Shanahan's blunder

[dragondawg]

Terry Bradshaw ripped Denver coach Mike Shanahan for the second consecutive Sunday. Bradshaw is right. Shanahan was wrong about when to bench Jake Plummer and switch to rookie quarterback Jay Cutler. Shanahan should have done it a month or more ago. He inserted the kid into the lineup with the playoffs on the line.

Cutler was rattled early by the Chargers and fumbled and simply threw erratically early. There is no doubt that Cutler has a big arm and talent, but right now the Broncos don't have a left tackle who can protect Cutler's blindside. Cutler can move, but he doesn't have the speed to escape the likes of Shawne Merriman and Luis Castillo.

Shanahan won't return to Jake Plummer, but he better be careful about undermining Cutler's confidence and overall psyche. The bottom line was that Shanahan always loved Cutler's big-arm abilities and his potential. Well, Shanahan felt he had to do right by Plummer, whereas he should have simply believed his gut instincts and thought about his team and where Cutler would be today had he been a six- or seven-game starter instead of the quarterback who has lost two straight.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6259596

[Kaylore]

He didn't watch the game, obviously.

[Paladin]

And just what does he konow compared to all the experts on this board?

I said it before: The season was tossed a few games ago. Lip service is being paid to the "Playoff Run", but the truth is, the team is playing for next year. Getting Cutler some experience and checking out the potential players for next year are the goals.

[Goobzilla]

Bradshaw needs to cram it in his cramhole. Jay played well overall and he made great strides in his 2nd start. The game has been over for less than 12 hours and we're already getting revisionist history from the media.

For the record, Bradshaw sucked in Cannonball Run so there :D

[16slayer24]

cutler was average at best but showed an arm we gave up the season at home against the chargers wouldnt matter who wa s at QB we need a good defense no pressure no safeties 1 corner cant win with that

[Mile High Mojoe]

Terry Bradshaw ripped Denver coach Mike Shanahan for the second consecutive Sunday. Bradshaw is right. Shanahan was wrong about when to bench Jake Plummer and switch to rookie quarterback Jay Cutler. Shanahan should have done it a month or more ago. He inserted the kid into the lineup with the playoffs on the line.

Cutler was rattled early by the Chargers and fumbled and simply threw erratically early. There is no doubt that Cutler has a big arm and talent, but right now the Broncos don't have a left tackle who can protect Cutler's blindside. Cutler can move, but he doesn't have the speed to escape the likes of Shawne Merriman and Luis Castillo.

Shanahan won't return to Jake Plummer, but he better be careful about undermining Cutler's confidence and overall psyche. The bottom line was that Shanahan always loved Cutler's big-arm abilities and his potential. Well, Shanahan felt he had to do right by Plummer, whereas he should have simply believed his gut instincts and thought about his team and where Cutler would be today had he been a six- or seven-game starter instead of the quarterback who has lost two straight.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6259596Still more drivel.

[OrangeShadow]

bradshaws a dumbass. go film another movie since you obiviously dont know football terry.

[loborugger]

Phil Simms made an excellent point during the SD game. I think it confirmed what most of us were thinking.

Shanny looked at the team, saw the way they were playing, and figured we were due for a WC slot and a beating on someone else's turf in the playoffs. He brought in Cutler to provide the team a spark - and to get the kid some playing time.

[cmhargrove]

Someone please tell me when they saw Cutler rattled? I did see Merriman knock the ball out of his hands and tip a pass, but never did I think the Chargers rattled him.

I don't see a rattled quarterback coming out of the locker room down 28-3 and lighting it up with 17 straight points.

I think sometimes sportscasters are running for a student council popularity seat rather than actually analyzing the actual game.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Bradshaw's not the sharpest tool in the shed.

[Disco Man]

Bradshaw is also the guy who ripped Elway when he would not play for the Colts and told him to play baseball. That would have been great for the game.

[BroncoInferno]

Where's "Hollywood" Henderson when you need him?

[Gort]

Where's "Hollywood" Henderson when you need him?

he's dead, actually.

[long beach bronco]

Hollywood Henderson is not dead.

[MrPeepers]

Ok, so what is Shanahan supposed to do?

Run the ball every down? What I saw in the second half was 3/4 passing situations. We either completed first downs, or didn't. Typically you don't get first downs unless you run the ball. So to be even more conservative would have required Jay throw less, and by that be more conservative.

The second half we were anything but conservative. If the line wasn't getting bullrushed, then perhaps we would have seen Cutler highlights, but with 48-20 being the score. The media apparently felt there was nothing to see, although it was truly Cutler's first coming out in the NFL.

I think most of these guys watched the first quarter and made decisions based on that stinkfest.

It's exciting to see Shanahan utlizing the shotgun. When our line pulls it together, Cutler should be even more proficient.

Never once do I feel he was rattled, perhaps frustrated with the line play, and certainly his throws were a little off on a few tosses, but it was a nice second outing, not like you would have know unless you watched the game though.

[broncocalijohn]

Shanahan blew it when we were down 14 to 0 and he didnt go for it on 4th and two instead going for the field goal. Later in the game he has Cutler chuck it down field on 3rd and 2 then goes for it on 4th and two. Why not just run it on 3r ddown if you are planning to go for it on 4th. On D, we didnt stop them and that is why we lost.

[bjeffrey]

Bradshaw's a lovable goof (away from the gridiron). On the field, Hollywood Henderson had it right when he said he was so dumb he couldn't spell cat if you spotted him the "a" and the "t". Oh yeah, who cares if Henderson's dead or alive?

[Popps]

I haven't read a single response here, but let me guess... it goes something like this...

..."Terry Bradshaw is stupid, he's dumb."

I'm guessing the argument against his point looks something like that. I'll go take a look now.

[Popps]

Yep.

[theAPAOps5]

I can't watch the Fox Show anymore. The glare off Bradshaws col-de-sac forehead was giving me migrains. He is a loveable goof but his jibba jabba gets old.

[Popps]

By the way, the overwhelming amount of people I've spoken with and things I've read written about this seems to fall in line with what Bradshaw is saying.

It doesn't mean he's right, but he's in good company not liking the timing of it all.

[TerrElway]

And just what does he konow compared to all the experts on this board?

I said it before: The season was tossed a few games ago. Lip service is being paid to the "Playoff Run", but the truth is, the team is playing for next year. Getting Cutler some experience and checking out the potential players for next year are the goals.


"the best chance at getting to the Super Bowl" doesn't mean "this year". I think Shanny saw the flaws on this team, the mounting injuries and decided the only thing this team would do with Plummer was maybe squeak in and lose on the road in the first round. With Cutler, maybe they'll sneak in and lose on the road in the first round. But if they do, suddenly a first round loss is easier for the rabble to swallow as "hey...that's not bad considering they were starting a rookie QB" and on top of that, they hit the ground running next year with Cutler coming back with 5 games (high pressure ones at that) under his belt.

Cutler has a comes out of the gates strong and goes on to have a big year next year and suddenly Shanny is a genius for getting him reps this year.

Shanny has the job security to pull this sort of move and I think we should be reserving judgement about the move until much further down the road.

[wyobronco]

talk about pressure, does anybody think ANY qb was going to put up the 49 points it was going to take to win that game on the road?

[richpjr]

Jay played well overall and he made great strides in his 2nd start. The game has been over for less than 12 hours and we're already getting revisionist history from the media.


Did he really play that great? He had 3 fumbles and passed for 188 yards. He could have had 3 interceptions if the Charger DB's could hang on to the ball. That last TD pass to Scheffler was a horrible pass straight at the Chargers safety. Scheffler saved him big time. He does have a nice arm though.

[loborugger]

I haven't read a single response here, but let me guess... it goes something like this...

..."Terry Bradshaw is stupid, he's dumb."

I'm guessing the argument against his point looks something like that. I'll go take a look now.


Popps, what is up with the "I havent read a single response here" posts? This is the 2nd or 3rd thread I have read that in. Seriously, you want everyone to give a crap about your contribution to the thread when you specifically state that you arent reading ours? I thought you were better than that.

[TheChamp24]

Did he really play that great? He had 3 fumbles and passed for 188 yards. He could have had 3 interceptions if the Charger DB's could hang on to the ball. That last TD pass to Scheffler was a horrible pass straight at the Chargers safety. Scheffler saved him big time. He does have a nice arm though.

For his 2nd start against a very good team, yes, he played very well IMO. 3 interceptions by the Chargers? I don't think so.
We were down 28-3 at half time, and Cutler said "So what" and got the team within 8. Too bad the defense, *cough*DARRENT*cough*, didn't play defense in the 1st half.

[BigBad]

I know Im a Charger fan but I really like Shannahan's decision. I totally agree with his opinion that it is about SUPER BOWLS, not just playoffs. If giving your rookie QB the last 6 games of the year will help him jumpstart next season then it is a smart move. Shannahan knows this isnt a Super Bowl team RIGHT NOW, but add a few pieces and who knows. When you add the missing pieces you want your QB ready and that is what Shannahan is after.

[crazyhorse]

And just what does he konow compared to all the experts on this board?

I said it before: The season was tossed a few games ago. Lip service is being paid to the "Playoff Run", but the truth is, the team is playing for next year. Getting Cutler some experience and checking out the potential players for next year are the goals.

Mike Shanahan said that he was putting Cutler in to " win now".

In any event, if what you say is true, then Shanny pulled the plug on the season when the Donks had a legit shot at the playoffs. If you won even one of the last two games, you would be a leading contender for the wildcard spot. That would be dumber than putting Cutler in to win now.

Either way you spin it, he (Planny) looks like a dumbass. Making excuses for him saying he's simply lying to the fans and the team doesn't make him look smarter.

Quiting for next season would send a message to the vets that he can't be counted on. Rod Smith I doubt has quit. If the coach has, then he's dumber than I thought.

[watermock]

I know Im a Charger fan but I really like Shannahan's decision. I totally agree with his opinion that it is about SUPER BOWLS, not just playoffs. . Shannahan knows this isnt a Super Bowl team RIGHT NOW, but add a few pieces and who knows. When you add the missing pieces you want your QB ready and that is what Shannahan is after.

Heathen. If giving your rookie QB the last 6 games of the year will help him jumpstart next season then it is a smart move.

How much more than a rival fan telling the apoligosits what we have saying...do we have get out a cock to knock some sense in them?

We just played the defending NFL champions, and the consensus team to win the SB...

[crazyhorse]

Heathen. If giving your rookie QB the last 6 games of the year will help him jumpstart next season then it is a smart move.

How much more than a rival fan telling the apoligosits what we have saying...do we have get out a cock to knock some sense in them?

We just played the defending NFL champions, and the consensus team to win the SB...

No need to appologize.

[DeusExManning]

He didn't watch the game, obviously.

exactly

[SprintRightOption]

Popps, what is up with the "I havent read a single response here" posts? This is the 2nd or 3rd thread I have read that in. Seriously, you want everyone to give a crap about your contribution to the thread when you specifically state that you arent reading ours? I thought you were better than that.

The point was, there would be several posts with a knee jerk "he's dumb" response without saying anything about the merits of Bradshaw's statement. This is typical around here, if someone doesn't agree with you, he's an idiot. Then your throw in a nice little condescending touch of "I thought you were better than that." Nice.

[Bronx33]

Bradshaw is the luckiest bum on the planet (**** him)

[Bronx33]

I know Im a Charger fan but I really like Shannahan's decision. I totally agree with his opinion that it is about SUPER BOWLS, not just playoffs. If giving your rookie QB the last 6 games of the year will help him jumpstart next season then it is a smart move. Shannahan knows this isnt a Super Bowl team RIGHT NOW, but add a few pieces and who knows. When you add the missing pieces you want your QB ready and that is what Shannahan is after.


Good point, what would folks be cryin about if we went 4 straight losses maybe more to start the 07 season get the kids hands dirty now. Truthfully i found it pretty odd mike pulled jake so fast thus giving up on the season but truthfully guys with all the injuries and medicore play in some positions example being (foster) we would have and early exit again only to have a wet behind the ears QB with zero snaps to start the season. Mike made a tough call (but that's his job)

[Popps]

Popps, what is up with the "I havent read a single response here" posts? This is the 2nd or 3rd thread I have read that in. Seriously, you want everyone to give a crap about your contribution to the thread when you specifically state that you arent reading ours? I thought you were better than that.

No, you read it wrong. I just said I was going to post a prediction, then go back and read the posts. I absolutely DID read the posts.

[richpjr]

3 interceptions by the Chargers?

He threw a pass down the sidelines to Walker that Florence jumped, had in his hands and dropped. He threw another into the front corner of the endzone near the pylon that Florence dropped. Champ would have intercepted both of those. He also threw the TD pass that Kiel should have intercepted.

[Northman]

I know Im a Charger fan but I really like Shannahan's decision. I totally agree with his opinion that it is about SUPER BOWLS, not just playoffs. If giving your rookie QB the last 6 games of the year will help him jumpstart next season then it is a smart move. Shannahan knows this isnt a Super Bowl team RIGHT NOW, but add a few pieces and who knows. When you add the missing pieces you want your QB ready and that is what Shannahan is after.



Wow, a opposing fan who actually gets it. :thumbsup:

[-Slap-]

It must suck to go bald in high school.

[TheChamp24]

He threw a pass down the sidelines to Walker that Florence jumped, had in his hands and dropped. He threw another into the front corner of the endzone near the pylon that Florence dropped. Champ would have intercepted both of those. He also threw the TD pass that Kiel should have intercepted.

Then Rivers almost threw at least 2 interceptions. One went threw Champ's hands, Gates caught it for a TD. Darrent almost made a diving interception grab later in the game.
I don't understand how some people are being hard on the kid after this last game.

[elsid13]

He threw a pass down the sidelines to Walker that Florence jumped, had in his hands and dropped. He threw another into the front corner of the endzone near the pylon that Florence dropped. Champ would have intercepted both of those. He also threw the TD pass that Kiel should have intercepted.

There is reason that Champ is best CB in the game, and potential HOF, and none of Churger secondary are even in the same class as Champ.

The first throw to Walker was ball that he thought that Walker can make a play for. The second one was into double coverage and bad read, the third was behind both Scheffer and Keil. Keil wasn't going to pick that ball = it was to far behind him.

[minibronco]

Did you watch the third quarter? He was making very accurate throws (except the TD), and his rocket arm cuts him some slack for throwing into coverage.

[Goobzilla]

Did he really play that great? He had 3 fumbles and passed for 188 yards. He could have had 3 interceptions if the Charger DB's could hang on to the ball. That last TD pass to Scheffler was a horrible pass straight at the Chargers safety. Scheffler saved him big time. He does have a nice arm though.

Read my post again. I said he made great strides, I never said he played great. If you couldn't see marked improvement between the Seattle & SD games watch them both again.

[richpjr]

Read my post again. I said he made great strides, I never said he played great. If you couldn't see marked improvement between the Seattle & SD games watch them both again.

Gotcha. Clearly he played better against SD. All I am saying that he could have ended up with 6 turnovers and that would have been a disaster.

[theAPAOps5]

He threw a pass down the sidelines to Walker that Florence jumped, had in his hands and dropped. He threw another into the front corner of the endzone near the pylon that Florence dropped. Champ would have intercepted both of those. He also threw the TD pass that Kiel should have intercepted.

Walker knocked the ball loose and Sheffler played DB in the front corner of the endzone. Florence didn't drop them he got them knocked down. Those aren't drops those are INTs defended.

[Popps]

Cutler definitely improved from the Seattle game, at least for a couple series.
He looked about the same (awful) early on. He couldn't even handle a snap properly.

But, he finally seemed to just start firing the ball around... maybe he just didn't feel as much pressure with us being down so far. But, he really looked good for those couple of series. The proverbial flashes are starting to show.

[Taco John]

The point was, there would be several posts with a knee jerk "he's dumb" response without saying anything about the merits of Bradshaw's statement. This is typical around here, if someone doesn't agree with you, he's an idiot. Then your throw in a nice little condescending touch of "I thought you were better than that." Nice.


Terry Bradshaw is the biggest douche bag the football world has ever known. This shouldn't have to be explained to a Broncos fan. Bradshaw was telling the world that Elway was too stupid to win a Superbowl, and you want me to waste any time on commenting on the merits of what he's saying now? Not only no, but HELL NO. He's nothing more than entertainment. A yuk-yukking back slapper who can't stop laughing at his own jokes. You can cozy up to this moron who said Elway would never get it done, later having to turn around and hand Elway his Lombardi, but I'm not going to spend a second analyzing the merits of anything he has to offer.

[Popps]

Terry Bradshaw is the biggest douche bag the football world has ever known. .

Bradshaw is just saying what many, many other writers and non-writers have said.

It's just one opinion, and based purely in immediate factual information, is just as valid, if not more valid than any contrary opinion.

[Taco John]

I've said my piece on what I think of Bradshaw's opinion. And there's obviously enough evidence to prove Terry wrong once again. Someone who's opinion I respect more than Terry did a statistical look at Plummer's two best games this season against Cutler's last two games. The fact that Cutler's numbers compared favorably was pretty telling.

They can call it a blunder all they want, and anyone can pile into the "Shanahan is an idiot liar" bandwagon with Terry and Irv and Joe, but I'll remember the move as this season's saving grace.

[Popps]

So, if he had a blunder... he's an idiot?

Wow. I'd think that even geniuses get one wrong now and again.

I didn't see where he called him an idiot, but I'll have to re-read it.

[Taco John]

Shanahan definitely gets one wrong now and again. But this isn't one of them. And yes, there is a strong sentiment out there that Shanahan is being an idiot. I'm suprised you're trying to deny it exists. I'm guessing you haven't been streaming Denver local radio, or reading the folks on this board who know better than Shanahan which quarterback he should have started in Seattle.

[Popps]

I'm suprised you're trying to deny it exists. I'm guessing you haven't been streaming Denver local radio, or reading the folks on this board who know better than Shanahan which quarterback he should have started in Seattle.


I was bombarded with "What was Shanahan thinking" questions in San Diego yesterday.

My response was that Shanahan said Cutler gave us the best chance for winning right now, which was generally met with laughter.

But, no.... no one called Shanahan an idiot. I haven't heard that one.