Shanahan Continues to Mishandle the Quarterback Situation

[-Slap-]

He's screwing this up. The coaching staff and players should have been informed already about this switch. He's not doing Plummer any favors by letting him twist in the wind and he's not helping any of his teammates, either. All Shanahan is accomplishing right now is creating an air of uncertainty over the organization and making himself appear indecisive.

Its bad enough he waited several weeks too long to make this change, but the manner in which he's going about it is doing nothing to help his team's already flagging confidence. To say nothing of Cutler's mindset. You would think Mike would be doing everything to pump the kid up, not acting like he's putting off a root canal.

[shakenbake]

It said in the paper he told them yesterday and will make a formal annoucment to the public today after practice.

[Meck77]

He's screwing this up. The coaching staff and players should have been informed already about this switch. He's not doing Plummer any favors by letting him twist in the wind and he's not helping any of his teammates, either. All Shanahan is accomplishing right now is creating an air of uncertainty over the organization and making himself appear indecisive.
.

I agree. Has there been any official comment out of Dove Valley? There isn't even a comment on DenverBroncos.com about Jay Cutler starting. Seems like alot of BS flying around in the air like you are saying Slap.

[Dagmar]

He's screwing this up. The coaching staff and players should have been informed already about this switch. He's not doing Plummer any favors by letting him twist in the wind and he's not helping any of his teammates, either. All Shanahan is accomplishing right now is creating an air of uncertainty over the organization and making himself appear indecisive.

Its bad enough he waited several weeks too long to make this change, but the manner in which he's going about it is doing nothing to help his team's already flagging confidence. To say nothing of Cutler's mindset. You would think Mike would be doing everything to pump the kid up, not acting like he's putting off a root canal.

Where does this come from? Something happened today?

[shakenbake]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2677116

Shanahan was planning to meet with his staff Sunday, The Associated Press reported, but the soonest he'll address the issue publicly would be after Monday's practice, team spokesman Jim Saccomano said.

[Meck77]

ok Shake..Thanks for pointing that out.

[Clark]

I think you need to get that crack in your windshield fixed.

[ludo21]

Today is the day when the news should be "official"

Was he supposed to come out on Saturday when everyone has the day off and make the public aware?

Shanny knows what he is doing, everone is back Monday and will all hear his announcement at the same time.

[shakenbake]

I think you need to get that crack in your windshield fixed.

How do you know I have a crack in my windshield?

[LGM]

Game was Thursday, players were off till today, coaches off till Sunday as I recall.

Sunday coaches meeting, he was supposed to let coaches know.

Monday he would let players know, and after practice tell the press.

The thing that bothers me more than anything was who the leak is.

If it was Shanny, that's a pretty low thing to do prior to the game. Sets Jake up as a lame duck qb.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

The thing that bothers me more than anything was who the leak is.

If it was Shanny, that's a pretty low thing to do prior to the game. Sets Jake up as a lame duck qb.

I can't believe it was Shanahan - completely out of character. However, whoever it is should be fired.

[Dudeskey]

It said in the paper he told them yesterday and will make a formal annoucment to the public today after practice.

That deads this thread

[defenseman]

Game was Thursday, players were off till today, coaches off till Sunday as I recall.

Sunday coaches meeting, he was supposed to let coaches know.

Monday he would let players know, and after practice tell the press.

The thing that bothers me more than anything was who the leak is.

If it was Shanny, that's a pretty low thing to do prior to the game. Sets Jake up as a lame duck qb.

I'll fall on shanny's side on this one. The press, will be the ever snooping press. I'm sure someone slipped, however, shanahan gave them a chance at the post game press conference (I'm SURE he had already made his decision) to ask questions. They didn't. When an attempt to follow up later occurred, he balked. I'll lay odds he has spoken to no one about this since then. Except maybe his coaches, who one of which, may have slipped. In any case, I could care how jake feels, move aside loser, let the rook have a shot..dman

[epa86b@netzero]

Game was Thursday, players were off till today, coaches off till Sunday as I recall.

Sunday coaches meeting, he was supposed to let coaches know.

Monday he would let players know, and after practice tell the press.

The thing that bothers me more than anything was who the leak is.

If it was Shanny, that's a pretty low thing to do prior to the game. Sets Jake up as a lame duck qb.

I think the leak was Coyer because his defense is suffering due to 3 and outs by the offense.

[cmhargrove]

The leak is bothersome, but the switch is not.

Jake has always known what is at stake, he cracked, not Shanahan.

Shanahan says he always handles a position switch in a face to face meeting and the players were all away for the weekend. When is there ever an easy QB switch??? The only "easy" switches usually happen via injury during a game. Otherwise, it will always be a difficult decision that is only proven correct by winning.

If Cutler wins, Shanahan becomes a genius again. It's amazing Shanny has held this team together through the injuries and adversity so far. I would rather have no other head coach in the league.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Didn't everyone know the players were off until today and the Shanahan was going to announce Cutler starting this afternoon?

[Traveler]

I'll fall on shanny's side on this one. The press, will be the ever snooping press. I'm sure someone slipped, however, shanahan gave them a chance at the post game press conference (I'm SURE he had already made his decision) to ask questions. They didn't. When an attempt to follow up later occurred, he balked. I'll lay odds he has spoken to no one about this since then. Except maybe his coaches, who one of which, may have slipped. In any case, I could care how jake feels, move aside loser, let the rook have a shot..dman

Dman, I wouldn't think it was one of the coaches, if, indeed Shanahn was to inform them on Sunday. My bet is it was someone in the front office.

[Spider]

kinda jumping the gun here , we dont know what Jakes been told , or Cutler ..........

[Mile High Shack]

I trust Shanny to make the right move when he wants to make the move

I think players know, they just can't say anything till after practice today and Shanny makes it official

[Arkansas Bronco]

Generaly what are the practice times so I can kind of be looking for something then?

[azbroncfan]

I did Jake said post game interview he was going to come back after the three days rest and didn't know if he would be starting or not.

[shakenbake]

I think the leak was Coyer because his defense is suffering due to 3 and outs by the offense.

I think the "leak" was shanny's butler in the study with a candlestick holder. Personally, I don't think it really matters that much. The change was going to happen regardless of when it was "leaked".

I think its actully an ok strategy and wouldn't be suprised if it was shanny. I know alot of times if an employee does something that warrants being fired human resources will suspend him indefantly but not fire him right on the spot. This allows the employee to prepare for the ax with a few days off and usually keeps the ordeal from becoming explosive. Its the same here, all the players hear it over the weekend have a chance to warm up to it and accept it. Jake himself hears it so its not some huge shock when he talks to Shanahan or an even bigger shock to the rest of the players when Cutler takes his place durring practice. Seems like a good plan to me

[defenseman]

Dman, I wouldn't think it was one of the coaches, if, indeed Shanahn was to inform them on Sunday. My bet is it was someone in the front office.

Probably. In any case, people will talk sometimes now won't they. Hell, look at the Steve Tensi scenario, someone here "leaked" some key information just like the QB situation was leaked in Denver. Not surprising in the least, bottom line on shanahan though, has alot of other things way more of a priority than a qb replacement leak. the team impact? They are grown men getting paid buckola's , get over it, and go to work....dman

[TexanBob]

Why does Shanny have to announce anything???

Why not keep the Seahawks in suspense? Remember when Shanny told Plummer to fake a concussion in San Diego? They should have done something similar.

Let the team know what's going on but keep the press (and the Seahawks) in the dark. That's what I'd do.

[epa86b@netzero]

I think the "leak" was shanny's butler in the study with a candlestick holder. Personally, I don't think it really matters that much. The change was going to happen regardless of when it was "leaked".

I think its actully an ok strategy and wouldn't be suprised if it was shanny. I know alot of times if an employee does something that warrants being fired human resources will suspend him indefantly but not fire him right on the spot. This allows the employee to prepare for the ax with a few days off and usually keeps the ordeal from becoming explosive. Its the same here, all the players hear it over the weekend have a chance to warm up to it and accept it. Jake himself hears it so its not some huge shock when he talks to Shanahan or an even bigger shock to the rest of the players when Cutler takes his place durring practice. Seems like a good plan to me

All jokes aside. THis needed to be done two weeks ago.

I am just glad that we have Cutler as our choice versus BVP. I like everyone else cannot wait until Sunday Night. It just seems that the sunny is brighter and the air is fresher because I have renewed hope in this season and the near future of this team due to this change.

Jake did some good things for us but he was holding us back this year.

[BroncoInferno]

Why not keep the Seahawks in suspense?

If Jay is starting, he'll get reps with the first team, thereby making it almost impossible to keep things under wraps. He could close off practice I guess, but that would be pretty transparent.

[Crushaholic]

Why does Shanny have to announce anything???

Exactamundo. The only people that need to know are the players and coaches. Unfortunately, it's become the worst-kept secret around...

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

If Jay is starting, he'll get reps with the first team, thereby making it almost impossible to keep things under wraps. He could close off practice I guess, but that would be pretty transparent.

Practice is always closed during the season and the facility was specially constructed so that you cannot see in when outside the fence.

[XXXII&III]

Shanahan's press conference is today at 12:30 PM MST. It's going to be streamed live on our Channel 4 CBS affiliate, www.news4colorado.com (http://www.news4colorado.com)

[BRNCOS1]

As far as Cutler vs Plummer, I say give the kid a try. It's obvious Plummer won't get the team to the superbowl this year. Not saying everything is his fault, but he is the quarterback, and teams sometimes play better or worse depending on their qb's play.

That said I don't expect Cutler to lead us to the superbowl either. I look at Matt Lienart in Arizona and his performance this year, if Jay can come out and perform/develop himself into the player we all hope he will be then the amount of wins we get the rest of the year doesn't matter to me.

[BroncoInferno]

Practice is always closed during the season and the facility was specially constructed so that you cannot see in when outside the fence.

Ah, thanks for that info. Nevertheless, it would be extremely difficult for Cutler to take snaps with the first team and not have the info leak out when your expecting 100 or so people (between the players, coaches, front office, etc.) to keep their mouths shut.

[12th man]

Just saw this on the bottom screen on NFL Network: Broncos coach Mike Shannahan expected to announce cutler the starter to the media at 230 today eastern time, wich in exactly 19 minutes.

[XXXII&III]

uhhh look up 3 posts. you can watch it on your computer.

[12th man]

uhhh look up 3 posts. you can watch it on your computer.

Yeah, I didn't see that when I posted my post. sorry. Besides I don't have to watch it on my computer, my big screen tv is all set on nfl newtork.:strong:

[broncosteven]

I Don't think it got mishandled as much as Shanny gave his Vet every last chance to perform. I believe Mike would have made the change 1 week sooner had the KFC game been on a regular 7 day week & not the 4 day holiday game.

I find this quote very funny though:
"I'm the starter right now, and if Mike wants to put Jay in there, then my play hasn't warranted him to not do it. Whatever he wants to do is what I have to go with," Plummer said.
Blunders play, ranked as one of the worst QB's in the league, is apparent to everyone but him. I cannot wait to see Denver start a Game without an INT on the 1st Drive.

[Kaylore]

I have mixed feeling on this. Back in preseason Cutler was awesome. Everyone said "Well that's preseason." Well Plummer was pretty lame in preseason and Cutler out-played him. After that it was pretty much downhill from there.

On the one hand you could argue that he was torturing everyone and delaying the inevitable by waiting for so long, but there are some things to consider (though I don't agree with all of them).

The Broncos winning and had the division lead. This made the troubles the Broncos were having unique from the other QB moves. Drew Bledsoe was losing games early and Romo had four years experience, Warner was dried up on a team that's not very good, the Titans had nothing to begin with, and Chris Simms' spleen exploded. The Broncos had a seasoned vet that was playing poorly but were still winning games. A move at QB would seem like a panic move, and if they crash and miss the playoffs after the change you will lose your whole team even if the crash would have happened anyway.

They let Plummer play his way out of the position. The Griese fiasco, while justifiable, pissed off the team. This is the best way for a coach to make the change. Basically it inoculates you from any criticism because the players see the decline first hand, and after losing some games even the most loyal of "buddies" will question if they are making the right choice.

Shanahan is a more patient man than myself. I understand the reasons he waited, but I think they waited too long. It also didn't help that Plummer was playing just bad enough to not get a lead and let Cutler get mop up duty, but just good enough that just when Shanahan was going to make the change it seemed like it was not quite bad enough to warrant a change. That more than anything pissed me off because it was like Jake was holding the team hostage forcing them to watch his bad play and keep Jay out of it. I know it wasn't that calculated, but it's what was happening.

Anyway, at this point it's over and we can move forward. Let's just close the door on this chapter. Whether too soon, too late or the right time, Shanahan is making the decision now that he was always going to make.

[Mediator12]

Mike is a great Coach, decent administrator, and poor motivator. He has never been a guy to worry about guys getting up for games, he has always entrusted the veterans to handle their business and the leaders to get the team up when needed.

He fired this shot several weeks ago to shake up the doldrums of practice and preparation by benching non-performing players. It was a clear sign that he was going to play the best players no matter what. Until I hear him say that Cutler is starting v. SEA its all supposition, albeit pretty accurate supposition.

[broncosteven]

I have mixed feeling on this. Back in preseason Cutler was awesome. Everyone said "Well that's preseason." Well Plummer was pretty lame in preseason and Cutler out-played him. After that it was pretty much downhill from there.

On the one hand you could argue that he was torturing everyone and delaying the inevitable by waiting for so long, but there are some things to consider (though I don't agree with all of them).

The Broncos winning and had the division lead. This made the troubles the Broncos were having unique from the other QB moves. Drew Bledsoe was losing games early and Romo had four years experience, Warner was dried up on a team that's not very good, the Titans had nothing to begin with, and Chris Simms' spleen exploded. The Broncos had a seasoned vet that was playing poorly but were still winning games. A move at QB would seem like a panic move, and if they crash and miss the playoffs after the change you will lose your whole team even if the crash would have happened anyway.

They let Plummer play his way out of the position. The Griese fiasco, while justifiable, pissed off the team. This is the best way for a coach to make the change. Basically it inoculates you from any criticism because the players see the decline first hand, and after losing some games even the most loyal of "buddies" will question if they are making the right choice.

Shanahan is a more patient man than myself. I understand the reasons he waited, but I think they waited too long. It also didn't help that Plummer was playing just bad enough to not get a lead and let Cutler get mop up duty, but just good enough that just when Shanahan was going to make the change it seemed like it was not quite bad enough to warrant a change. That more than anything pissed me off because it was like Jake was holding the team hostage forcing them to watch his bad play and keep Jay out of it. I know it wasn't that calculated, but it's what was happening.

Anyway, at this point it's over and we can move forward. Let's just close the door on this chapter. Whether too soon, too late or the right time, Shanahan is making the decision now that he was always going to make.


Yours is the Superior...

The voice of Reason amidst confusion...

[wolf754life]

Ever heard that song "MAD WORLD" ?

its a great metaphor for whats going on at Dove Valley.

the first half of the song is about Jake Plummer ie........

All around me are familiar faces,
Worn out places,
Worn out faces,
Bright and early for the daily races,
Going nowhere,
Going nowhere,
Their tears are filling up their glasses,
No expression,
No expression,
Hide my head I wanna drown my sorrow,
No tomorrow,
No tomorrow,
And I find it kind of funny,
I find it kind of sad,
The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had,
I find it hard to tell you,
I find it hard to take,
When people run in circles,
It's a very very,
Mad world,
Mad world,

Wow, plummers thoughts exactly!

Now the second half talks about Cutler and his opportunity.

Children waiting for the day they feel good,
Happy birthday,
Happy birthday,
And I feel the way that every child should,
Sit and listen,
Sit and listen,
Went to school and I was very nervous,
No one knew me,
No one knew me,
Hello teacher tell me what's my lesson,
Look right through me,
Look right through me,
And I find it kind of funny,
I find it kind of sad,
The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had,
I find it hard to tell you,
I find it hard to take,
When people run in circles,
It's a very very,
Mad world,
Mad world,
Enlarging your world,
Mad world...

[GonzoLays]

Game was Thursday, players were off till today, coaches off till Sunday as I recall.

Sunday coaches meeting, he was supposed to let coaches know.

Monday he would let players know, and after practice tell the press.

The thing that bothers me more than anything was who the leak is.

If it was Shanny, that's a pretty low thing to do prior to the game. Sets Jake up as a lame duck qb.

A large gay man sighting!

Cutler is bringing out the closet Bronco fans. Big news indeed.

[zdoor]

I agree. The press and fans should be the last to know.

[GonzoLays]

Ever heard that song "MAD WORLD" ?

its a great metaphor for whats going on at Dove Valley.

the first half of the song is about Jake Plummer ie........

All around me are familiar faces,
Worn out places,
Worn out faces,
Bright and early for the daily races,
Going nowhere,
Going nowhere,
Their tears are filling up their glasses,
No expression,
No expression,
Hide my head I wanna drown my sorrow,
No tomorrow,
No tomorrow,
And I find it kind of funny,
I find it kind of sad,
The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had,
I find it hard to tell you,
I find it hard to take,
When people run in circles,
It's a very very,
Mad world,
Mad world,

Wow, plummers thoughts exactly!

Now the second half talks about Cutler and his opportunity.

Children waiting for the day they feel good,
Happy birthday,
Happy birthday,
And I feel the way that every child should,
Sit and listen,
Sit and listen,
Went to school and I was very nervous,
No one knew me,
No one knew me,
Hello teacher tell me what's my lesson,
Look right through me,
Look right through me,
And I find it kind of funny,
I find it kind of sad,
The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had,
I find it hard to tell you,
I find it hard to take,
When people run in circles,
It's a very very,
Mad world,
Mad world,
Enlarging your world,
Mad world...

ummmmmm.....no.

[PLOWHORSE]

Ever heard that song "MAD WORLD" ?

its a great metaphor for whats going on at Dove Valley.

the first half of the song is about Jake Plummer ie........

All around me are familiar faces,
Worn out places,
Worn out faces,
Bright and early for the daily races,
Going nowhere,
Going nowhere,
Their tears are filling up their glasses,
No expression,
No expression,
Hide my head I wanna drown my sorrow,
No tomorrow,
No tomorrow,
And I find it kind of funny,
I find it kind of sad,
The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had,
I find it hard to tell you,
I find it hard to take,
When people run in circles,
It's a very very,
Mad world,
Mad world,

Wow, plummers thoughts exactly!

Now the second half talks about Cutler and his opportunity.

Children waiting for the day they feel good,
Happy birthday,
Happy birthday,
And I feel the way that every child should,
Sit and listen,
Sit and listen,
Went to school and I was very nervous,
No one knew me,
No one knew me,
Hello teacher tell me what's my lesson,
Look right through me,
Look right through me,
And I find it kind of funny,
I find it kind of sad,
The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had,
I find it hard to tell you,
I find it hard to take,
When people run in circles,
It's a very very,
Mad world,
Mad world,
Enlarging your world,
Mad world...

Tears for Fears!

[anthonypacino]

I can't believe it was Shanahan - completely out of character. However, whoever it is should be fired.

Shanny has used this tactic before as a motavational tool. Plummer couldnt handle the pressure. I dont think Shanny did anything wrong.