Legwold: Cutler hardly cure-all for Broncos' ailments

[bloodsunday]

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nfl/article/0,2777,DRMN_23918_5169248,00.html

The Broncos can change.
They can change their jerseys, change their shoes, even change their ways. But changing their quarterback - although the likely winner in the popular vote in the Broncos nation - will not fix all that needs repair at the moment.

The NFL life is a cyclical one. The ups are really up. And the downs, well, sometimes they are really down.

It can be the most painful of football lessons for young players who would like to advance far enough in their careers to be older players.

The Broncos have had an up cycle. They were 5-1, their defense had surrendered one touchdown in five games, two touchdowns in six, and they were the league's top-ranked scoring defense.

Now, with three losses in the past five games, they are 7-4 and are in a decidedly down cycle.

And, sometimes, those in the kind of down cycle the Broncos are in feel the need to just do something, anything, to shake loose. And unless Mike Shanahan has a change of heart or thinks better of it, the feeling among many who spend their days in the Broncos complex alongside him is that rookie Jay Cutler will be the Broncos starting quarterback Dec. 3 against the Seattle Seahawks.

It's clear Shanahan wants more from the offense than he's getting. Perhaps putting the rookie in pumps up the passing game in the pocket because of that rare arm.

But for Cutler to fix all that is ailing the Broncos in this current down cycle, he will need magic beans, a winning Powerball ticket and an eight-leaf clover. The Broncos, believe it or not, have some other issues to contend with that are outside the quarterback's jurisdiction.

And just as it would be wrong to place everything at Plummer's feet at the moment, it would be wrong to say Cutler's right arm can lift it all as well.

"I've said all along, it's not all about Jake," Broncos tight end Stephen Alexander said. "You guys want to make a big deal about Jake and what he's not doing, but this is not a one-man team. There are a lot of guys who need to go out and play better. . . . You can't pin it on one guy. We know what everybody's responsibility is; we watch the film together.

"Unfortunately, he takes all the blame, and that's not fair."

Cutler can't see the running lanes better, can't make more tackles and can't play better special teams. Cutler can't kick off better, punt better and run better routes.

And as any good paint and body guy will tell you, you can paint a dent if you want, but then all you have is a shiny dent.

[bloodsunday]

Legwold is one of my favorite writers as he is not an editorial writers, he is a knowledgable football man.

This is a great article, IMO, and spot on. The only thing I think Cutler COULD change is the confidence of this team, which is clearly shot. I really don't think he can perform better than Jake right now. While I would be a fool to ignore the offense's woes, I also believe there are many more problems on this team right now than them.

[Spider]

Legwold is one of my favorite writers as he is not an editorial writers, he is a knowledgable football man.

This is a great article, IMO, and spot on. The only thing I think Cutler COULD change is the confidence of this team, which is clearly shot. I really don't think he can perform better than Jake right now. While I would be a fool to ignore the offense's woes, I also believe there are many more problems on this team right now than them.

I would agree with this .......... my opinion is jake doesnt like Denver .........

[elsid13]

He might not solve all the problems. But Culter might get convert those 3rd and 4 yards that would have been the difference of changing field position and keeping the defense off the field.

[Rohirrim]

One thing Legwold doesn't mention: Plummer has been ridiculously off target for much of this season. Week after week, I keep hearing about "great catches" out of Javon and Rod. Not much from the rest. Why? Look where the ball is going. How many deep balls has Jake overthrown this season? Ask yourself that. How many times have you seen the ball go behind the receiver? How many times was the receiver turned into the defensive player by a lousy throw? Sure, Jake doesn't block, punt or pass rush. So look at what he is responsible for.

[Iowanian]

Personally, and with an objective viewpoint at this time.....Cutler is probably going to be a more physically gifted QB than PlummINT, however I think injecting him into his first NFL game when your offensive line and running game is struggling, might not be productive.

If he starts off rough, gets his confidence shaken early.......



Yeah....Put in CUTLER!

[chickennob2]

Youre right. Cutler cant improve the pass rush or special teams.

But you dont win games by being better than the other guys in every aspect of the game. You win by having more points than them.


Cutler provides us with a legitimate passing threat. That means our backs wont face 8 or 9 in the box. With Plummer, stopping the run = taking away the play action boot = stoppng the pass. Simply by loading the box opposing defenses could shut down both our running and passing games. With Cutler, we have a legitimate drop-back QB who can make plays from the pocket. This should empty the box, allowing our RBs to have some room to work with. Sure Cutler wont make a tackle on a punt return. But if he can move the ball and not get the 3-and-out, field position is still improved. He cant rush the QB. But he can put the defense in a much better position that starting at the 40 and he can give them some time to be off the field.

Sure we have a lot of problems outside of Plummer, and sure Cutler will not be able to fix those problems. But Cutler can help us win ball games. And whether we get 3 sacks or none, having more points than the other guys is all that matters.

[bloodsunday]

One thing Legwold doesn't mention: Plummer has been ridiculously off target for much of this season. Week after week, I keep hearing about "great catches" out of Javon and Rod. Not much from the rest. Why? Look where the ball is going. How many deep balls has Jake overthrown this season? Ask yourself that. How many times have you seen the ball go behind the receiver? How many times was the receiver turned into the defensive player by a lousy throw? Sure, Jake doesn't block, punt or pass rush. So look at what he is responsible for.

The point is that the entire team is in a funk right now. And even if Plummer were suddenly excellent, it wouldn't help our suddenly pourous D and special teams from allowing the opponent to go right back down the field and score again.

This team is playing a little like the Rockies right now... out of sync. When the pitcher pitch well, the hitters don't hit. When the hitters are scoring runs, the pitchers can't get people out. See what I'm saying? When the O plays well the D gets jacked. When the D plays well, the O gets jacked. Plummer hasn't changed. What's changed is that this team is facing adversity and as a TEAM they must get out of it to save this season.

Chaning QBs may be part of the equation, but not the Holy Grail that many seem to suggest.

[Rohirrim]

Personally, and with an objective viewpoint at this time.....Cutler is probably going to be a more physically gifted QB than PlummINT, however I think injecting him into his first NFL game when your offensive line and running game is struggling, might not be productive.

If he starts off rough, gets his confidence shaken early.......



Yeah....Put in CUTLER!

It will be fun listening to Cheffie after they see a couple of Cutler's lasers. Come on, Iowa. Even the bad protection he might get here will be better than what he got at Vandy.

[bloodsunday]

Even the bad protection he might get here will be better than what he got at Vandy.

Dude you gotta be careful with that argument. There were no expecations at Vanderbilt. The expectations here are sky high -- from the fans, the media, and the organization. I hope his experience at Vandy has helped him to be poised, confident, and unshakable, but we don't know. I thought Plummer was unshakeable but this town and Shanahan's demand for perferction has gotten to his psyche.

[watermock]

I think it's a dumb article. No. Cutler can't tackle (well...actually other teams wanted to make him a safety...that's how he wound up at Vandy)...Block...Who says he couldn't throw a block on a reverse? He's 230.

Maybe he can manage to throw a pass that doesn't bounce ten yards short on an intermediate route.

Do something? Anything? It's news to me we drafted Cutler friday morning.

There are 28 QB's with better passer ratings. Yeah Yeah...that doesn't tell the whole story...locker room buddy...blah blah blah...save it for reunions...not the wars of game day. We need team chemistry, and our LB's played poorly, over persuing constantly from what I'm hearing. I have only seen a couple horrible highlights of Jake throwing behind Alex and bouncing a grounder to first base.

Do something...anything? Like what else? Most newbies don't know Dinger was the WR coach during the SB years.

We started a freakin' undrafted Rookie at RB. We are playing a 255 pound pass rusher at DT.

I'm not saying Cutler is going to pull a Brady or Big Ben. I'm old enough to remember when cars had to be "broken in" at 50, then you change the oil at 1000 miles to get the filings out of the pan. That's the way I see it.

What other changes can we make? We tried Nash and he broke down. Twinkle Toes Tater Tot is still limping. Warren has been Worthless since he sprained his toes as well. Two of the secondary are lost for the season...Lynch is simply instinctive...but slow.

Rod Smith was pissed. He's willing to turn over the #1 to Javon, but not his leadership role.

So Mr. Legwold...tell me what other options do we have? Bench our LB's? If Slappy thinks our linebackers are smallish...how do you think they would do in a 3/4 yet alone who would be the other inside backer. Burns? heh. Chucky is hobbled as well.

Who do we have to replace anyone on the DL?

This isn't a someone anyone move at all if/when it happens. It's a logical decision based on performance.

[watermock]

Personally, and with an objective viewpoint at this time.....Cutler is probably going to be a more physically gifted QB than PlummINT, however I think injecting him into his first NFL game when your offensive line and running game is struggling, might not be productive.

If he starts off rough, gets his confidence shaken early.......



Yeah....Put in CUTLER!

Players like Leinart and Young might or are shaken. They went from Title teams to Crap. Jay doesn't have that albatros here. That wasn't out draft spot. We traded all the way up to 11 from 29.

[Elway 4 Life]

If Jay can just limit the 3 and outs we will be in much better shape.

[watermock]

Another thing pisses me off. WTF is it when he can't run the ball, Cecil Sapp gets one pass and zero carries?

Could he of done any worse than Mike Bell? They loaded the box every play. Shanahan himself said he had to go 4 wide to get them out of the box. I don't mind 4 wide...5 wide drives me bonkers.

[watermock]

If Jay can just limit the 3 and outs we will be in much better shape.

It's been a thorn all year. We are almost guaranteed to lose the division now. Not to mention a bunch of trolls arrived right on schedule AFTER the game.

19 points in two games against K.C. and we don't need the change? We can start to make changes. One would be a QB that sees Scheff. How could Cutler seen Scheff but Jake couldn't...even in preseason?

[Rohirrim]

The point is that the entire team is in a funk right now. And even if Plummer were suddenly excellent, it wouldn't help our suddenly pourous D and special teams from allowing the opponent to go right back down the field and score again.

This team is playing a little like the Rockies right now... out of sync. When the pitcher pitch well, the hitters don't hit. When the hitters are scoring runs, the pitchers can't get people out. See what I'm saying? When the O plays well the D gets jacked. When the D plays well, the O gets jacked. Plummer hasn't changed. What's changed is that this team is facing adversity and as a TEAM they must get out of it to save this season.

Chaning QBs may be part of the equation, but not the Holy Grail that many seem to suggest.

IMHO, this team is in a funk because they have been suffering under conflicted loyalties. They are a team. They have stood by Jake as a team, even when he keeps handing the ball back to the opposition time after time. How many times this season has the D played great, given the ball to Jake, and then he gives it right back? And they have stuck by him. Good for them. I think putting Cutler in there wipes away all the conflict, both inside, and outside, this locker room. Personally, I believe the Seahawks are in for some nasty ****. IMO, this team comes out of the tunnel with all the Plummer crap in their wake, ready to write a new history. I also think we are now going to see that Kircus and Sheffler are pretty good receivers.

[Elway 4 Life]

That's how you beat us. Make Jake win the game with his arm. You stop our run game and make Jake pass. We lose every time. When we can run it opens PA for Jake and that is when he becomes a dangerous passer. Jay would be able to instill alot more fear in a defense because of his arm and his accuracy.

[Elway 4 Life]

It's been a thorn all year. We are almost guaranteed to lose the division now. Not to mention a bunch of trolls arrived right on schedule AFTER the game.

19 points in two games against K.C. and we don't need the change? We can start to make changes. One would be a QB that sees Scheff. How could Cutler seen Scheff but Jake couldn't...even in preseason?

Scheff is struggling only because Jake is struggling IMO.

[Spider]

If Jay can just limit the 3 and outs we will be in much better shape.

Bingo ..... if we can sustain Drives , that protects our Defense .......Not much we can do about Sp @ this point , but our offense needs to over play the bad Field position ...........

[Dudeskey]

Someone comes correct for a change...
Kick rocks, Schefter http://www.proxywhore.com/invboard/html/emoticons/capyoass.gif

[Broncojef]

I think the players have been watching Cutler in practice and even the coaches rave about him, yet come game day they have to put up with Jake. I completely agree that Cutler will stabilize this team alot and give a focus to a leader on offense that gets it done. My prediction Jay comes in and throws 4 TDs and next week we are all figuring out angles whereby we can win the AFC West.:yep:

[bombquixote]

Cutler provides us with a legitimate passing threat. That means our backs wont face 8 or 9 in the box. With Plummer, stopping the run = taking away the play action boot = stoppng the pass. Simply by loading the box opposing defenses could shut down both our running and passing games. With Cutler, we have a legitimate drop-back QB who can make plays from the pocket. This should empty the box, allowing our RBs to have some room to work with. Sure Cutler wont make a tackle on a punt return. But if he can move the ball and not get the 3-and-out, field position is still improved. He cant rush the QB. But he can put the defense in a much better position that starting at the 40 and he can give them some time to be off the field.

Sure we have a lot of problems outside of Plummer, and sure Cutler will not be able to fix those problems. But Cutler can help us win ball games. And whether we get 3 sacks or none, having more points than the other guys is all that matters.

Cutler isn't going to improve this team much from the outset. Yes, he has the potential to be a legit passing threat, and yes he will eventually carry the broncs on his shoulders in a way that Jake simply can't--but as of yet he gives us nothing that Plummer doesn't. Here's why: Shanny is going game plan around Cutler's inexperience, which means leaning hard on the running game, just like he was doing with Jake. So teams are going to use the same strategy they have been: stack the box against the run, put us in third-and-long situations and cheat the ends or safeties to contain the bootleg. Shanny WILL NOT turn Cutler loose as a passer for the first few games, and maybe not at all this season. He will continue to be conservative. So those of you who expect the broncs to immediately turn into a passing juggernaut the second Cutler takes the field, prepare to be dissapointed.

[watermock]

Spoken like a true apologist.

Cutler isn't going to improve this team much from the outset.

Who said he would? He said himself he wasn't getting alot of reps and would have to knock off the rust. We are looking forward.

[-Slap-]

Can anybody tell which team in the NFL doesn't have any holes?

Some years the team who gets hot at the end is the one who wins the Super Bowl. This year will be like that, too. The Steelers were 7-5 and reeling after three straight losses at this time last year. Then they won eight straight games and one for the thumb.

Better quarterback play could cure several ills. Foremost, the overall listless attitude of the team.

I'm sure Javon Walker would be energized by a guy who can get him the ball downfield.

I believe our backs will appreciate running against seven man fronts again, too.

I'm sure the defense will breath easier knowing their backs aren't against the wall every week.

There should be plenty of positive energy in the stadium when Cutler takes over, too.

[watermock]

Instead of resignation Slappy.

[-Slap-]

Instead of resignation Slappy.

If its Jake, there will be anger, too. Lots of it.

[bombquixote]

Spoken like a true apologist.



Who said he would? He said himself he wasn't getting alot of reps and would have to knock off the rust. We are looking forward.

I'm not apologizing for anything. Who said he would?--there are a mass of posters here who seem to think putting Cutler in will immediately transform this team into the '99 Rams. it's hogwash. I'm still for starting him, because he can't do much worse than Plummer and he'll have solid experience as a starter at the beginning of next season. But to think he won't make mistakes, to think Shanny won't come up with conservative game plans to protect the kid, is ridiculous.

[footstepsfrom#27]

People keep drudging up this "Cutler can't solve all the problems" thing like that has some actual bearing on what people expect him to do. It doesn't, and who really thinks so? But who says he has to do that in order to have an impact? The fact is...if the only thing he does is complete an occassional deep ball and make the defense aware that we can now go downfield, it will keep defenses honest enough that we'll see some more running room for the ground game. Yeah...thanks for the hot info on the team having other problems...the point is...what? Jay doesn't need to solve any other problems...we're 7-3 with horrible QB play already...so maybe if he just holds his own and turns it over no more than Jake would while throwing the occassional bomb, that might be enough to make a difference. At worst he gets the expereince needed to go into 2007 as something other than an NFL virgin.

Win/win situation all the way around unless you somehow thought we were winning the Superbowl this year...which almost nobody does. Bottom line: the argument that "he won't solve the rest of the problems" is meaningless.