What do the Bills think of Cutler Now?

[no-pseudo-fan]

I like to look at the opposing teams papers after a win or loss on Monday. I found this article, and I thought everyone would enjoy this one.

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/billsnfl/story/159424.html

Bob DiCesare: When Denver needed something, Cutler did it
By Bob DiCesare
Updated: 09/10/07 8:38 AM


SAVE EMAIL PRINT POPULAR Digg it del.icio.us + Larger Font Google Yahoo - Smaller Font
Which play prompted you to draw the comparison that no one in their right mind is ever supposed to draw? At what point Sunday did you behold the work of Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler and blurt out, “You know what. He reminds me a little of John Elway”? Did those words spill from your mouth on Denver’s first possession, when the Broncos gained 33 yards on a Cutler-orchestrated option play that looked like something plucked from the highlights of Elway’s younger days? Or perhaps you bit on the second possession, when Cutler escaped the Alcatraz that was the grasp of Chris Kelsay to complete a 15-yard throw.

Maybe you held your tongue until the thirdquarter drive during which Cutler completed four of five throws, his passes accounting for 56 of the 81 yards on the touchdown march that put the Broncos a field goal from victory. But surely there was no avoiding the comparison during a final two minutes that Denver kicker Jason Elam said might have been more Elway than even Elway could have managed.

The Broncos had their backs to a third-and-23 wall, followed by a third and 13, en route to Elam’s winning kick and a 15-14 victory win at The Ralph. Twice they converted on fourth down, once on a Cutler pass, once on a Cutler run after the backfield was emptied of everyone but him. His poise was astonishing, his accuracy unerring when it absolutely had to be. And to think this was Cutler’s first seasonopening start and only the sixth start of his two-year career.

“That was unbelievable,” said wideout Brandon Stokley, who witnessed a few dozen sublime quarterbacking performances during his days with the Colts. “I’d go to battle with that guy any day. Lot of heart. Just get the job done and that’s what he did. It wasn’t pretty and we got a lot of work to do, but it was a win.”

“I’ve been involved with a lot of comeback victories with John over the years,” Elam said. “I’m not sure anything compares to this.”

It eats at you, doesn’t it? Broncos fans haven’t been waiting for the next Elway nearly as long as you’ve been waiting for the next Jim Kelly, nor have they suffered through seven straight seasons without visiting the playoffs. Certainly they’re not as deserving of quarterback salvation as are Bills fans such as yourself.

How can you be anything but discouraged by what happened in Week One of the NFL season, a day that began with unbridled optimism and deteriorated from there? Cutler, given veteran responsibilities, showed glimpses of the extraordinary while completing 23 of 39 passes for 304 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, the Bills’ J.P. Losman was exceedingly ordinary in executing a norisk game plan that demonstrated little belief in his abilities. What’s certain, you’d have to admit, is that it doesn’t exactly inspire confidence and belief to

see the Bills steer Losman gingerly while the Broncos tell Cutler it’s his game and he best go win it.

The Broncos are intriguing, a team full of potential as epitomized by the quarterback they moved up to select in the first round of last year’s draft. It says a lot about Cutler’s makeup when he can come into The Ralph and steal a victory in dramatic fashion, overcoming his own colossal blunder in the process.

No, the kid’s not flawless. His ill-advised backward pass nearly cut short the Broncos’ final possession. They lost 10 yards on the play, backtracking deeper into their own territory, setting up a challenge that when met served to elevate Cutler’s status.

“He got a game ball,” said coach Mike Shanahan. “To have that poise on third down and 23 — that’s what you’re looking for in a quarterback. That’s what separates the good ones from the great ones.”

Cutler can sense it’s becoming his team, that teammates are lining up behind him without reservation.

“I think the guys on the team have always believed in me, so I don’t think I had to win them over,” Cutler said. “But there are a lot of veterans on the team, and for me to go out and do what I did puts a little more faith in them and I feel pretty good about it.”

As for Broncos fans, they must be drooling. The kid leads them to an improbable victory in the final two minutes of the season opener, on the road, performing the seemingly impossible in the process. The long wait appears over. The QB of the future has arrived.

“That’s why we get paid the big bucks, to make third downs and make two-minute drives,” Cutler said. “Bronco fans know the situation well from John Elway doing it all those years.”

bdicesare@buffnews.com

[Punisher]

The bills fans was talking trash for like the whole offseason

[ludo21]

awesome man, thanks. That game was intense, we should have won by 20, but stealing that win feels good nonetheless.

[snowtrx]

Thanks for the article, fun read! Because of Cutler, I have never urned for the start of the season more than this year and that does include the SB years. Something about the kid makes me drool in anticipation to see his next pass, which started last year in pre-season. Crazy, that the season is here and this anticipation has even been multiplied. Cant wait for Sunday!

[footstepsfrom#27]

The bills fans was talking trash for like the whole offseason
Well some of them are still arguing that he sucked in this game, but I think most of them now seem more interested in hatin' on Loseman.

[Kaylore]

Great read. I'll tell you what, though. The Bills aren't screwed. Trent Edwards is going to a very good QB for them. JP is in his fourth season and Cutler is already showing more clutch than him. He (Losman) was drafted by an old regime and once they make the switch, between their young defense and future stars on offense, Buffalo will put it back together.

[BlaK-Argentina]

Awesome article!

[Punisher]

Great read. I'll tell you what, though. The Bills aren't screwed. Trent Edwards is going to a very good QB for them. JP is in his fourth season and Cutler is already showing more clutch than him. He (Losman) was drafted by an old regime and once they make the switch, between their young defense and future stars on offense, Buffalo will put it back together.

Very True give them 2 or 3 years

[NaptownChief]

I watched a good bit of the Donks game yesterday. I am surprised that so many of you are actually fired up by Cutler's performance. I honestly thought I would come in here today and see him taking some heat.

I actually thought he played pretty poor and was a big reason why the game was so close despite Denver dominating the total yards and controlling most of the game. I thought he played like Jake Plummer with talent....which would translate to a young inexperience Brett Favre.

He threw several balls into bad spots and could have easily had 4 picks against him, that toss that S.Young had to swat out of bounds was a brain dead decision almost on par with the Plummer left handed toss out of the end zone a couple years back.

Culter being from Indiana, I have been following him since HS and have been pulling for him long before most of you even knew the kid existed. So despite him being a Bronco I am actually still pulling for him to be something special. I definitely think he will be that but his performance yesterday was well below par for a kid with his talent and head on his shoulders.

[sutoazul]

[QUOTE=no-pseudo-fan;1707549]I
“He got a game ball,” said coach Mike Shanahan. “To have that poise on third down and 23 — that’s what you’re looking for in a quarterback. That’s what separates the good ones from the great ones.”

QUOTE]

Shanny said that?? wow!!

the kid is flying high!!

[Rock Chalk]

Hats off to our receivers as well. Cutler doesnt pull this off with the three amigos ala "The Drive", but it was a fantastic final drive.

[Punisher]

I watched a good bit of the Donks game yesterday. I am surprised that so many of you are actually fired up by Cutler's performance. I honestly thought I would come in here today and see him taking some heat.

I actually thought he played pretty poor and was a big reason why the game was so close despite Denver dominating the total yards and controlling most of the game. I thought he played like Jake Plummer with talent....which would translate to a young inexperience Brett Favre.

He threw several balls into bad spots and could have easily had 4 picks against him, that toss that S.Young had to swat out of bounds was a brain dead decision almost on par with the Plummer left handed toss out of the end zone a couple years back.

Culter being from Indiana, I have been following him since HS and have been pulling for him long before most of you even knew the kid existed. So despite him being a Bronco I am actually still pulling for him to be something special. I definitely think he will be that but his performance yesterday was well below par for a kid with his talent and head on his shoulders.

Im sure they tell him about that on film he'll pick it up

[Mediator12]

I watched a good bit of the Donks game yesterday. I am surprised that so many of you are actually fired up by Cutler's performance. I honestly thought I would come in here today and see him taking some heat.

I actually thought he played pretty poor and was a big reason why the game was so close despite Denver dominating the total yards and controlling most of the game. I thought he played like Jake Plummer with talent....which would translate to a young inexperience Brett Favre.

He threw several balls into bad spots and could have easily had 4 picks against him, that toss that S.Young had to swat out of bounds was a brain dead decision almost on par with the Plummer left handed toss out of the end zone a couple years back.

Culter being from Indiana, I have been following him since HS and have been pulling for him long before most of you even knew the kid existed. So despite him being a Bronco I am actually still pulling for him to be something special. I definitely think he will be that but his performance yesterday was well below par for a kid with his talent and head on his shoulders.

He had a bad day Nap, but he also had a couple guys fail to make plays for him too. Javon dropped 3 and Marshall dropped 2 passes for first downs or TD's. He could have had 350 yards and 3 TD's easily if they were caught on a BAD DAY. He made more than a few poor decisions with the ball as well, but he also made some plays with his legs and completed timely third and fourth down conversions in the fourth quarter with the game on the line. He had 2 fourth quarter drives that should have produced the winning points back to back, not just the one to win it. Elam screwed the first FG.

They also had ZERO 3 and outs yesterday and allowed the defense to be fresher than I can ever remember. TOP was way back in their favor and all cylinders were firing on offense at points in the game.

I am impressed he made the plays to win the game on two consecutive drives, had good numbers despite making crucial errors, and was able to keep the offense from having a single 3 and out for the first time in 4 years.

[Odysseus]

I think it is interesting way to start a career at the helm of the Broncos with a come from behind win. Cutler is only going to get better as he starts to anticipate and eliminate his mistakes. The fact that he ran the ball at all adds a new wrinkle to this "pocket passer". Poise is making a horrible mistake and having the talent to undo it.

Mike Klis had an interesting Denver Post interview about team chemistry and it's an old truth. Chemistry comes AFTER the tough wins not before. This is why the loss by K.C. is actually devastating and the game against the Raiders a lot more important than it really should be.

[footstepsfrom#27]

You know you've got a good one when your QB makes multiple mistakes and still leads back to back drives in the 4th quarter with the game on the line leading to game winining opprtunities. Elway did the same thing numerous times. In the 4th quarter his stats were forgetable, then suddenly...BANG! He'd just hit that groove and it was over.

[Punisher]

You know you've got a good one when your QB makes multiple mistakes and still leads back to back drives in the 4th quarter with the game on the line leading to game winining opprtunities. Elway did the same thing numerous times. In the 4th quarter his stats were forgetable, then suddenly...BANG! He'd just hit that groove and it was over.

Great point :thumbsup: :thumbsup: !Booya! !Booya!

[broncofan2438]

nice article, goo Broncos

[Paladin]

Great points, Med.

It really doesn't matter what fans of other teams think of Cutler or his performance. They will always see him in negative lights regardless of what ever he may do.

Over the next decade, barring injury, Cutler should be able to accomplish a great deal for the Broncos, and we can take great satisfaction that a large number of those accomplishments will be against the mullets, faids and sparkies.

His future looks bright. Man, that feels good......

[Jason in LA]

Cutler played far from poor. He wasn't great. He was impressive at times, but I will say that at other times he came up short. What's this, his 6th start? He made some plays that Plummer just doesn't make. He made some throws that Plummer couldn't make. When this kid gets it together and becomes more consistant, he'll be hard to stop.

Look at it this way, even in a game where Cutler wasn't great, he still threw for 300+ yards, which Plummer didn't do at all last year. Plummer had six games where he threw for less than 200 yards. In '05, when Plummer was actually good for most of the season, he only went for 300 yards once.

Cutler needs to finish long drives. Once he does that, the Broncos O will be back to racking up 30 point games.

[55CrushEm]

I actually thought he played pretty poor and was a big reason why the game was so close despite Denver dominating the total yards and controlling most of the game.

Did he have a couple of bad plays? Yes.

Does that mean he had a poor game? No, absolutely not.

Dude, the biggest reason the game was so close, was the Buffalo punt return for a TD.....and over 200 total return yards, 2 missed FG's, and the fact that Ian Gold can't tackle.

Cutler had a very good game, and one that Jake Plummer could only dream of having. As many other have noted....no chance in hell we win that game with Snake out there.

Yup, one of 4 passers in Week 1 to top 300 yards....."pretty poor" game indeed....::)

[sirhcyennek81]

I watched a good bit of the Donks game yesterday. I am surprised that so many of you are actually fired up by Cutler's performance. I honestly thought I would come in here today and see him taking some heat.

I actually thought he played pretty poor and was a big reason why the game was so close despite Denver dominating the total yards and controlling most of the game. I thought he played like Jake Plummer with talent....which would translate to a young inexperience Brett Favre.

He threw several balls into bad spots and could have easily had 4 picks against him, that toss that S.Young had to swat out of bounds was a brain dead decision almost on par with the Plummer left handed toss out of the end zone a couple years back.

Culter being from Indiana, I have been following him since HS and have been pulling for him long before most of you even knew the kid existed. So despite him being a Bronco I am actually still pulling for him to be something special. I definitely think he will be that but his performance yesterday was well below par for a kid with his talent and head on his shoulders.


Hmm...young QB, 6th NFL start, did alot of good things, did some bad which usually are the result of inexperience...thats Cutler's excuse...what was Huards?


:Broncos:

[Kaylore]

Cutler played far from poor. He wasn't great. He was impressive at times, but I will say that at other times he came up short. What's this, his 6th start? He made some plays that Plummer just doesn't make. He made some throws that Plummer couldn't make. When this kid gets it together and becomes more consistant, he'll be hard to stop.

Look at it this way, even in a game where Cutler wasn't great, he still threw for 300+ yards, which Plummer didn't do at all last year. Plummer had six games where he threw for less than 200 yards. In '05, when Plummer was actually good for most of the season, he only went for 300 yards once.

Cutler needs to finish long drives. Once he does that, the Broncos O will be back to racking up 30 point games.
I agree. I think people that are excited are pumped up because he won, but also some are excited because they have perspective on where he is in his career.

This is his sixth start, first opener as the starter on the road in windy and rainy Buffalo with an angry stadium and one of the best pass rushers in the league breathing down his neck. He had some screw-ups for sure, but that's part of the process. The main thing is that with the game on the line Cutler made the plays necessary to win the game.

[NYBronco]

I don't want to take anything away from Jay's performance but may add more to the value of his progress.

The Buffalo defense surprised me with their quickness and swarming style. I thought they played a solid game and kept the Bill's believing they could win this game (and almost did). After Elam missed two FG's and nearly a third this was nearly all they needed (along with a good special team showing) to beat the visiting Broncos.

[NaptownChief]

Yup, one of 4 passers in Week 1 to top 300 yards....."pretty poor" game indeed....::)



Well you guys should trade for a legend like Josh McCown since throwing for 300 yards in Week 1 is the benchmark for great play. ::)

[55CrushEm]

Well you guys should trade for a legend like Josh McCown since throwing for 300 yards in Week 1 is the benchmark for great play. ::)

I never said it was the benchmark for "great play".....what I implied was that it refutes your claim of "poor play", that IS what you said isn't it? That he played "poorly"?

Not to mention that the kid led the team on TWO game winning drives, with the first one ending in a missed FG.....

[Fedaykin]

Well you guys should trade for a legend like Josh McCown since throwing for 300 yards in Week 1 is the benchmark for great play. ::)

The benchmark is not the yardage. In fact, I would say his numbers were not really that great (23-39 1 TD 1 INT). However, what makes it a good day is he delivered when it counted most. TWICE. He sucked it up after the bonehead rookie mistakes (hopefully learned from them) and took the team on TWO consecutive game winning drives. And this is not just my opinion, it's the opinion of his team mates and his coach.

McCown threw for a lot of yardage, but didn't step up when it mattered most. Instead, he threw INTs and in the process destroyed game winning drives.

[NaptownChief]

I never said it was the benchmark for "great play".....what I implied was that it refutes your claim of "poor play", that IS what you said isn't it? That he played "poorly"?

Not to mention that the kid led the team on TWO game winning drives, with the first one ending in a missed FG.....



You guys are all giddy right now cause you got the W but if that clock had been a tick short most of you would be seeing his play in a different light and probably a good handful of fingers would be getting pointed at the Hoosier.

[Fedaykin]

You guys are all giddy right now cause you got the W but if that clock had been a tick short most of you would be seeing his play in a different light and probably a good handful of fingers would be getting pointed at the Hoosier.

No. I think you would have found the fingers pointing at the special teams which failed to deliver the points necessary to win (up until the last play), and gave up half the points scored by the Bills. You're just bitter because all you have is a chump at QB.

[sirhcyennek81]

You guys are all giddy right now cause you got the W but if that clock had been a tick short most of you would be seeing his play in a different light and probably a good handful of fingers would be getting pointed at the Hoosier.


Elam missing two field goals, or Roscoe's Punt Return TD would have been totally ignored as why we lost the game. If Bronco fans were myopic like yourself...


:Broncos:

[no-pseudo-fan]

You guys are all giddy right now cause you got the W but if that clock had been a tick short most of you would be seeing his play in a different light and probably a good handful of fingers would be getting pointed at the Hoosier.

What is your argument? Denver sucks? Cutler sucks? I think you should take a look at your team, and then you can see what poor play looks like. Chiefs got beat by the Texans. Chiefs QB(His name isn't worth posting) sucks beyond sucking. Chiefs are looking like a good choice for the worst team in the AFC west.

[baja]

You guys are all giddy right now cause you got the W but if that clock had been a tick short most of you would be seeing his play in a different light and probably a good handful of fingers would be getting pointed at the Hoosier.

Dude you bleed the colors of a C- team and you wanta bust on Cutler? What's up with that.

[footstepsfrom#27]

The benchmark is not the yardage. In fact, I would say his numbers were not really that great (23-39 1 TD 1 INT). However, what makes it a good day is he delivered when it counted most. TWICE. He sucked it up after the bonehead rookie mistakes (hopefully learned from them) and took the team on TWO consecutive game winning drives. And this is not just my opinion, it's the opinion of his team mates and his coach.

McCown threw for a lot of yardage, but didn't step up when it mattered most. Instead, he threw INTs and in the process destroyed game winning drives.
Exactly...anybody with an open mind and half a brain can see this kid's talent and leadership by this point, but obviously these mindless arguments from fans spittin' in the wind aren't going to go away any time soon. Cutler's still learning, and even Elway didn't get it straight off the bat. He's already far beyond where we had a right to expect he'd be.

Just be glad we're not making excuses for Brodie Croyle instead. :giggle:

[footstepsfrom#27]

Dude you bleed the colors of a C- team and you wanta bust on Cutler? What's up with that.
You're to charitable.

[azbroncfan]

Well you guys should trade for a legend like Josh McCown since throwing for 300 yards in Week 1 is the benchmark for great play. ::)

Actually I have always liked McNown and he has put up good numbers before in a losing situation here in AZ. I wanted Denver to get him to back up Cutler.

[Odysseus]

You guys are all giddy right now cause you got the W but if that clock had been a tick short most of you would be seeing his play in a different light and probably a good handful of fingers would be getting pointed at the Hoosier.

There is a small minority here who are never going to suggest that Cutler should be converted to weakside linebacker for example. We know out guy is good and we are giddy watching every time he shows up and does that quaterback thing. It's surreal and like a work or art.

Don't let the guys who change their mind every game confuse you. Cutler has a strong following among Broncos fans because this guy makes the games interesting. Win or lose it's going to be a fun ride.

[elsid13]

Nap has good points, there were times in yesterday's performance looked like the game was moving a little to fast for Cutler. I expect that this is going to be growing year and there will be plays that make us all yell at the TV and throw things. That the bad news.

The good news is that he has the talent and seem to have the knack for making big play in pressure moments. But coaches need to help the kid out and run the ball more and get the PA going.

[dbroncos31]

In '05, when Plummer was actually good for most of the season, he only went for 300 yards once.


I really hate to continue talking about Plummer, but the fact that he only threw for 300 yards once in 2005 doesn't mean much.

The '05 team was such a good one that we didn't need him to be a gunslinger. We were dominating almost every game early, and most of the close games were only close because our D gave up in the 4th Q.

The 4 losses where we maybe could have used 300+ from Jake weren't really his fault. The first and last losses (@Mia, Pit) were total team failures. The Giants game was on the D for blowing a 13 point 4th Q lead. And the Chiefs game was again the D for letting LJ run all over us in the 4th.

Jay played great when it really mattered, but there were some worries with his earlier play. Of course, he's basically a rookie, so what we saw was still extremely impressive.

Jay will hopefully be great. But we cannot expect him to do this every week.

He will fail sometimes; every quarterback does. What we can do is support him through thick and thin (something that we didn't do with Jake), and hope that he becomes the "Great Jay Cutler," as someone else put.

[Houshyamama]

Well you guys should trade for a legend like Josh McCown since throwing for 300 yards in Week 1 is the benchmark for great play. ::)

Weak dude. Very weak. Envy is a stinky cologne.

[Fedaykin]

A lot of people seem to think that when we say Cutler did a good job, we are saying that he was fantastic and error free and there's nothing we'd like to see changed or improved. That's not the case at all. He made a lot of mistakes (as did the rest of the team) and he has a lot to work on, but to think for even a second that he did a bad job is just idiotic.

In addition to the leadership and at the end, he proved his ability to overcome his mistakes, which is IMHO, the most important quality of any player. Especially a ROOKIE that is bound to make rookie mistakes. It's something that Plummer never could do. When Plummer started making rookie mistake (as a ten year vet!) , he was shook and rarely if ever recovered. Through six games now we'e seen Jay make mistakes and recover on the very next play. That's the mark of a good player.

You detractors are all apparently unable to properly manage your expectations. For a rookie starting his 6th game on the road (in a not nice place to play) with a largly revamped and rusty team, he did a comendable job. Name me another player that has done a better job under the circumstances (6th start, away opener, revamped rust team, etc). They probably exist, but it's certainly a short list.

[baja]

We won't claim mission accomplished but as of today we are ranked #1 in D and #2 in O.

Now lets get this O up with the D

[Broncos_OTM]

I wont point all the good with cutler as you guys have pretty much nailed it. Remember however,

- The Bills run a cover two, bend but dont break D. We all know that D very well. We have seen QB's march up and down the field on us. So given those facts we didnt get the production in the RedZone. We flew up and down the field but couldnt punch it in from inside the twenty. that concerns me.

- The Bills are not a good team. they are middle of the road.

- Cutler is a young QB and i can allow for mistakes as long as he wins the game. We'll have a better gauge on him next week as we play a much better pass defense.

- I think this is a good game for Cutler and our team to jell. We here all the time how important that is. Get some confidence. Give our D time to really get the bates system inside out.

- This win really really gives our team a head start. and might set the tempo for the season.

Great game yesterday cutler. now improve on it. every week.

[Kaylore]

A lot of people seem to think that when we say Cutler did a good job, we are saying that he was fantastic and error free and there's nothing we'd like to see changed or improved. That's not the case at all. He made a lot of mistakes (as did the rest of the team) and he has a lot to work on, but to think for even a second that he did a bad job is just idiotic.

In addition to the leadership and at the end, he proved his ability to overcome his mistakes, which is IMHO, the most important quality of any player. Especially a ROOKIE that is bound to make rookie mistakes. It's something that Plummer never could do. When Plummer started making rookie mistake (as a ten year vet!) , he was shook and rarely if ever recovered. Through six games now we'e seen Jay make mistakes and recover on the very next play. That's the mark of a good player.

You detractors are all apparently unable to properly manage your expectations. For a rookie starting his 6th game on the road (in a not nice place to play) with a largly revamped and rusty team, he did a comendable job. Name me another player that has done a better job under the circumstances (6th start, away opener, revamped rust team, etc). They probably exist, but it's certainly a short list.

Yay for this post! Yay!

[i4jelway7]

Well you guys should trade for a legend like Josh McCown since throwing for 300 yards in Week 1 is the benchmark for great play. ::)


a benchmark is to put up W's which Cutler did and will without a doubt in my mind finish with more of than the cellar dweller queefs..... by the way how did the queefs do yesterday? oh that's right they got whipped by an ex-bronco... Pubes and his crew...

[Jackson's *Mom*]

The main thing is that with the game on the line Cutler made the plays necessary to win the game.


Amen Bro, all the matters in the end is wins & losses. When this kid puts it all together man, watch out NFL.

[DenverBrit]

Well you guys should trade for a legend like Josh McCown since throwing for 300 yards in Week 1 is the benchmark for great play. ::)

Being a Chiefs fan, I can understand your confusion.
The 'benchmark' is WINNING and Cutler pulled that off yesterday.
We all know what the Chiefs formula for success is:
Keep the seats filled as cheaply as possible, take no chances and hire Herm. ;D

[Flan]

A Bills fan here - From what I saw Jay will be a good QB for you. I was glad we faced him early in the season because he will continue to get better. He did have some trouble occansionaly by going to quick - he needs to settle down. And of course he will.

The game had a very strange feeling to it and the everett injury only added to it. I can't believe that our defense is now Down 4 Starters and two important backups since the middle of training camp. I don't know whose Karma we screwed up but man.

Hope to see you in the playoffs.

PS. Got any spare defensive player that want some playing time......

[Malcontent]

A Bills fan here - From what I saw Jay will be a good QB for you. I was glad we faced him early in the season because he will continue to get better. He did have some trouble occansionaly by going to quick - he needs to settle down. And of course he will.

The game had a very strange feeling to it and the everett injury only added to it. I can't believe that our defense is now Down 4 Starters and two important backups since the middle of training camp. I don't know whose Karma we screwed up but man.

Hope to see you in the playoffs.

PS. Got any spare defensive player that want some playing time......

Youre a class act Flan. Come back here anytime. However, parting with defensive personnel is not in the future for the Broncos. Prayers go out to Mr. Everett and his family.

[Spider]

I watched a good bit of the Donks game yesterday. I am surprised that so many of you are actually fired up by Cutler's performance. I honestly thought I would come in here today and see him taking some heat.

I actually thought he played pretty poor and was a big reason why the game was so close despite Denver dominating the total yards and controlling most of the game. I thought he played like Jake Plummer with talent....which would translate to a young inexperience Brett Favre.

He threw several balls into bad spots and could have easily had 4 picks against him, that toss that S.Young had to swat out of bounds was a brain dead decision almost on par with the Plummer left handed toss out of the end zone a couple years back.

Culter being from Indiana, I have been following him since HS and have been pulling for him long before most of you even knew the kid existed. So despite him being a Bronco I am actually still pulling for him to be something special. I definitely think he will be that but his performance yesterday was well below par for a kid with his talent and head on his shoulders.

it was a good game , but I was aggravated ..... Like I was in the Elway years ( I predate Elway by a few years ) one thing the piece left out ..... I saw Elway play piss poor ball for 3 quarters ,make some real stupid decisions , then all of the sudden make plays , put the Broncos in a position to win .......Just like Cutler did ... not comparing the 2 per say , but thats what this last game reminded me of , even down to drilling the ball when touch should have been used ......

[ZONA]

I know you could care less NAP but you lose certain credibility points here when you say Jay had a terrible performance, and then try to sugar coat it with the fact you knew him long ago and you want him to suceed. If you TRULY like him, you would have said something to the nature of "The kid made some mistakes but for this being only his 6th NFL start, and the fact he was big time clutch in the end and threw for over 300 yards, way to go".

No QB looks like Petyon or Brady does today in only his 6th game. What you look for is signs of greatness at this stage of his young career. We definately see that over here and that's what we are excited about. You know there will be mistakes but you are looking for a leader who can make the big plays when it counts the most. Jay certainly did that. If you can't understand that then you need to get a clue.

[Sassy]

Youre a class act Flan. Come back here anytime. However, parting with defensive personnel is not in the future for the Broncos. Prayers go out to Mr. Everett and his family.

Wait...we could give him Gold! Ha!

[Wes Mantooth]

You guys are all giddy right now cause you got the W but if that clock had been a tick short most of you would be seeing his play in a different light and probably a good handful of fingers would be getting pointed at the Hoosier.

and if Norwood nails that fg....

[Steve Sewell]

He had a bad day Nap, but he also had a couple guys fail to make plays for him too. Javon dropped 3 and Marshall dropped 2 passes for first downs or TD's. He could have had 350 yards and 3 TD's easily if they were caught on a BAD DAY. He made more than a few poor decisions with the ball as well, but he also made some plays with his legs and completed timely third and fourth down conversions in the fourth quarter with the game on the line. He had 2 fourth quarter drives that should have produced the winning points back to back, not just the one to win it. Elam screwed the first FG.

They also had ZERO 3 and outs yesterday and allowed the defense to be fresher than I can ever remember. TOP was way back in their favor and all cylinders were firing on offense at points in the game.

I am impressed he made the plays to win the game on two consecutive drives, had good numbers despite making crucial errors, and was able to keep the offense from having a single 3 and out for the first time in 4 years.

People seem to forget all the ****ball games that Elway had...and I'm talking about abominable performances...where he pulled the game out of his ass at the end. I thought Cutler had a virtuoso performance....I promise you that his teammates don't think he had a bad game, and really that's all that really matters.

[Steve Sewell]

A lot of people seem to think that when we say Cutler did a good job, we are saying that he was fantastic and error free and there's nothing we'd like to see changed or improved. That's not the case at all. He made a lot of mistakes (as did the rest of the team) and he has a lot to work on, but to think for even a second that he did a bad job is just idiotic.

In addition to the leadership and at the end, he proved his ability to overcome his mistakes, which is IMHO, the most important quality of any player. Especially a ROOKIE that is bound to make rookie mistakes. It's something that Plummer never could do. When Plummer started making rookie mistake (as a ten year vet!) , he was shook and rarely if ever recovered. Through six games now we'e seen Jay make mistakes and recover on the very next play. That's the mark of a good player.

You detractors are all apparently unable to properly manage your expectations. For a rookie starting his 6th game on the road (in a not nice place to play) with a largly revamped and rusty team, he did a comendable job. Name me another player that has done a better job under the circumstances (6th start, away opener, revamped rust team, etc). They probably exist, but it's certainly a short list.

Yep these are the same people who would complain about Elways performance in SB 32, which if you look at the stats was totally ordinary. I just have to sit here a chuckle at these fools. Cutlers performance was nothing short of extraordinary considering it was his 6th game as a starter. But I guess some people are always looking for something to whine or worry about.

[SureShot]

PS. Got any spare defensive player that want some playing time......


Please take Ian Gold

[Atlas]

The game had a very strange feeling to it and the everett injury only added to it. I can't believe that our defense is now Down 4 Starters and two important backups since the middle of training camp. I don't know whose Karma we screwed up but man.

Hope to see you in the playoffs.

PS. Got any spare defensive player that want some playing time......

Where is Willie Middlebrooks?

[dsmoot]

I actually thought he played pretty poor and was a big reason why the game was so close despite Denver dominating the total yards and controlling most of the game. I thought he played like Jake Plummer with talent....which would translate to a young inexperience Brett Favre.

He threw several balls into bad spots and could have easily had 4 picks against him, that toss that S.Young had to swat out of bounds was a brain dead decision almost on par with the Plummer left handed toss out of the end zone a couple years back.

Culter being from Indiana, I have been following him since HS and have been pulling for him long before most of you even knew the kid existed. So despite him being a Bronco I am actually still pulling for him to be something special. I definitely think he will be that but his performance yesterday was well below par for a kid with his talent and head on his shoulders.

Naptown, you actually answered the question of why people are excited about Cutler. Jake Plummer (39 wins) with talent and an inexperienced Brett Favre. What you are saying in your comparison is POTENTIAL, The UPSIDE of where Cutler is headed. Bronco fans remember those early Elway years and it was not unlike the Buffalo game. In spite of his mistakes he showed mental toughness to not let the last mistake affect his play in crunch time. This is what sets Tiger Woods above the pack in golf. Most of his mistakes are correctable mental mistakes and not the inability to make the play, like Plummer, like Griese. There will be growing pains but there will be maturing and some very exciting times coming.

[Broncos4tw]

Cutler is a rookie. Of course he is going to make some stupid plays. He won't be able to read every defense, he is going to make some poor audibles, he is going to keep the ball when he should throw it away, he will do a few things that will make Bronco fans cringe. He is a rookie. 5 games in the NFL. What do you expect?

What I think most fans are excited about is that he made plays that our previous post Elway qbs couldn't make, not if they tried. Accurate throws off his back foot? Not choking on a critical drive? He is showing a ton of promise. Yea, he didn't have a perfect game, but he showed he has natural ability. Stuff you can't teach. You got it or you don't, and he has it.

The play that most impressed me was a simple one. He was being pressured, and threw a bullet across his body off his back foot. I was 100% sure it was going to be at a minimum, knocked down, but fully expected it to be intercepted. But no, it was a first down completion.

To put it simply, a 6 game rookie made more amazing throws and plays in a single game, than Plummer, a veteran of many years did in an entire year. That's something to get excited about.

[Atlas]

People seem to forget all the ****ball games that Elway had...and I'm talking about abominable performances...where he pulled the game out of his ass at the end. I thought Cutler had a virtuoso performance....I promise you that his teammates don't think he had a bad game, and really that's all that really matters.

One of my favorite Elway games is a 1985 game when Elway at home had thrown 5 ints against the chiefs, the defense that day played amazing keeping Denver in the game, Down 13-7 late, late in the 4th Elway leads the team the length of the field for the TD and a 14-13 win. He never gave up. The Mile High fans were booing him unmercilessly but he came through like he did so often.

Being a Bronco fan used top be all about the wins, but now it seems Denver has to win pretty, how spoiled we have come. It's all about the wins and Elway has 148 of them. Cutler has that same grit that Elway had. So before you come on the net and get your panties in a wad, sit back and watch. You just might see history being made.

[Gort]

Being a Bronco fan used top be all about the wins, but now it seems Denver has to win pretty, how spoiled we have come. It's all about the wins and Elway has 148 of them. Cutler has that same grit that Elway had. So before you come on the net and get your panties in a wad, sit back and watch. You just might see history being made.

i agree with this. Elway was often very ordinary. however, when the game was on the line, more times than not, he found a way to get it done.

sunday, Cutler had his share of Plummer moments. be he also had his share of Elway moments. more of the latter than the former. that bodes well for the Broncos.

and honestly, standing back there in the shotgun, fielding low snap after low snap, and then gunning the ball into impossible spots (some ill advised, some not), how could you NOT see the comparison to Elway?

[Hulamau]

Hats off to our receivers as well. Cutler doesnt pull this off with the three amigos ala "The Drive", but it was a fantastic final drive.

Thats the exciting part.. now he's got three legitimate first class WR's to play with ... the makings of a great symbiotic relationship all around! Not to mention a stud like Henry and even Selvin toting the rock.

And we really haven't even gotten the TEs going yet .. will be interesting to see how Schef/ Jackson fit into things ..Graham did fine but hes not going to stretch the field...

I mean who is going to cover these guys with a in shape Schef/Jackson along with Javon and Brandon-Squared running down field???

We know Cutler can get it to them from anywhere .... at anytime. Going to be a fun next few years!

[jutang]

I came across this great article regarding Elam from a kickers perspective.

http://deadspin.com/sports/a-few-seconds-of-panic/inside-jason-elams-incredible-kick-298196.php

[orange 4 life]

God bless jay cutler.

...and thats all i have to say about that.

[Paladin]

God bless jay cutler.

...and thats all i have to say about that.

Thanks, Forrest.

[SoonerBronco]

Nap's just jaded and jealous as cheeps fans will be. Don't buy into is crap...

[cmhargrove]

Weak dude. Very weak. Envy is a stinky cologne.

That's a classic, i'll have to write it down!

[Mediator12]

People seem to forget all the ****ball games that Elway had...and I'm talking about abominable performances...where he pulled the game out of his ass at the end. I thought Cutler had a virtuoso performance....I promise you that his teammates don't think he had a bad game, and really that's all that really matters.

I have never forgotten how ordinary Elway played sometimes. What the hell does that have to do with anything? I think Elway was one of the greatest QB's ever, but he played a lot of games with less than ordinary talent around him. He was the master of clutch plays with the game on the line. It still does not mean I ride his jock and say he was awesome all the time either ;D

All I ask is that people learn to seperate their personal expectations from what really happens on the field. They are very distinct differences that tend to get clumped together on a Message board. I am thrilled with how well Jay executed physically yesterday. Those throws off his back foot to Stokely were very impressive in the face of pressure. Maybe 4 other QB's can even make that play.

I just wish people would be able to seperate indidvidual performance around here. Performance takes into account EVERY PLAY a player gets and how that affects that play. No one plays a perfect game and very often players play poorly overall and are credited with the last thing they did in a game either good or bad becuase it is the most frequent thing in people's minds and comes in crunch time. You can make the argument that he is a rookie playing in his sixth start all you want, that is only relevant to expectations, not actual performance.

I think Cutler played just how I expected. I think his decision making was what made it a poor game, not his physical execution. He was productive without being highly efficient or effective for most of the game. He made some great plays, missed some easy ones, forced a few he should not have, used his legs more effectively than Plummer the last two years, and made at least three bonehead decisions that I can remember, including the lateral to Selvin Young that could have ended the game and made all the progress he made moot if BUF gets that ball or they fail to pick up the first down from 3rd and 24.

[orange 4 life]

I have never forgotten how ordinary Elway played sometimes. What the hell does that have to do with anything? I think Elway was one of the greatest QB's ever, but he played a lot of games with less than ordinary talent around him. He was the master of clutch plays with the game on the line. It still does not mean I ride his jock and say he was awesome all the time either ;D

then ill "ride his jock" for you.
he was awesome all the time. he was the greatest thats ever lived. he is a god. not THE God, but A god. thou shalt not take elways name in vain. remember that. :notworthy


I think Cutler played just how I expected. I think his decision making was what made it a poor game, not his physical execution. He was productive without being highly efficient or effective for most of the game. He made some great plays, missed some easy ones, forced a few he should not have, used his legs more effectively than Plummer the last two years, and made at least three bonehead decisions that I can remember, including the lateral to Selvin Young that could have ended the game and made all the progress he made moot if BUF gets that ball or they fail to pick up the first down from 3rd and 24.

i agree with your 1st sentence and then you lose me buddy.

"productive without being highly efficient or effective"
really?
i thought other than one HORRIBLE decision and throw (the int. late in the half) and a couple other questionable plays (the underthrown pass to walker and of course the lateral to young) he was VERY effective.
heck, even the lateral WOULDVE been a great play had the throw been on target. he HAD to do something in that situation, and i thought we didnt want a guy like griese who wouldve taken a sack? he tried to make a play in a time when we needed one and it didnt work out.
fortunately, EVERY throw after that was right on the money.

he played exactly how i expected too, and i suspect that will be the case most of the season.
he'll make us say "wow, how did he do that" every game, and he'll ALSO make us say "wow, WHY did he do that" about 5 times as often as plummer did.
that said, his risk taking style (see favre, brett and elway, john) should pay off given the right kind of players around him and time to trim down the number of plays per game where the risk outweighs the benefit.
enjoy the ride my friend. it'll be fun to watch. frustrating at times, but fun.

jake

ps- obviously his production didnt lead to alot of points, but look at the situations. the int. at the end of the half, the 3 straight runs that stalled out the 1st drive, a couple missed field goals, etc.
the points will come with the type of play he gave us sunday.

pps- ....and thats all i have to say about that. Ha!

[Paladin]

Forrest Speaks!!!!!!



Good points.

[Popcorn Sutton]

What's worse?

Broncos fans pleased with Jay Cutler's first opening day start on the road in a tough stadium where he had some struggles but also managed two fantastic 4th quarter drives and overcame two missed field goals and poor special teams play to lead the Broncos to a victory.

Or, Boob and other Chief fans coming onto the Orangemane and trying to argue Brodie Croyle is going to be a good QB based on his success in 7 on 7 drills in OTA's, minicamp and training camp. Then Boob starting the ever ridiculous thread comparing Croyle to Cutler. I believe Boob's line was "Sorry to upset you Broncos fans but Croyle is going to be a great QB." That was after the first 3 days of training camp.

I'd be much more concerned about 3 points vs. the Texans than I would Cutler's performance Nappy Chiefs fan.

[enjolras]

Cutler showed that had the one thing I wasn't sure he had, and that was the ability to win. We know he has the tools, that's clear to anyone with half a brain. He has the arm, the legs, and the football IQ to be a really special QB.

The only thing you didn't know is if he could win in true pressure situations. After all, he never played a big game in his entire collegiate career. He was on the team that was supposed to lose every week. That's always been my concern about him... would he be Dan Marino? All tools, but lacking that intangible that lifts his team to greatness?

We saw, in the closing minutes, that Cutler has that little extra piece. That has me excited out of my mind.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Jay will have his share of crappy games.

You can see the progression already, though.

All of the "This kid is Elway!" talk needs to settle down though, because the Elway that those people are referring to is a figment of their imagination, and never existed in the first place. Jay will never live up to a mythological character.

Enjoy Jay for what Jay is.

Let Elway run pursue his business interests.

[jonny1]

Cutler showed that had the one thing I wasn't sure he had, and that was the ability to win. We know he has the tools, that's clear to anyone with half a brain. He has the arm, the legs, and the football IQ to be a really special QB.

The only thing you didn't know is if he could win in true pressure situations. After all, he never played a big game in his entire collegiate career. He was on the team that was supposed to lose every week. That's always been my concern about him... would he be Dan Marino? All tools, but lacking that intangible that lifts his team to greatness?

We saw, in the closing minutes, that Cutler has that little extra piece. That has me excited out of my mind.

I don't know, just because he didn't play in a bowl game doesn't mean he didn't face pressure situations in college. How about going into Knoxville in front of 102,000 (wrong shade of) orange Tennessee fans and winning? Or double overtime in the Swamp to almost beat Florida? With 21 JV players around him?

I'd call that pressure.

[Rock Chalk]

I dont know that Bronco fans shouldnt have high expectations for Jay. This team is about winning now. If a rookie can do that for us, he is EXPECTED to do so.

I dont care how much experience he has, he better freakin win games. Thats the only thing I care about. Winning pretty is for power ranking whores.

[Que]

Being a Bronco fan used top be all about the wins, but now it seems Denver has to win pretty, how spoiled we have come. It's all about the wins and Elway has 148 of them. Cutler has that same grit that Elway had. So before you come on the net and get your panties in a wad, sit back and watch. You just might see history being made.


Speak the word! That the thing, people remember the late 90's Elway when we were blowing people out. Those aren't the real Elway moments - those were back in the day that you never counted the Broncos out of any situation (Oilers playoff game anyone?). Some how, some way, Elway would probably have a chance to win it at the end. I can remember one game where he had just a horrible first half. I mean bad. The last play of the half Elway dropped back and fired the ball into the endzone stands about 12 rows up out of frustration. Then, he came out in the second half and salvaged the win with a great performance.

Not to borrow a quote from the Faiders but I always thought, "Just Win Baby" summed up the Elway experience perfectly. It even holds true if you look at his play in the Super Bowl against Green Bay.