyone whose helmet was too big.

http://www.raiders.com/images/pics/GM_marc_wilson.jpg

[Kaylore]

You know, did anyone else think Cutler didn't look like the same person with his helmet on? He sort of looks Aw-Shucks-ish (don't look it up - I made it up just now) without his helmet on. With his helmet, he looks a bit more imposing.

Maybe it was just me.
http://www.theopensecret.com/cutler_motown.jpg Oh great...is this another "Tatum Bell's helmet looks too small" thread?

[epicSocialism4tw]

Oh great...is this another "Tatum Bell's helmet looks too small" thread?


We're in for a rough 12 years if Cutler doesnt look cool in his shoulderpads.

[alkemical]

man did you know, when cutler has pizza anytime before the week of a game......

[DomCasual]

Oh great...is this another "Tatum Bell's helmet looks too small" thread?
Never noticed that. But I was thinking - I think the Raiders equipment manager is incompetent. On one side, you have Marc Wilson, who has been known to have lost small pets in his helmet. On the other hand, you have Jim Plunkett, who takes his helmet off with a corkscrew. It has to be the equipment manager.

http://www.raiders.com/images/pics/GM_marc_wilson.jpg
vs.
http://www.raiders.com/images/pics/062401_plunkett1.jpg

[p7superfly]

Cutler more imposing in a helmet - it's the fact that it covers up his 'bowl' cut - and he's actually concentrating. Not doing the 'good ole Southern boy' routine.

In my opinion, Jake's gone next year. Shanny will pull Cutler up quick, and Jake is making too much money to be a back-up.

[NYBronc]

Like who? I can't remember anyone whose helmet was too big.

http://www.raiders.com/images/pics/GM_marc_wilson.jpg

Marc Wilson

=

<IMG SRC="http://sep.stanford.edu/sep/jon/family/jos/pic/beeker.jpg">

[jayman_37]

QUOTE=2KBack]I think that's football players in general. Pads and hemlets make people look badass....Well unless their helmet is too big.[/QUOTE

You mean like this guy?

16940

[defenseman]

I think we need to see how he does under "live fire" don't you? He does have all the potential you could hope for (cutler), however he is still a ROOKIE. Lots of learning , experience and game time required before he'll be fully operational on a game to game basis. I wouldn't be putting him in the HOF or retiring his number just yet. He's got a ways to go...dman

[Ballhawk]

I do not care if it was preseason, Cutler should have been at 85% completion, which is mind boggling!

Marshall catch was not juggled
Nate was hit in the bread basket on a dumpoff
Cutler spiked one to stop the clock

Kid should have been 18/21, 85.7%...just wow!

[NYBronc]

QUOTE=2KBack]I think that's football players in general. Pads and hemlets make people look badass....Well unless their helmet is too big.[/QUOTE

You mean like this guy?

16940

That looks like Mark Kelso

<IMG SRC="http://www.detroitsportsrag.com/images/kelso.jpg">

[ScottXray]

I think that's football players in general. Pads and hemlets make people look badass....Well unless their helmet is too big.

Or they are Raider Nation...then they just look foolish!
:thumbs:

[Bizzle]

You know, did anyone else think Cutler didn't look like the same person with his helmet on? He sort of looks Aw-Shucks-ish (don't look it up - I made it up just now) without his helmet on. With his helmet, he looks a bit more imposing.

Maybe it was just me.
http://www.theopensecret.com/cutler_motown.jpg

He needs to get the visor back and the same helmet style he used at Vandy. He looked bad-ass in college!

[Hulamau]

I hope they do not beat all the gunslinger out of him.

Let the kid use his talent

Absolutely Baja!,

The last thing you want to do is put a choke chain on a guy like Cutler!

He may throw a few more picks as a result, but so what ... he'll also turn right around and throw 2 or 3 TDs for every pick he throws with that rocket arm, pocket presence and accuracy!

People have to realize that once Cutler is ready to go, its not going to be like its been with BG, and even Jake, where an INT is often a game killing disaster sincee they aren't as capable of overcoming it.

Of course, Cutler will improve with experience in knowing what he can and cant get away with against various defenses, but I suspect in after a year or so of Cutler ball, people won't be in a hurry to throw him under the bus everytime he has an INT or two in a given game, as he inherently brings the everpresent possiblity of coming back in a heart beat as well.

Remember, Elway tossed his fair share of INTs trying to thread the needle, but somehow it was never a major issue as you knew instinctively the team was in the best hands possible.

For all of Jakes good qualities (and he has a number of them), that kind of confidence that he can come back from his mistakes when trying too hard to make something happen has never been high. Hence, the attempt tast year to make him into more of a successful game manager which worked pretty well.

And without a doubt, Cutler will have his up and down moments and games as he fully matures into the league. His single biggest asset, though, is his cool demeanor under fire.

So for Pete's sake, dont throw a blanket over Jay Cee's tendency to want to thread one in there! I'm sure he'll find the right balance naturally over time.

[BroncoFiend]

Why think small? We could all imagine ourselves at the HOF induction ceremony in 2026. May I have the envelope please . . .

He's going to win an academy award too! D@MN this kid is a talent!

[Odysseus]

I want to buy a car from Cutler. It's like he's right there reaching out to me through the t.v.

[BMF Bronco]

I think that's football players in general. Pads and hemlets make people look badass....Well unless their helmet is too big.
two words, Peyton Manning!
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c334/bmfbuffalo/s_0807manning_a.jpg

Okay his helmet isn't to big, his fuggin head is!

[Circle Orange]

You know, did anyone else think Cutler didn't look like the same person with his helmet on? He sort of looks Aw-Shucks-ish (don't look it up - I made it up just now) without his helmet on. With his helmet, he looks a bit more imposing.

Maybe it was just me.
http://www.theopensecret.com/cutler_motown.jpg


No, it's his doofy haircut...totally distracting. You'd think a grown man wouldn't want his hair to look like that. Get this man to a stylist. If he's gonna be hollywood, he's gotta LOOK hollywood.

[crowebomber]

Denver's offense is one of the most complex in the league. So, he still has a lot of playbook to learn too, so barring injury, he won't start this season.

About the article, basically Schefter inadvertantly put Cutler's preseason performance in perspective when he said he had the best outing since John Hufnagel. I really don't want the second coming of John Hufnagel.



I'll be content to be cautiously optimistic and enjoy watching him cut his teeth over the next few years.

[2KBack]

I love what this thread has become

[Garcia Bronco]

I do not care if it was preseason, Cutler should have been at 85% completion, which is mind boggling!

Marshall catch was not juggled
Nate was hit in the bread basket on a dumpoff
Cutler spiked one to stop the clock

Kid should have been 18/21, 85.7%...just wow!

I also think the swing pass to KJ was tipped, but I haven't checked yet

[DomCasual]

About the article, basically Schefter inadvertantly put Cutler's preseason performance in perspective when he said he had the best outing since John Hufnagel. I really don't want the second coming of John Hufnagel.
Don't you think you're being a little unfair? In his prime, you couldn't stop John Hufnagel - you could only hope to contain him. His 1 to 9 interception ratio (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/HufnJo00.htm) is probably what kept him out of the Hall of Fame, but I still think it's a travesty.

[Houshmazode]

Don't you think you're being a little unfair? In his prime, you couldn't stop John Hufnagel - you could only hope to contain him. His 1 to 9 interception ratio (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/HufnJo00.htm) is probably what kept him out of the Hall of Fame, but I still think it's a travesty.
ROFL! LOL

[crowebomber]

Don't you think you're being a little unfair? In his prime, you couldn't stop John Hufnagel - you could only hope to contain him. His 1 to 9 interception ratio (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/HufnJo00.htm) is probably what kept him out of the Hall of Fame, but I still think it's a travesty.

That's good stuff! The interesting thing about that link is that they have fantasy football rankings for John Hufnagel from 1974 and 1975! 57th at his position in 1974! I didn't know there were 57 qbs in the league at the time!

[DomCasual]

In all seriousness, I am sort of surprised Cutler's first game is getting this much attention.

Watch him in this week's game. On every pass, you can see which part of the field he's throwing to. And that's on TV - I can't imagine what it would be like on the field. If he was playing a full game against first-team NFL competition, that's going to result in lots and lots of interceptions - not a 114 QB rating.

I hate to be a killjoy, but the reality is that he's a rookie playing against scrubs. It's stupid for guys like Don Banks to suggest he'll be starting by midseason. If that happens, our season has gone very, very bad.

[DomCasual]

That's good stuff! The interesting thing about that link is that they have fantasy football rankings for John Hufnagel from 1974 and 1975! 57th at his position in 1974! I didn't know there were 57 qbs in the league at the time!
No kidding. There were 26 teams then. So he was basically in the middle of the pack, if every team had gotten to their 3rd team QB.

[no-pseudo-fan]

In all seriousness, I am sort of surprised Cutler's first game is getting this much attention.

Watch him in this week's game. On every pass, you can see which part of the field he's throwing to. And that's on TV - I can't imagine what it would be like on the field. If he was playing a full game against first-team NFL competition, that's going to result in lots and lots of interceptions - not a 114 QB rating.

I hate to be a killjoy, but the reality is that he's a rookie playing against scrubs. It's stupid for guys like Don Banks to suggest he'll be starting by midseason. If that happens, our season has gone very, very bad.

You are missing the point! Rookie QB's are usually overwhelmed there first year. They all stare down the main WR. I suggest that you watch the other Rookie QB's this preseason. None, except Cutler, looked very good. Once Culter get's the playbook down and able to get better with his pre-snap reads, he will be unstoppable. So on Saturday, after you are done watching Jay stare down his WR, watch Vince then you can get a better idea of what rookies usually look like.

[DomCasual]

You are missing the point! Rookie QB's are usually overwhelmed there first year. They all stare down the main WR. I suggest that you watch the other Rookie QB's this preseason. None, except Cutler, looked very good. Once Culter get's the playbook down and able to get better with his pre-snap reads, he will be unstoppable. So on Saturday, after you are done watching Jay stare down his WR, watch Vince then you can get a better idea of what rookies usually look like.
::) Whatever. You're right. It's great that he did so well against a bunch of guys that will be on practice squads this year. It's irrelevant that he would have had an entirely different statline had he been playing against real NFL players. What was I thinking?

The thing is that I'm pleased that he did do well. I am excited about the future with him. But come on! It's a preseason game. Some people are claiming we should have a QB controversy. The fact is that we are screwed if Jay Cutler starts a bunch of games this year.

And if you don't think rookie QBs play well in preseason games, then you haven't watched much football. I watched Vince Young play last week. Did you? If you're going strictly off their statlines in your assessment, then you're, well, not very smart.

[Dedhed]

::) Whatever. You're right. It's great that he did so well against a bunch of guys that will be on practice squads this year. It's irrelevant that he would have had an entirely different statline had he been playing against real NFL players. What was I thinking?

The thing is that I'm pleased that he did do well. I am excited about the future with him. But come on! It's a preseason game. Some people are claiming we should have a QB controversy. The fact is that we are screwed if Jay Cutler starts a bunch of games this year.

And if you don't think rookie QBs play well in preseason games, then you haven't watched much football. I watched Vince Young play last week. Did you? If you're going strictly off their statlines in your assessment, then you're, well, not very smart.
Lion starters were still in on the drive where Devoe fumbled. Cutlers throws were more impressive than his statline.

[Arkie]

Which of our QBs has the best haircut?

[DomCasual]

Lion starters were still in on the drive where Devoe fumbled. Cutlers throws were more impressive than his statline.
A few of them were, but not many. Here's the game's play-by-play (http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/playbyplay/NFL_20060811_DEN@DET). Check out the credits for tackles. Not many of those guys are starters, and a lot of them are third team. And whoever was in there was playing a vanilla defense.

AGAIN, I'm glad he did well, and I think it bodes well for the future. But let's keep some perspective.

[dsmoot]

I am reserving my judgement on Cutler until I experience his decision making under duress. He had it fairly easy against Detroit. There is certainly hope for him after living in the SEC with less than average talent around him. The stakes are higher in the NFL and so is the pressure. Jake has shown problems in this area, so did SOB in a different way when the spotlight got too bright. We are all a little too giddy after one preseason game.

[DBroncos4life]

My god its preseason football.

[baja]

I want to buy a car from Cutler. It's like he's right there reaching out to me through the t.v.

When did you learn how to drive?

[watermock]

A former teammate said that when Jay dons his helmet and goes between the white lines he is a completely different person. Sure it was preseason, what control does he have about that or who he's playing? How about how he didn't have Rod, Lelie or Marshall to throw to?

[Arkie]

A few of them were, but not many. Here's the game's play-by-play (http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/playbyplay/NFL_20060811_DEN@DET). Check out the credits for tackles. Not many of those guys are starters, and a lot of them are third team. And whoever was in there was playing a vanilla defense.

AGAIN, I'm glad he did well, and I think it bodes well for the future. But let's keep some perspective.

It's all in perspective. No rookie QB has looked that good in their first preseason game since 2000.

P.S. I noticed that LeVar Woods started the game and was still in there on the final drive in the 4th quarter.

[oldschoolorange]

In all seriousness, I am sort of surprised Cutler's first game is getting this much attention.

Watch him in this week's game. On every pass, you can see which part of the field he's throwing to. And that's on TV - I can't imagine what it would be like on the field. If he was playing a full game against first-team NFL competition, that's going to result in lots and lots of interceptions - not a 114 QB rating.

I hate to be a killjoy, but the reality is that he's a rookie playing against scrubs. It's stupid for guys like Don Banks to suggest he'll be starting by midseason. If that happens, our season has gone very, very bad.

While I agree with most of what you said. Cutler did make several throws to the third read in his progressions. Most of his throws were to his first read. The fact that he knew who the first read is impressive.

[Kaylore]

My god its preseason football.
Yeah. Part of me almost hopes Cutler has a bad game against the Titans because it would give him some things to work on and quiet down the hysteria over him. He's got a ways to go and a very complicated system to learn. He needs some time.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

My god its preseason football.No sh*t sherlock?

[Kaylore]

No, it's his doofy haircut...totally distracting. You'd think a grown man wouldn't want his hair to look like that. Get this man to a stylist. If he's gonna be hollywood, he's gotta LOOK hollywood. Not a fan of the paige-boy hair? I think that Hollywood thing is the difference between Leinert and Cutler. Leinert probably has hairstyle advisors he discusses idea changes with while Cutler is in the film room analyzing coverages.

[broncobum6162]

I was watching his feet when he set up to pass. Very quiet, he would plant look and throw. No pussyfooting around.

[Steve Sewell]

Yeah. Part of me almost hopes Cutler has a bad game against the Titans because it would give him some things to work on and quiet down the hysteria over him. He's got a ways to go and a very complicated system to learn. He needs some time.

Watch, now Cutler will put in an even more impressive performance that will send this board into a gigantic Cutler stroke-off.

[irish27]

I liked that he tried to force balls a few times. John Elway forced passes his entire career. I'll take the random interception for a QB with the guts to throw the tough ball.

[Cito Pelon]

The Kid is gonna get booed, he's gonna get his privacy invaded, he's gonna get Kiszla'd. On the other hand, he could have a real good time with Bowlen and Shanny and the boys. Depends on how he looks at it.

[watermock]

If Cutler can fire a laser between 3 defenders like he did Friday night, I don't have a problem with it if he's accurate. One other things that impress me so far is that he fired that pass in hard as hell, but lofted the TD to Kircus over the defenders in an arc.

[baja]

If Cutler can fire a laser between 3 defenders like he did Friday night, I don't have a problem with it if he's accurate. One other things that impress me so far is that he fired that pass in hard as hell, but lofted the TD to Kircus over the defenders in an arc.

Mock I think I figured why folks have been picking on you lately, it's your avatar! ;D

[ward63]

Let Cutler be like Palmer(w/out the knee injury).

[The Big E]

Not a fan of the paige-boy hair? I think that Hollywood thing is the difference between Leinert and Cutler. Leinert probably has hairstyle advisors he discusses idea changes with while Cutler is in the film room analyzing coverages.
Ya' gotta admit he could use a better haircut. It really isn't that difficult or time-consuming. CO certainly does seem to be consumed by hair, based upon her stream of Jake avatars.

BTW, CO, what was the winning Jake-do from last season's contest?

[watermock]

Mock I think I figured why folks have been picking on you lately, it's your avatar! ;D

That guy that was on fire noone noticed last week was right out of the movie. If I go to a movie I'll probably go to 9/11 but the last time I went to a serious movie it was Passion of the Christ and the whole audience walked out muttering "Jesus Christ".

I'm been planning on changing the avatar.

[Kaylore]

So I just watched his plays in the Lions game for the umpteenth time and realized that the Lions left their defensive starters on the field the entire first half. The schemes were pretty vanilla, but it's nice knowing that he put those good drives together against a team's first string defenders.

[fdf]

He's going to win an academy award too! D@MN this kid is a talent!

And, he will usher in a new era of World Peace.

[baja]

So I just watched his plays in the Lions game for the umpteenth time and realized that the Lions left their defensive starters on the field the entire first half. The schemes were pretty vanilla, but it's nice knowing that he put those good drives together against a team's first string defenders.

Good pick up Kaylore even the news stories all threw in the qualifier "But it was against the Detroit Lions second team defense". You do pay attention to detail.

[usedupbraids]

JUST START CUTLER and trade plummer to like the bears, i mean i dont know what cutler going to do and the long run, but i do know what plummer did to us the past seasons. JUST START HIM

[Cito Pelon]

Watch, now Cutler will put in an even more impressive performance that will send this board into a gigantic Cutler stroke-off.

Hey, you stroke off over hairless Asian boys, nobody's sneering at that. But you sneer at Bronco fans. Yeah. :)

[Circle Orange]

Ya' gotta admit he could use a better haircut. It really isn't that difficult or time-consuming. CO certainly does seem to be consumed by hair, based upon her stream of Jake avatars.

BTW, CO, what was the winning Jake-do from last season's contest?


LOL I got ate by a giant hairball once. The Jake afro one took the top spot in the polls, followed closely by the blue "Marge Plummer" look.

Maybe I'll put an afro on the Duke...;D

[Dedhed]

I hate to be a killjoy.
Anyone smell a rat?

[TotallyScrewed]

One cool customer...just like T Brady but add a canon...I'll be extremely happy. I can wait, there are 16 years of fun ahead.

[baja]

Sig test

[usedupbraids]

One cool customer...just like T Brady but add a canon...I'll be extremely happy. I can wait, there are 16 years of fun ahead.
:thumbs: I agree his going to put on shows

[Dedhed]

The most impressive thing I saw in Cutler was how relaxed he was. Looked bored out there.

[usedupbraids]

:thumbs: I agree his going to put on shows
knock on wood :wiggle:

[listopencil]

I liked that he tried to force balls a few times. John Elway forced passes his entire career. I'll take the random interception for a QB with the guts to throw the tough ball.



Yep. I remember in the Green Bay SuperBowl when they fumbled the kick return and we got the ball in great field position. Elway promptly tried to gun one into the end zone and we got picked off. The Packers drove the length of the field for a TD. We still won, If I remember correctly.

[Cito Pelon]

Of course, Shanny and his biotch mentality on the sideline could ruin The Kid.

Shanahan (after an INT): "What was that? That wasn't the play we called!"

The Kid: "The clock was running down, I didn't have time to listen to the entire paragraph."

Shanahan: "This system works! You have to fit the system!"

The Kid: "There's no fool like an old fool."

Just kidding, relax.

[Kaylore]

Of course, Shanny and his biotch mentality on the sideline could ruin The Kid.

Shanahan (after an INT): "What was that? That wasn't the play we called!"

The Kid: "The clock was running down, I didn't have time to listen to the entire paragraph."

Shanahan: "This system works! You have to fit the system!"

The Kid: "There's no fool like an old fool."

Just kidding, relax.
The Champ Bailey for Portis trade was the best trade ever. Nyah!

[watermock]

Good pick up Kaylore even the news stories all threw in the qualifier "But it was against the Detroit Lions second team defense". You do pay attention to detail.

I was pretty sure about that as well but didn't see the game and don't really know the lions starters all that well at all. I think the most competent front office man is the kidnapped Bronco Billy.

I did hear there were several 1'st teamers and some 2'nd teamer in when he first got in, in the first quarter and second. Does anyone know that he didn't have Lelie, Rod, Walker or Marshall the whole game? I don't hear that or that the starting RB was benched for fumbling, so he was gone too. He had Tatum and Scheff and Kircus and Watts. If we didn't fumble twice and he didn't have a drop, tipped pass and spiked ball he would of been 18/21 for over 200 yards with a TD and Zero interceptions.

[watermock]

Cito, after the beating Cutler took at Vandy for 4 years, I don't think there is a hell of alot that is going to rattle him.

"I'm not surprised how well I did". That's confidence and some swagger but not arrogance at all. He simply didn't have happy feet from the highlights I saw. Anyway, we are in good hands at QB with both. Jake did make alternate to the Pro Bowl so he wasn't trash last year. He had two bad games in the playoffs tho.

[Cito Pelon]

There was a throw to Scheff for about 18 yds that was an NFL throw, pinpoint and a bullet. Stared to that side of field all the way, but how does the D know he's gonna throw to Scheff on that route, or maybe something longer? Naturally Schef deserves credit because he was at that opening in the coverage and waiting for the ball.

[Kaylore]

There was a throw to Scheff for about 18 yds that was an NFL throw, pinpoint and a bullet. Stared to that side of field all the way, but how does the D know he's gonna throw to Scheff on that route, or maybe something longer? Naturally Schef deserves credit because he was at that opening in the coverage and waiting for the ball.
Scheffler was almost completely forgotten in that game because of Cutler. He was consitantly open and made some tough grabs in traffic.

[bpc]

I agree with Ludo. He tried to force a couple dangerous ones in there, including that one to Watts in the endzone, hopefully he can stray away from that.

Its the great ones that can make the plays normal QB's can't. While we all talk about him not throwing dangerous passes a la Farve, I would be more than happy to take Cutler's mistakes like Favre and have him pick up 3 mvp's and a super bowl win for us. Cutler had two very dangerous passes where defenders were right there in double coverage. The funny thing is though, he threw it with such force and pin point accuracy where if the defense even slips for one moment, he will make them pay. AND this is just with the bad choices. It was interesting to watch.

He is some what different though. I haven't seen somebody take pressure like he does in stride. He immediately diffuses controversy by the way he walks and talks. He is calm, cool, and collected.

He is very impressive to watch from a far.

[Houshmazode]

Its the great ones that can make the plays normal QB's can't. While we all talk about him not throwing dangerous passes a la Farve, I would be more than happy to take Cutler's mistakes like Favre and have him pick up 3 mvp's and a super bowl win for us. Cutler had two very dangerous passes where defenders were right there in double coverage. The funny thing is though, he threw it with such force and pin point accuracy where if the defense even slips for one moment, he will make them pay. AND this is just with the bad choices. It was interesting to watch.

He is some what different though. I haven't seen somebody take pressure like he does in stride. He immediately diffuses controversy by the way he walks and talks. He is calm, cool, and collected.

He is very impressive to watch from a far.
Yes he is. He is one of the most poised QB's i have seen in the pocket. I agree with the zip on the passes will help deter his mistakes, but it will cost him every now and then. He is still a very accurate passer with a cannon, I can't wait to see him start (after we win 2 superbowls with Plummer).

[No1BroncoFan]

JUST START CUTLER and trade plummer to like the bears, i mean i dont know what cutler going to do and the long run, but i do know what plummer did to us the past seasons. JUST START HIM
Yeah! What he said! Then we can go 8-8 and miss the playoffs! Yeah! Playoffs are overrated anyway! Just ask the Chiefs!

::)

Ben

[ludo21]

Yeah! What he said! Then we can go 8-8 and miss the playoffs! Yeah! Playoffs are overrated anyway! Just ask the Chiefs!

::)

Ben

Ya!

Who needs 3 straight playoff appearances anyway???

That crap is overrated, its better to draft higher!

[kmartin575]

Bruce Gradkowski and Tarvaris Jackson both did better than Cutler. Who cares if he had the best Denver rookie QB debut ever.

[Clockwork Orange]

Bruce Gradkowski and Tarvaris Jackson both did better than Cutler. Who cares if he had the best Denver rookie QB debut ever.

Tavaris Jackson was 7/13 for 60 yards. If you're gonna try to be Bob Jr., at least learn to read a stat sheet if you're not gonna bother to watch the games, Stephen Hawking.

Psst, by the way, this is a Bronco board. Bronco fans post here. We care about Cutler's debut. Maybe we could compare it to Brodie Frayle's debut if he'd managed to get through non-contact drills without injuring his shoulder.

[baja]

Tavaris Jackson was 7/13 for 60 yards. If you're gonna try to be Bob Jr., at least learn to read a stat sheet if you're not gonna bother to watch the games, Stephen Hawking.

Psst, by the way, this is a Bronco board. Bronco fans post here. We care about Cutler's debut. Maybe we could compare it to Brodie Frayle's debut if he'd managed to get through non-contact drills without injuring his shoulder.

POOR BASSTARD IS A RAIDERS FAN I REMEMBER HIM FROM THE DPO

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Yeah...no way those guys were better than Cutler.

FYI Croyle's shoulder is fine. He could play if he needed to. They just don't want to rush him back.

[Clockwork Orange]

I honestly don't care about the numbers that Cutler put up. They were good numbers, but they're preseason numbers.

What I do care about is what I saw from Jay Cutler. Now that was something special and something to be excited about.

[epicSocialism4tw]

I honestly don't care about the numbers that Cutler put up. They were good numbers, but they're preseason numbers.

What I do care about is what I saw from Jay Cutler. Now that was something special and something to be excited about.


Cutler is certainly an elite talent. He's got NFL MVP type talent.

He's no Farve. He's less nervous and skittish in the pocket.

He's no Marino. He can move way to well.

He's no Manning. He seems like a guy that his teammates will play for.


Jay Cutler has a long way to go, but it has been a long time since Ive seen a rookie as impressive as he was in his first game. Granted, this all could come crashing down next week if he lays an egg vs. Tennessee, but he far exceeded my expectations and is the best rookie in the league right now.

[The Moops]

Schefter's too young to remember "Best Rookie QB Debut" ever.

Seems to me Elway had pretty good first game against the Seahawks -- put him on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

And in his first start in 1968, rookie QB Marlin Briscoe threw for 335 yards and 4 TD passes including a last-second 59-yarder to Floyd Little to set up a field goal to beat the Bills.

[Circle Orange]

Schefter is breathlessy panting after Jay right now. While I agree the guy's a talent, ol' Adam needs to calm down. I mean, let's not pour Jay in bronze just yet.

Still, Shanny must be slobbering in his private moments. :~ohyah!:

[bendog]

I agree with Clav - the poster formerly known as Ames - that Lelie missed his meal ticket. Cutlett will of course never come close to the Duke, but his passes were deeper than what we've seen since the Atl superbowl. Yeah, the West Coast is great, but unless a team has guys who can RAC, the WC doesn't scare many safeties. But, with a qb who can move a little and still throw the deep out, it's a different animal. Not to diss Jake at all, because his arm isn't as bad as some say, but seeing Cutlett I sorta had the same feeling that I had when I first saw Craig Morton, "OMG, we finally got somebody who can throw a deep out."

[Odysseus]

I honestly don't care about the numbers that Cutler put up. They were good numbers, but they're preseason numbers.

What I do care about is what I saw from Jay Cutler. Now that was something special and something to be excited about.

:thumbs:

[KipCorrington25]

When talking about helemets being too big it all begins and ends with one guy:

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/PHO/AAED029~Martin-Gramatica-Jump-SB-XXXVII-6-Photofile-Posters.jpg

[alkemical]

I Kiiiiiiiiick Touchdown!

[Odysseus]

Tavaris Jackson was 7/13 for 60 yards. If you're gonna try to be Bob Jr., at least learn to read a stat sheet if you're not gonna bother to watch the games, Stephen Hawking.

Psst, by the way, this is a Bronco board. Bronco fans post here. We care about Cutler's debut. Maybe we could compare it to Brodie Frayle's debut if he'd managed to get through non-contact drills without injuring his shoulder.

You need to type this slowly and on your weak hand. Stupid trolls

[azbroncfan]

Cutler is certainly an elite talent. He's got NFL MVP type talent.

He's no Farve. He's less nervous and skittish in the pocket.

He's no Marino. He can move way to well.

He's no Manning. He seems like a guy that his teammates will play for.


Jay Cutler has a long way to go, but it has been a long time since Ive seen a rookie as impressive as he was in his first game. Granted, this all could come crashing down next week if he lays an egg vs. Tennessee, but he far exceeded my expectations and is the best rookie in the league right now.

You must of saw a different game than I saw. Granted its only preseason but this guy was comfortable in the pocket and was switching recievers something that Plummer struggles with.

[fdf]

And in his first start in 1968, rookie QB Marlin Briscoe threw for 335 yards and 4 TD passes including a last-second 59-yarder to Floyd Little to set up a field goal to beat the Bills.

Marlin Briscoe--one of my favorite all time obscure broncos.

[fdf]

The most impressive thing I saw in Cutler was how relaxed he was. Looked bored out there.

After his experience at Vanderbilt, it must feel boring. Last Friday, he was on his feet AFTER almost every throw. Have you watched the Vanderbilt footage? He had a linebacker or a DL bury him after, maybe, 50% of his throws. And, the Bronco's receivers actually catch the balls he throws. The Vanderbilt receivers were not very good.

[ward63]

After his experience at Vanderbilt, it must feel boring. Last Friday, he was on his feet AFTER almost every throw. Have you watched the Vanderbilt footage? He had a linebacker or a DL bury him after, maybe, 50% of his throws. And, the Bronco's receivers actually catch the balls he throws. The Vanderbilt receivers were not very good.

Cutler learned a lot by playing in the SEC w/a terrible O.

[orange 4 life]

schefturd is a moron on a level only matched by kiszla in this town.

yes, the kid looked great.

so did elway in his first game, and i would argue that elway looked better.....not that it matters.
elway went 10-15 and you wanna talk about heat? elway looked amazing.

elway is also the best ever, and even he struggled his first two years, to the point of getting benched year one.

for Gods sake let it go.
let the kid keep improving, and let him hold the clipboard for a couple years.
dont risk messing up his head.

if he's half as good as he looked like he could be, i dont know why anyone would want to rush it, especially when we have plummer who is a vast difference from steve deberg who we had in '83.

[DeusExManning]

Bruce Gradkowski and Tarvaris Jackson both did better than Cutler. Who cares if he had the best Denver rookie QB debut ever.

What??? Did you watch the same games I did. Cutler showed more poise, accuracy and maturity that those guys. Gradkowski threw short passes and Jackson was barely in the game.

[jbrenner]

I am much happier with Cutler. Gradkowski puts up decent numbers because he is very accurate on short passes, he doesnt have any accuracy or strength deep, not to mention he is not that big. I saw all of his games at Toledo, and he is definitely a system quarterback.

[alkemical]

I am much happier with Cutler. Gradkowski puts up decent numbers because he is very accurate on short passes, he doesnt have any accuracy or strength deep, not to mention he is not that big. I saw all of his games at Toledo, and he is definitely a system quarterback.


yeah but he's a gruden guy and i think he'll be fine with gruden - think of what he did with gannon

[freak6]

schefturd is a moron on a level only matched by kiszla in this town.


Are you really calling Adam Shefter a moron?

I thought he covered the Broncos far away better than any beat reporter we've ever had. 98% of what he said I was thinking as the words came out of his mouth. He's also the head of the Pro Football Writers Association last I heard.

[orange 4 life]

Are you really calling Adam Shefter a moron?

I thought he covered the Broncos far away better than any beat reporter we've ever had. 98% of what he said I was thinking as the words came out of his mouth. He's also the head of the Pro Football Writers Association last I heard.

im no stranger to having unpopular opinions, but this one is probably shared by most bronco fans.
ive never liked the guy.

[baja]

im no stranger to having unpopular opinions, but this one is probably shared by most bronco fans.
ive never liked the guy.

I think most Bronco fans would love to have him back I know I would.

Just what did you not like Jake, I suppose Burger Bill is much better in you opinion?

[Dean]

Personally, I thought that Adam Sheffter put out a great column. I could have done without his food reviews but he knew what was going on at Dove Valley long before the the other "sports writer" did. He was knowledgeable, interesting, and accurate.

Look what we have now! When you read either of the Broncos' beat writers do you feel like you came away more in tune with what the Broncos are doing and why? I don't.

[Kaylore]

schefturd is a moron on a level only matched by kiszla in this town.

yes, the kid looked great.

so did elway in his first game, and i would argue that elway looked better.....not that it matters.
elway went 10-15 and you wanna talk about heat? elway looked amazing.

elway is also the best ever, and even he struggled his first two years, to the point of getting benched year one.

for Gods sake let it go.
let the kid keep improving, and let him hold the clipboard for a couple years.
dont risk messing up his head.

if he's half as good as he looked like he could be, i dont know why anyone would want to rush it, especially when we have plummer who is a vast difference from steve deberg who we had in '83.
Schefter is a fine inside scoop guy. He works very hard and nothing he posted in his article was innacurate. Cutler did have the best debut of any rookie QB in preseason. It doesn't mean he's a slam-dunk but at least he doesn't suck right out of the chute.

Elway had a two score comeback against the Colts his rookie year. Giving Elway the reigns early was the right choice for a franchise player. Now I agree that Cutler has a lot to prove before we can compare him to John Elway and Plummer certainly is no Steve DeBerg, but both Cutler and Elway are franchise QB's, and franchise QB's start sooner rather than later. Cutler will start next year.

[Hulamau]

Schefter is a fine inside scoop guy. He works very hard and nothing he posted in his article was innacurate. Cutler did have the best debut of any rookie QB in preseason. It doesn't mean he's a slam-dunk but at least he doesn't suck right out of the chute.

Elway had a two score comeback against the Colts his rookie year. Giving Elway the reigns early was the right choice for a franchise player. Now I agree that Cutler has a lot to prove before we can compare him to John Elway and Plummer certainly is no Steve DeBerg, but both Cutler and Elway are franchise QB's, and franchise QB's start sooner rather than later. Cutler will start next year.


Absolutely no question about it, Kaylore is right on the money, Jay Cee will start next year. No way they park that much talent, that big a contract and that much expectation on the bench for "a couple of years".

Rivers would almost certainly have started last year in San Deigo too and sent Brees packling a year early IF he hadnt missed so much of his first camp and IF he hadn't sucked his first two camps!

Rivers needed that much time to get ready. But I'd be willing to bet my house that Cutler will be ready before December.

The economics alone, and having to re-up for Jake's money in the offseason, will dictate the transition quite naturally. All Shanny and company really wanted to confirm in this camp and through the first year is if Cutler is indeed a real player, and if he had the smarts and had his head screwed on straight.

I suspect the coaches and FO hands down have answered all three of those questions convincingly already ... the rest is just a little seasoning and paper work!

[watermock]

After Friday night's performance, Rocket Man's agent has demanded an extra 5 million up front. Ha!

Seriously, I'll be surprised if we don't hold onto Jake thru next year. I could be wrong.

[DomCasual]

im no stranger to being wrong a lot, but this one is probably shared by most bronco fans.
ive never liked the guy.
Fixed that for you.

[chanesaw]

I would love to have Shefter back. We didn't know we had it so good until he was gone.

[watermock]

People forget he was very condesending and used his mailbox for food reviews. Almost everthing he answered told him he was a God and was able to give us poor Bronco fans in depth analysis that wasn't available anywhere else, when it was vanilla pudding without the vanilla. Just because Burger Bill sucks even worse doesn't make Shefter any better other than in a relative sense.

[freak6]

Elway had a two score comeback against the Colts his rookie year.

My first Bronco game ever, age 6. Love at 1st sight.

If Plummer succeeds this season, but fails to get us TO the Super Bowl, then I think Jay will start next season. IF we win the AFC, then Jake should start next year too.

[fdf]

People forget he was very condesending and used his mailbox for food reviews.

That drove me nuts. I used to live in LA and you ran into all these hyphenates--Waiter/Director, Busboy/ScreenWriter. Schefter was a perfectly decent sports writer--better than what we have today in Denver. But he wanted to be a restaurant reviewer and it was pathetic.

[B-Love]

I know the preseason means crap, but...
Schefter on Cutler "Best Denver Rookie QB Debut Performance In 31 seasons"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


And if those numbers weren't impressive enough, how about these: Cutler's showing was the best debut for a Denver quarterback in 31 seasons, since John Hufnagel threw for 308 yards against the Baltimore Colts in August 1975. Craig Morton didn't do better, nor did Elway, nor Jake Plummer.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/HufnJo00.htm

Yikes, a John Hufnagel Broncos reference. John Hufnagel may have the worst pro statistics of any Pro Passer ever.

Take a look. 9 picks in 61 throws. That's hard to do blindfolded.

[Arkie]

John Hufnagel completed 36% of his career passes to his own team while completing 15% to the other team. LOL

[irish27]

Yep. I remember in the Green Bay SuperBowl when they fumbled the kick return and we got the ball in great field position. Elway promptly tried to gun one into the end zone and we got picked off. The Packers drove the length of the field for a TD. We still won, If I remember correctly.

Absolutely, there were games where Elway threw many dumb balls trying to win games. The thing is he was clutch and could recover. I don't really find Jake to be clutch, but it sure looked like Cutler could be. Just one game, I want to see him have to fight for a tough win and see what he is made of.

[Circle Orange]

Absolutely, there were games where Elway threw many dumb balls trying to win games. The thing is he was clutch and could recover. I don't really find Jake to be clutch, but it sure looked like Cutler could be. Just one game, I want to see him have to fight for a tough win and see what he is made of.


Strong armed qbs always have that problem, forcing balls. True, #7 could throw some ridiculous balls, but he had the talent to overcome it. That's what I'll be watching to see if Cutler is capable of.

[Bronco Billy]

Strong armed qbs always have that problem, forcing balls. True, #7 could throw some ridiculous balls, but he had the talent to overcome it. That's what I'll be watching to see if Cutler is capable of.

As long as he doesn't throw any left-handed interceptions.

[Bronco Billy]

If Plummer succeeds this season, but fails to get us TO the Super Bowl, then I think Jay will start next season. IF we win the AFC, then Jake should start next year too.

I used to think that before TC, but I believe Cutler will get a lot of consideration to start next year. Plummer will need an MVP type year and take us to the promised land to have a chance to be #1 next year. If Cutler's does start next year, I hope we can get a great trade from Plummer. Maybe a game-changing defensive lineman or a WR to fill Rod's shoes.

[alkemical]

As long as he doesn't throw any left-handed interceptions.


jake also had a left handed completion too

[vanyman53]

Jay has always been a "gunslinger". He developed this at Vandy when the windows were so small, and he had to get rid of the ball. I don't want them to take that away from him. He'll learn naturally at this level when to and not to. Wait till you see him start throwing those quick slants. He didn't throw any against the Lions. He always leads the player so it may be received at full speed thus giving the receiver a chance to do some stuff on his own.