Lincicome: Plummer still Broncos' best hope of salvaging season

[Taco John]

Lincicome: Plummer still Broncos' best hope of salvaging season

November 24, 2006
Over and over in the midst of Thanksgiving's long day's football into night, Jake Plummer came up, in this studio, on that sideline, in another Web site.
Quite the topic of conversation, ol' Jake the Snake. Still is.

Everyone agreed that the Kansas City game was the last game for Plummer, and opinion being the father of fact, the very least Plummer would have to do is not lose the football game, and that would postpone the problem for another week.

As we know and as Plummer has known, his days have been numbered since the draft, when Mike Shanahan connived to get Jay Cutler. By common consent it seemed, Plummer's number was up.

Otherwise a whole bunch of folks would be found to not know what they are talking about, never a real concern among the shouting classes.

Old coach Jimmy Johnson, now a pundit, proclaimed that rookie Cutler should have been the Denver quarterback long ago, even if he wouldn't know Cutler from the guy who parks his car or Plummer without his beard.

Cris Collinsworth, or maybe it was Howie Long, counseled tolerance, citing Plummer's winning percentage with the Broncos and marveling at Plummer's adroitness outside the pocket. It was a matter of using Plummer properly, putting him in the best position to succeed.

It was possible to find reasoned judgment on both sides of the question, often from the same person.

None of that has changed since Plummer confirmed the worst against the Chiefs, except the weight of annoyance has tilted the choice much more to Cutler.

The unfortunate arrangement of the visiting locker room at Arrowhead Stadium put Cutler and Plummer side by side in the aftermath of Jake's Last Stand, and so there Cutler was, fresh and helpful, facing deadline media, vowing support for Plummer while Plummer, hidden but within earshot, awaited his turn in the box.

Whatever else is thought of Plummer, that he is inadequate, often harmful, at quarterback, sympathy must go to a man who will face his duty when his coach would not, and a man who has been answering an unasked question since the first game of the season.

When would he go?

Mike Shanahan created that situation - and he would not answer the same unasked question after the game - by inventing the tension in the first place.

At one point, Plummer blurted out that the press would know the answer before he would, and while he is giving us more credit than we deserve, his anxiety is obvious. And if a decision has been made, Shanahan ought not to be waiting three days to tell Plummer.

Would Plummer be a better quarterback without the threat of Cutler, clearly the anointed heir? Plummer was better last year when the only threat was from Bradlee Van Pelt, which is like being pressured by a house pet.

Shanahan's calculation that competition is healthy for all concerned is a sound concept, but it might not have worked on Plummer, any more than it seems to have worked on Tatum Bell or on Tony Scheffler or George Foster.

All players know how fragile are both their health and their jobs, and some players welcome the energy uncertainty brings. Others succeed better with reassurance, something that was moved from Plummer to Cutler.

The argument now is that Cutler cannot be worse than Plummer and there is no way to refute that, not having seen Cutler face a real rush or decisions of consequence.

From the meager evidence of preseason and limited practice, Cutler seems to have all the tools necessary to succeed. If he does not, then Shanahan has made the biggest mistake yet as a talent evaluator and no one forgets his endorsement of Bubby Brister and Brian Griese, nor of Plummer himself.

While it seems inevitable that Cutler will start the next game against Seattle, the simple truth is that abandoning Plummer is abandoning the season.

The Broncos may be one loss from being out of the playoffs altogether, and of the schedule ahead three losses seem wholly likely no matter who the quarterback is. Only Arizona and San Francisco seem to be comfortable wins.

That brings the Broncos in at 9-7 and outside looking in. Who gives the Broncos the best chance to win those other three games, Seattle, San Diego and Cincinnati? Is it a quarterback that might need to feel he is wanted and trusted, or a rookie who is learning with each new snap of the ball?

As long as the season is savable, the choice should be Plummer. Otherwise, the Broncos might as well just play the rest of the way waving a white flag.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/sports_columnists/article/0,1299,DRMN_83_5168797,00.html

[OrangeShadow]

The league isnt built for the style of play that suits jake the best anymore. I firmly believe its time for a changing of the guards. Jakes not taking us to the SB you might has well get jay some time this year and see if he can lead a team on a playoff run

[Taco John]

Linicome is wrong. The fact is, we've tinkered with every position on offense but the position that is giving us the most trouble. And now it's time to fix what is really wrong with this team. That's not to say it's going to fix every problem on this team. But it will fix a pretty crucial one.

Our running game is going to look damn good when we have the ability to consistently attack down the field in the passing game. And our defense is going to look much better when our running game and offense in general is providing them the cover that they need to stay aggressive, and keep their legs fresh.

[spdirty]

For the life of me, I cannot understand why people go around wasting minutes of their lives reading Bernie Linicome. That guy's columns have less worth than Kiszla, Burger Bill, and Krieger put together.

[x123z]

Does not sound like he has been watching the same team as we have.

[defenseman]

I'm convinced though, shanahan is part of the problem this year. Not just plummer. And, if he is going to yank him, he should have done it by now as far as I'm concerned. Shanahan, while plummer has had a bad year,from where I sit, shanny has had just as poor a year. I'm hoping he leaves within the next couple years....dman

*He quite simply, is not the mastermind he used to be

[Spider]

Shanny is God , so we need to take that silly notion off the table , Shanny did more for Plummer then anyone thought , I dont think Plummer likes it in Denver , and he is letting his emotions take over , and now that it has reached this point , there is no brining Plummer back ............

[bloodsunday]

I dont think Plummer likes it in Denver , and he is letting his emotions take over , and now that it has reached this point , there is no brining Plummer back ............
If there's an argument I believe that supports bringing in Cutler, its along these lines. I think the pressure of the fans and the media, combined with the pressure of looking in the rear-view mirror may have cracked Jake. Shanny can be a pretty cruel man sometimes, but only because he knows its the nature of this business. I believe Shanny intentionally let everyone know what he was thinking before Thursday's game to see how Jake would respond.

[12th man]

I don't think our season will be over if Cutler goes in. People keep saying if he comes in he can't be worse than plummer. If we could win 7 games with plummer we could win 3-4 games with Cutler, and as the season goes on for the kid, he can only get better each game and keep learning and adujusting to the coverages and the speed.

[elsid13]

I'm convinced though, shanahan is part of the problem this year. Not just plummer. And, if he is going to yank him, he should have done it by now as far as I'm concerned. Shanahan, while plummer has had a bad year,from where I sit, shanny has had just as poor a year. I'm hoping he leaves within the next couple years....dman

*He quite simply, is not the mastermind he used to be


I don't think it Shanahan by himself, but the combination of Shanahan and Dinger. Both have the same personality that can be to demanding on the players. Kubicek was that shield and governor that kept Shanahan drive in check with the players.

[bloodsunday]

I don't think our season will be over if Cutler goes in.

Think is the key work in your sentence. We simply don't know what Cutler can do, period. Those who say "he can't be worse than Jake" don't know what they are saying. He could be. He could make more mistakes than Jake. By QB rating, both Leinhart and Young are worse than Jake.

On the other hand, we know empiracly that we can win 75% of our game with Jake. That is good enough to get this team into the playoffs... my number one concern.

[12th man]

Think is the key work in your sentence. We simply don't know what Cutler can do, period. Those who say "he can't be worse than Jake" don't know what they are saying. He could be. He could make more mistakes than Jake. By QB rating, both Leinhart and Young are worse than Jake.

On the other hand, we know empiracly that we can win 75% of our game with Jake. That is good enough to get this team into the playoffs... my number one concern.

Good point.

[Broncos4tw]

It's easy to stuff the running game when the passing game is a joke. Teams know that keeping Jake in the pocket means they can stack the line. If we had a solid pocket QB, teams would respect the run, and we'd actually get production one way or the other.

Protection? Most of Jake's worst picks were when he had no one within 3 yards of him. Blaming the protection for his crappy throws is ridiculous.

Imo, Jake can't lead a target, that simple. When you are on the run, you don't have to lead a target if he is running the same direction. If you are stationary, you do. He is just not very accurate.

As far as winning game, Jake will NOT LEAD US TO A SB WIN. It's that simple. Who cares if he wins 75% of his games? He will lose one of the playoff games, and it's over. Stats don't mean crap come playoffs. I can't fathom Jake playing FOUR solid games in a row against solid playoff teams, what a joke. He will end our season. If that's the case, might as well start our rookie, and hope for extreme luck this season, or more realisticly, a rookie with some solid NFL experience come next year, so we have a legitimate chance.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Who gives the Broncos the best chance to win those other three games, Seattle, San Diego and Cincinnati? Is it a quarterback that might need to feel he is wanted and trusted, or a rookie who is learning with each new snap of the ball?
Good grief are you kidding me? Shanny needs to make Jake "feel wanted and trusted"? First of all...what's he done to show he can be trusted? Second...Why don't we just give this guy a nice warm foot massage, a pink fuzzy blanky and a big group hug so he doesn't get his toesies cold or his feelings hurt? What a bunch of crap. This is more insulting to Plummer than any of the "Jake the Fake"...etc...stuff could ever be. Plummer's a man. He's also a professional athlete paid millions to perform. I don't give a rat crap if he doesn't feel all warm and fuzzy and "wanted and trusted" or not. This is not a support group for professing pansies. A pro quarterback has to be tough as nails and able to deal with pressure at every level. That's WHY their paid those millions. This writer is an utter idiot.

If startinig Jay is throwing away the season...so be it.

[kelinsky1]

If winning 75% with Jake gets us to the playoffs....them we win 75% of the playoff games?
I thought winning the BIG game was the goal?
Maybe we should get Cutler some experience for next year.

[Rohirrim]

Kreiger is right. Lincicome is wrong. Shanahan squeezed every ounce of football he could out of Plummer and Griese. There are limits to everything. We have reached Plummer's limits. Play Cutler. In April, get a killer RB in the first round. The pieces are coming together, IMO. Plummer's best shot was last year. Shanahan bent the whole team, the whole scheme, and the whole game plan to help Jake succeed. There's only one thing he couldn't make up for: Jake's limitations. Let the Cutler era begin!

[riiiiick]

the point of jake playing better where he's wanted/secure makes sense to me. shanny was assumning jakes competitive nature would rise up and this kid behind him would actually make him better. hasn't worked to well, so far.

[wolverine]

Think is the key work in your sentence. We simply don't know what Cutler can do, period. Those who say "he can't be worse than Jake" don't know what they are saying. He could be. He could make more mistakes than Jake. By QB rating, both Leinhart and Young are worse than Jake.

On the other hand, we know empiracly that we can win 75% of our game with Jake. That is good enough to get this team into the playoffs... my number one concern.
And then what? We lose in the wild card round!
We don't know what Cutler can do is exactly the point. I'll bet the farm Jake can't take us to an AFC championship or Superbowl -- so what's the point continuing with him?
I'd rather see the Broncos start Cutler and lose the last 5, than continue with Jake, scrape into the playoffs -- and exit quickly. Who knows maybe the Broncos can make a run with Cutler (look at Big Ben's rookie season). As far as I'm concerned the chance of a deep playoff run is more likely with Cutler (small though it may be) than Plummer.

[Gort]

Whatever else is thought of Plummer, that he is inadequate, often harmful, at quarterback, sympathy must go to a man who will face his duty when his coach would not, and a man who has been answering an unasked question since the first game of the season.

what a load of crapulence. sympathy? why?? he's been paid far in excess of what his physical skills have ever warranted. he's a good QB on a bad football team. he's a mediocre QB on a mediocre football team. but he's a LIABILITY on a good football team. The Mistake benched himself. not Shanny. not Cutler. not the fans. not the media. after 3.5 years or erratic play, he has ZERO goodwill locked away in the vault. think about that. after 3.5 years he has ZERO goodwill!!! Elway could have gone 2-14 in back to back years and there still wouldn't have been such numerable cries to bench him. he demonstrated his abilities time and again and even in bad games, everyone knew the Broncos were better with him on the field than not. can anyone honestly say this team is better with The Mistake on the field than not? honestly?? so i have no sympathy. 3.5 years is long enough. he was paid VERY well. and he benched himself. period... and don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out, Mistake.

if Cutler has to learn with a baptism by fire, then so be it.

ship The Mistake off to GB when Favre retires... they're used to going 6-10. The Mistake will fit right in there.

[Mecklomaniac]

On the other hand, we know empiracly that we can win 75% of our game with Jake. That is good enough to get this team into the playoffs... my number one concern.

You give Jake credit for winning 75% of our regular season games. Do you also give hime the blame for losing 75% of our playoff games (1W, 3L)?

Getting into the playoffs isn't good enough.

Sure, getting into the playoffs is great, but if you can't win playoff games why bother. The goal is the Superbowl, not the wild card bowl.

I like Jake, I wish him the best. I was among those chanting for Plummer when Arizona came to Denver. I think he is far better the Brian Griese. That being said Plummer seems to crumble under pressure. He tends to choke when it matters most, just like Payton Manning (without the talent) :alghh: . In big games the big plays from Plummer seem more often to be fumbles, picks, or missing wide open receivers.

I can't blame Plummer for all of Denvers problems it being a team sport, yada yada.... I also can't give him credit for winning any games this year. He has been a tag a long on this team this year.

I don't know what Cutler will do, but I do know what Plummer does, and I will take my chances with Cutler.

[Chupacabra]

And then what? We lose in the wild card round!
We don't know what Cutler can do is exactly the point. I'll bet the farm Jake can't take us to an AFC championship or Superbowl -- so what's the point continuing with him?
I'd rather see the Broncos start Cutler and lose the last 5, than continue with Jake, scrape into the playoffs -- and exit quickly. Who knows maybe the Broncos can make a run with Cutler (look at Big Ben's rookie season). As far as I'm concerned the chance of a deep playoff run is more likely with Cutler (small though it may be) than Plummer.



WOW. I'd MUCH rather contine with Jake and scrape into the playoffs then start Cutler and LOSE THE LAST 5.
I think people are getting a little off base here...This season is not lost! I am finally for the QB swap, but by no means would I rather finish the season with losses just so we can get the kid pt. And the whole "if theres going to be INTs, its better that Cut is throwing them," argument is crazy.. an INT is an INT and a loss is a loss...
And out of curiousity......what was that game Jake led us to last year in the playoffs?

[Circle Orange]

If there's an argument I believe that supports bringing in Cutler, its along these lines. I think the pressure of the fans and the media, combined with the pressure of looking in the rear-view mirror may have cracked Jake. Shanny can be a pretty cruel man sometimes, but only because he knows its the nature of this business. I believe Shanny intentionally let everyone know what he was thinking before Thursday's game to see how Jake would respond.

It's the same pressure that could crack and ruin Cutler with more unrealistic expectations. The assumption that 'poise' and having a strong arm are enough is insane...there's a boatload of guys that are big, strong, with arms that are pumping gas. Not that I'm saying this is Cutler, but isn't it funny how all of a sudden everyone on NFL shows acts like he's the next great thing? Yet before all we heard was Leinart and Young, Leinart and Young. Then Eli. Then...whatever. Suddenly everyone now acts like they knew Cutler would be 'great' all along.

Beware the BS factor...Knowitall

[Popps]

Linicome is wrong. The fact is, we've tinkered with every position on offense but the position that is giving us the most trouble. And now it's time to fix what is really wrong with this team. That's not to say it's going to fix every problem on this team. But it will fix a pretty crucial one.


That's pretty fair, imo.

Jake's just not the same guy he was last year. He's showed flashes of pulling out of the funk. Even on Thursday, that TD drive was just about flawless. But, then he comes back with some really silly throws. He just wasn't making those last year. Dude's lost his confidence.

My tolerance level for replacing him has been largely hinged on wins. Now that we've dropped a couple in a row and he still seems to be struggling, it's just time.

I actually think Shanahan played this situation perfectly... until last week. Given the circus, he either needed to come out and make a definitive statement to the media/team, or just go with Cutler.

But, for all the internet coaches rumblings, Shanahan got this team to 7-4 through a very difficult schedule with a major QB controversy. Let's hope that the team can put this behind them and move on with the kid in the right direction.

Overall, though... I think Shanahan did the right thing. He didn't rush into a rash decision. He attempted to keep a team unified that made an AFCCG last year and has his team in the playoff hunt. Now, he's got a talented young kid with 11 more weeks of learning the system under his belt.
To me, that's just part of the win/win I've thought this whole situation would end up being.

[Circle Orange]

the point of jake playing better where he's wanted/secure makes sense to me. shanny was assumning jakes competitive nature would rise up and this kid behind him would actually make him better. hasn't worked to well, so far.

The same motivational tools don't work for everyone. Funny, a few years ago there was a piece rattling on about Shanahan's ability to 'read' players and determine the best way to motivate different people. Maybe he's lost his touch. Or is just plain out of touch.

Some people respond to a kick in the ass, others a kiss. There's no 'one size fits all'. He had the ultimate thoroughbred at qb that he could tell to do anything, and it was done. Seems like he's trying to coach all these other qbs the same way. Different people, different skill sets.

[Popps]

The same motivational tools don't work for everyone. Funny, a few years ago there was a piece rattling on about Shanahan's ability to 'read' players and determine the best way to motivate different people. Maybe he's lost his touch. Or is just plain out of touch.

Some people respond to a kick in the ass, others a kiss. There's no 'one size fits all'. He had the ultimate thoroughbred at qb that he could tell to do anything, and it was done. Seems like he's trying to coach all these other qbs the same way. Different people, different skill sets.

Phenomenal post.

I've also wondered out loud in the past if we run through wide receivers for that reason, too.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want ANY other guy handling this stuff for us, but Shanahan has a style... and it probably works great with some guys, not so great with others.

I mean, he DID manage to get some very productive play out of Plummer. It's not like they were never a good team. MNF flashed that stat that said those two were something like to 6 or 7 all time for QB/coach combos with over 50 games played.

So, it's not like Shanny never reached him.

This is on Jake. He melted down, for whatever reason. I said early in the season that I thought Jake might have been a little better QB KNOWING he was the man than knowing he was on the hot seat. Like you said, every guy is different. Some QBs respond to pressure. Some respond well to faith.
I think we got our answer with Jake, but there was no way to know until it played out.

I also think that Shanahan honestly expected Plummer to play a full, competitive season similar to last year... then start with the kid, fresh in 07. So, this is probably not exactly in line with his plans, either.

But, here we are.... STILL in a very good position as a team, if we can pull together and start playing decent ball.

[Rohirrim]

That's pretty fair, imo.

Jake's just not the same guy he was last year. He's showed flashes of pulling out of the funk. Even on Thursday, that TD drive was just about flawless. But, then he comes back with some really silly throws. He just wasn't making those last year. Dude's lost his confidence.

My tolerance level for replacing him has been largely hinged on wins. Now that we've dropped a couple in a row and he still seems to be struggling, it's just time.

I actually think Shanahan played this situation perfectly... until last week. Given the circus, he either needed to come out and make a definitive statement to the media/team, or just go with Cutler.

But, for all the internet coaches rumblings, Shanahan got this team to 7-4 through a very difficult schedule with a major QB controversy. Let's hope that the team can put this behind them and move on with the kid in the right direction.

Overall, though... I think Shanahan did the right thing. He didn't rush into a rash decision. He attempted to keep a team unified that made an AFCCG last year and has his team in the playoff hunt. Now, he's got a talented young kid with 11 more weeks of learning the system under his belt.
To me, that's just part of the win/win I've thought this whole situation would end up being.

There was one fifteen yard fade route to Javon to the right side where the ball went through Javon's hands. They showed it on the replay from behind Javon, so the ball is coming right at the camera. I haven't seen a ball flutter and tumble like that since Billy Kilmer was playing. It looked like a friggin knuckleball. Javon walked back to the huddle just shaking his head.

[Popps]

There was one fifteen yard fade route to Javon to the right side where the ball went through Javon's hands. They showed it on the replay from behind Javon, so the ball is coming right at the camera. I haven't seen a ball flutter and tumble like that since Billy Kilmer was playing. It looked like a friggin knuckleball. Javon walked back to the huddle just shaking his head.

The only time Jake played well in that game is when we were in hurry-up, and he just quit thinking so much about it. He was firing the ball around and looked great... and I'm just thinking, WHY can't you do this regularly?

He's always been a guy who throws a few silly passes per game, but usually does more than enough to make up for it. Well, as of late... he hasn't. To me, that's a result of a guy who just lost confidence. It seemed to come back at times this season, and then leave again.

So, we move on... and thankfully, are in a terrific position with the most gifted young prospect we've had since you know who.

[Northman]

Phenomenal post.

I've also wondered out loud in the past if we run through wide receivers for that reason, too.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want ANY other guy handling this stuff for us, but Shanahan has a style... and it probably works great with some guys, not so great with others.

I mean, he DID manage to get some very productive play out of Plummer. It's not like they were never a good team. MNF flashed that stat that said those two were something like to 6 or 7 all time for QB/coach combos with over 50 games played.

So, it's not like Shanny never reached him.

This is on Jake. He melted down, for whatever reason. I said early in the season that I thought Jake might have been a little better QB KNOWING he was the man than knowing he was on the hot seat. Like you said, every guy is different. Some QBs respond to pressure. Some respond well to faith.
I think we got our answer with Jake, but there was no way to know until it played out.

I also think that Shanahan honestly expected Plummer to play a full, competitive season similar to last year... then start with the kid, fresh in 07. So, this is probably not exactly in line with his plans, either.

But, here we are.... STILL in a very good position as a team, if we can pull together and start playing decent ball.




Excellent post.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

You folks are asking A LOT out of a rookie quarterback.

[Little44]

Hey Lincicome, put down the crack pipe and back away!!!

[Popps]

You folks are asking A LOT out of a rookie quarterback.

We don't have a choice, at this point.

He's a smart kid and Shanahan has a history of getting a ton of production from his quarterbacks. He'll put him in the best position to succeed.

The question is going to be whether the rest of the team can step up and help the kid win games.

Can the defense line up man to man with a quality offense and shut them down?

Can the line open up some real running/passing lanes?

Jay won't be able to do it by himself, but he's got a very live arm... and again, he'll be working with one of the best coaches in the NFL with regards to getting production from QBs, even young or less talented QBs.

There's reason for optimism, and for you.. reason for concern.

But, you know that.

[footstepsfrom#27]

It's the same pressure that could crack and ruin Cutler with more unrealistic expectations.
What expectations would those be? I'm certainly not expecting the same from Jay that I did from Jake. Jake is a 9 year vet with almost 4 years in Shanny's system...a system specifically tailored to hide HIS weaknesses. I expected him to take advantage of that by stepping up and making improvement in the system. Instead he wilted dramatically under the pressure of a rookie QB carrying a clipboard. I wanted Jake to assume command of this offense and commit to taking this team to the Superbowl. All I expect from Jay is that he does his best and learns everything he can for the next 5 weeks.
The assumption that 'poise' and having a strong arm are enough is insane...there's a boatload of guys that are big, strong, with arms that are pumping gas.
Poise is simply the ability to handle pressure without collapsing, so yes...poise and the physical tools necessary to play the position ARE what is required. Jake had neither the poise or the physical tools...so Jay is 1 up on him before he even takes a snap. He demonstrated poise in college under very difficult circumstances so why not assume he can handle it here as well? As for the whole failure of rookie QB's thing...some of the best in history started as rookies and were just fine...Elway...Marino...Aikman...even the two Mannings and Roethlisberger in the current game. This absurd and unreasonable phobia over giving the rook the steering wheel for 5 games is nonsense. Even if he bombs he's got all off season to get better and come back next year better for it.

[Circle Orange]

What expectations would those be? I'm certainly not expecting the same from Jay that I did from Jake. Jake is a 9 year vet with almost 4 years in Shanny's system...a system specifically tailored to hide HIS weaknesses. I expected him to take advantage of that by stepping up and making improvement in the system. Instead he wilted dramatically under the pressure of a rookie QB carrying a clipboard. I wanted Jake to assume command of this offense and commit to taking this team to the Superbowl. All I expect from Jay is that he does his best and learns everything he can for the next 5 weeks.

Poise is simply the ability to handle pressure without collapsing, so yes...poise and the physical tools necessary to play the position ARE what is required. Jake had neither the poise or the physical tools...so Jay is 1 up on him before he even takes a snap. He demonstrated poise in college under very difficult circumstances so why not assume he can handle it here as well? As for the whole failure of rookie QB's thing...some of the best in history started as rookies and were just fine...Elway...Marino...Aikman...even the two Mannings and Roethlisberger in the current game. This absurd and unreasonable phobia over giving the rook the steering wheel for 5 games is nonsense. Even if he bombs he's got all off season to get better and come back next year better for it.

Seems like everyone wants an instant hero in the NFL. Look at dallas. Instead of letting their qb play, everyone wants to put him in Canton.

Funny...three years ago, Shanahan thought Jake had all the 'tools'. The improvisational ability, the mental toughness (from his situation in Arizona) and he said his arm was stronger than he thought. The Denver Post had an article about Shanahan looking at Jake on film being 'wowed'.

Like I said, Shanahan = BS.

[glenn230]

Teams figured out how to stop the bootleg(achilles) and with it went playoff/three-peat hopes.