cutlerfan
12-18-2007, 09:15 AM
Mailbag: The tame of the father
O-line not only folks protecting the QB
By Mike Klis
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 12/17/2007 07:45:48 PM MST
Denver Post sports writer Mike Klis posts his Broncos Mailbag every Tuesday during the 2007 NFL season on DenverPost.com. With next week's game falling Monday night, however, the next installment is slated for Wednesday, Dec. 26.
To drop a Broncos- or NFL-related question into the Broncos Mailbag click here or visit DenverPost.com's Broncos Page.
True story. There was a lengthy airport delay getting back Friday from Houston, and I'm standing in the middle of the gate area, chatting with Jack Cutler, father of the Broncos' quarterback. He and his wife Sandy go to all the games, home and road. They are often given the worst seats in the house on the road, but they go, anyway.
A guy waiting in line for a seat upgrade, or whatever, must have overheard us because he turns around says to us:
"At least Cutler is starting to look off his receivers now."
I could have died in awkwardness. Jay Cutler strongly resembles his father but apparently it didn't take. This guy in line isn't going to criticize the kid quarterback in front of the kid's father, is he? I don't know Jack all that well, but well enough to know he's not going to take guff from anybody about his son.
Uh oh. The guy is about to finish his thought.
"He used to just stare a hole right through a receiver before he threw it."
Oh ... my ... gosh.
"Yeah, well, he's young," Jack Cutler said defiantly, but not rudely, to the Broncos' fan.
Jack smiled. He turned away and the man moved up in line. Jack said it happens. It's part of life as a parent of a quarterback.
Beauty and the Beast is what you can call this team. I am drained to the point where I can't even enjoy watching highlights anymore. How do you feel about resting John Lynch, Travis Henry and Champ Bailey for the rest of the season? We can not
-- CJ, Long Beach, Calif.
CJ - Seems like the "risk of injury" comes up for those who have the playoffs clinched. I suppose it's a legit question for the darkest of reasons, as well. You'll see Lynch, Henry, Bailey and everybody else who's healthy enough to play finish out the season. What you're talking about would apply to injured guys like Ian Gold, Daniel Graham, Brandon Stokley and Nick Ferguson. I know all of them will try to play, but there's a chance the coaches could use caution, given the circumstances.
How is Mike Shanahan not on the "hot seat"? This is one coach who should lose his job. If he couldn't motivate his team against Houston, with playoff implications, then when can he motivate?
-- Nick, New York
Nick - Shanahan is not on the hot seat because of his body of work. He has a successful track record. That's the short answer. As for Houston, even Shanahan was mystified by his team's lack of energy.
But here's my thought on motivation and energy and emotion: You've got to win even when you don't have it. This doesn't just apply to football, but all four major sports. Do you think the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls were "up" for every game when they went 72-10? The New England Patriots were not at their emotional peak for every game this year yet they're 14-0. And don't even start with the 162-game baseball schedule.
Even with the Broncos coming out flat last Thursday, they had just scored in the final minute of the third quarter to narrow Houston's lead to 17-13. Momentum was theirs. On all good teams, the defense stops Houston on the next series. Instead, the Broncos' defense gave up a touchdown drive. And another touchdown on the Texans' drive after that.
The defense gave the Broncos no shot this year.
Mike - I have an assignment for you that may be a little tough: Are there any plans for a uniform revision for the Broncos? The current uniforms scream 1990s and look like they belong in a Tommy Hilfiger outlet. The NFL has gone for more of a classic approach lately, and the Broncos stick out like a sore thumb. Any chance the Broncos tone down their uniforms a la the Patriots' recent changes? I'm not talking a change in logo or colors (however, their current orange is a bit obnoxious), but maybe a more sophisticated look to go with a top-tier franchise? You know it'd make money.
-- Justin Pauls, Colorado Springs
Justin - Just talked to Friendly Joe Ellis, who is in charge of all things that don't fall under Mike Shanahan's jurisdiction. There are no plans to revise the uniforms, either in color or design. About all that comes up for discussion each year is whether to reintroduce the orange jerseys. It would help merchandise sales if the Broncos would wear them once in a while.
But this is where Shanahan does come into play. The last time the Broncos went with the all-burnt orange look was Nov. 28, 2004 against the Oakland Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High. In a snowstorm, the Broncos had a 24-13 lead with less than 7 minutes remaining but lost 25-24. Shanny has since kept the orange jerseys in the deep recesses of the Broncos' walk-in clothes closet.
Mike - Why do the Broncos wear those blue pants? They are ugly and make the players look like they are wearing leotards. The blue jerseys with white pants are one of the best in the league.
-- James, Milwaukee
James - Back-to-back questions on the team unis. Think the Raiders' mailman encounters such curiosity? Anyway, James, I agree, the blue tops with white pants and predominantly orange stripes look sharp. As for the all-blue look, it could be worse. Or was your high-definition TV lacking the color red for Thursday's game against the Houston Texans. For a minute there, Houston's self-anointed, "Battle Red" game had me thinking the Broncos were playing Texas Tech. And because Houston won, superstition says this won't be the last team we see the all-red look.
Mike - Look into your crystal ball and tell me which of the following players will not be with the Broncos next year: Javon Walker, Travis Henry, Dre' Bly, Ian Gold, Ben Hamilton, John Lynch, Todd Sauerbrun. Out of the seven, I say at least four are gone. Your thoughts?
-- Matt Heitner, San Jose, Costa Rica
Matt - From your list of seven, Bly is the most certain to return. The Broncos have roughly a $10 million commitment to him in 2008. Now that Henry has won his legal battle, it appears his contract locks him up for $6 million for next year, although there may be some escape clauses.
The Broncos want Lynch back, and I think Lynch wants to play one more. Finances will definitely come into play for Walker, Gold and Hamilton. All are scheduled to make decent money next year and all will be coming off injury-plagued seasons. Each could come back next year, but at reduced rates.
Do the Broncos have a first-round pick in 2008?
-- Jeff, Colorado Springs
Jeff - Yes, they do. As it stands now, the Broncos are one of five teams with a 6-8 record, which would leave them picking anywhere from No. 11 to 15 overall. Besides their first-round pick, the Broncos also have selections in the second, two in the fourth, a fifth, and two in the seventh. They don't have a pick in the third and sixth rounds.
Mike Klis is in his third season of covering the Broncos after previously covering the Rockies and Major League Baseball for 15 years. To drop a question into his Broncos Mailbag, click here or visit DenverPost.com's Broncos Page.
O-line not only folks protecting the QB
By Mike Klis
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 12/17/2007 07:45:48 PM MST
Denver Post sports writer Mike Klis posts his Broncos Mailbag every Tuesday during the 2007 NFL season on DenverPost.com. With next week's game falling Monday night, however, the next installment is slated for Wednesday, Dec. 26.
To drop a Broncos- or NFL-related question into the Broncos Mailbag click here or visit DenverPost.com's Broncos Page.
True story. There was a lengthy airport delay getting back Friday from Houston, and I'm standing in the middle of the gate area, chatting with Jack Cutler, father of the Broncos' quarterback. He and his wife Sandy go to all the games, home and road. They are often given the worst seats in the house on the road, but they go, anyway.
A guy waiting in line for a seat upgrade, or whatever, must have overheard us because he turns around says to us:
"At least Cutler is starting to look off his receivers now."
I could have died in awkwardness. Jay Cutler strongly resembles his father but apparently it didn't take. This guy in line isn't going to criticize the kid quarterback in front of the kid's father, is he? I don't know Jack all that well, but well enough to know he's not going to take guff from anybody about his son.
Uh oh. The guy is about to finish his thought.
"He used to just stare a hole right through a receiver before he threw it."
Oh ... my ... gosh.
"Yeah, well, he's young," Jack Cutler said defiantly, but not rudely, to the Broncos' fan.
Jack smiled. He turned away and the man moved up in line. Jack said it happens. It's part of life as a parent of a quarterback.
Beauty and the Beast is what you can call this team. I am drained to the point where I can't even enjoy watching highlights anymore. How do you feel about resting John Lynch, Travis Henry and Champ Bailey for the rest of the season? We can not
-- CJ, Long Beach, Calif.
CJ - Seems like the "risk of injury" comes up for those who have the playoffs clinched. I suppose it's a legit question for the darkest of reasons, as well. You'll see Lynch, Henry, Bailey and everybody else who's healthy enough to play finish out the season. What you're talking about would apply to injured guys like Ian Gold, Daniel Graham, Brandon Stokley and Nick Ferguson. I know all of them will try to play, but there's a chance the coaches could use caution, given the circumstances.
How is Mike Shanahan not on the "hot seat"? This is one coach who should lose his job. If he couldn't motivate his team against Houston, with playoff implications, then when can he motivate?
-- Nick, New York
Nick - Shanahan is not on the hot seat because of his body of work. He has a successful track record. That's the short answer. As for Houston, even Shanahan was mystified by his team's lack of energy.
But here's my thought on motivation and energy and emotion: You've got to win even when you don't have it. This doesn't just apply to football, but all four major sports. Do you think the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls were "up" for every game when they went 72-10? The New England Patriots were not at their emotional peak for every game this year yet they're 14-0. And don't even start with the 162-game baseball schedule.
Even with the Broncos coming out flat last Thursday, they had just scored in the final minute of the third quarter to narrow Houston's lead to 17-13. Momentum was theirs. On all good teams, the defense stops Houston on the next series. Instead, the Broncos' defense gave up a touchdown drive. And another touchdown on the Texans' drive after that.
The defense gave the Broncos no shot this year.
Mike - I have an assignment for you that may be a little tough: Are there any plans for a uniform revision for the Broncos? The current uniforms scream 1990s and look like they belong in a Tommy Hilfiger outlet. The NFL has gone for more of a classic approach lately, and the Broncos stick out like a sore thumb. Any chance the Broncos tone down their uniforms a la the Patriots' recent changes? I'm not talking a change in logo or colors (however, their current orange is a bit obnoxious), but maybe a more sophisticated look to go with a top-tier franchise? You know it'd make money.
-- Justin Pauls, Colorado Springs
Justin - Just talked to Friendly Joe Ellis, who is in charge of all things that don't fall under Mike Shanahan's jurisdiction. There are no plans to revise the uniforms, either in color or design. About all that comes up for discussion each year is whether to reintroduce the orange jerseys. It would help merchandise sales if the Broncos would wear them once in a while.
But this is where Shanahan does come into play. The last time the Broncos went with the all-burnt orange look was Nov. 28, 2004 against the Oakland Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High. In a snowstorm, the Broncos had a 24-13 lead with less than 7 minutes remaining but lost 25-24. Shanny has since kept the orange jerseys in the deep recesses of the Broncos' walk-in clothes closet.
Mike - Why do the Broncos wear those blue pants? They are ugly and make the players look like they are wearing leotards. The blue jerseys with white pants are one of the best in the league.
-- James, Milwaukee
James - Back-to-back questions on the team unis. Think the Raiders' mailman encounters such curiosity? Anyway, James, I agree, the blue tops with white pants and predominantly orange stripes look sharp. As for the all-blue look, it could be worse. Or was your high-definition TV lacking the color red for Thursday's game against the Houston Texans. For a minute there, Houston's self-anointed, "Battle Red" game had me thinking the Broncos were playing Texas Tech. And because Houston won, superstition says this won't be the last team we see the all-red look.
Mike - Look into your crystal ball and tell me which of the following players will not be with the Broncos next year: Javon Walker, Travis Henry, Dre' Bly, Ian Gold, Ben Hamilton, John Lynch, Todd Sauerbrun. Out of the seven, I say at least four are gone. Your thoughts?
-- Matt Heitner, San Jose, Costa Rica
Matt - From your list of seven, Bly is the most certain to return. The Broncos have roughly a $10 million commitment to him in 2008. Now that Henry has won his legal battle, it appears his contract locks him up for $6 million for next year, although there may be some escape clauses.
The Broncos want Lynch back, and I think Lynch wants to play one more. Finances will definitely come into play for Walker, Gold and Hamilton. All are scheduled to make decent money next year and all will be coming off injury-plagued seasons. Each could come back next year, but at reduced rates.
Do the Broncos have a first-round pick in 2008?
-- Jeff, Colorado Springs
Jeff - Yes, they do. As it stands now, the Broncos are one of five teams with a 6-8 record, which would leave them picking anywhere from No. 11 to 15 overall. Besides their first-round pick, the Broncos also have selections in the second, two in the fourth, a fifth, and two in the seventh. They don't have a pick in the third and sixth rounds.
Mike Klis is in his third season of covering the Broncos after previously covering the Rockies and Major League Baseball for 15 years. To drop a question into his Broncos Mailbag, click here or visit DenverPost.com's Broncos Page.