To win big, Broncos must add to Cutler supporting cast - The Orange Mane

DukeWoody · 10-29-2007, 12:53 AM

To win big, Broncos must add to Cutler supporting cast
By Mike Sando
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: October 28, 2007
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Scouts couldn't help but see a little Brett Favre in the way Jay Cutler played quarterback at Vanderbilt. The arm strength was there, no question, and nothing seemed to rattle him.

John Elway became the inevitable reference point when the Denver Broncos made Cutler the 11th player chosen in the 2006 draft.

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

The Broncos have just 15 of their own draft choices to show for Mike Shanahan's 13-year tenure.

That won't change as long as Cutler remains a Bronco, but the Favre comparisons are relevant again with Green Bay visiting Denver on "Monday Night Football." (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET)

Even Cutler is playing along -- to a point. "We both have strong arms and both try to fit [the ball] in some tight spots," Cutler told reporters in Denver recently. "I'm a long way from getting to his status."

How long might depend on the Broncos' efforts to surround their prized quarterback with the right supporting cast. Elway won Super Bowls when he finally had a dominant running game. Favre won it all when the Packers fielded a dominant defense led by Reggie White.

Cutler isn't so fortunate yet. The Broncos are 3-3 and working their way through change.

Coach Mike Shanahan has applied a win-now philosophy to roster management, snapping up free-agent veterans as quickly as owner Pat Bowlen could sign the checks. That approach, coupled with spotty drafting, has left the Broncos with only 15 of their own draft choices to show for Shanahan's 13-year tenure.

Tennessee's Jeff Fisher is the only other NFL head coach in his 13th season with the same organization. The Titans' roster features 30 of their own draft choices from the Fisher era. Eleven head coaches have spent more than four seasons in their current positions. Shanahan, Tampa Bay's Jon Gruden (17) and Cincinnati's Marvin Lewis (19) are the only ones with fewer than 20 of their own draft choices on the roster. Even second-year Packers coach Mike McCarthy, armed with 23 selections across 2006 and 2007, has more of his own draft choices (16) than Shanahan.

Failing to develop and retain large numbers of draft choices isn't fatal if teams maximize their forays into free agency. New England has proven as much.

The Broncos haven't done as well in free agency. What it means, for now, is that Cutler probably won't win big soon. Denver's starting defense averages 29.1 years in age, third oldest in the league. That wouldn't be so bad if the Broncos weren't allowing more rushing yards this season (1,057) than AFC rivals Pittsburgh (453) and Baltimore (503) combined.

Sam Adams and John Lynch are good guys with championship experience, but they're running out of cartilage. Change is on the way. The Broncos selected three defensive linemen in the first four rounds of the most recent draft. They moved rookie fourth-round defensive tackle Marcus Thomas into the lineup recently. Pass-rusher Elvis Dumervil, a fourth-rounder in 2006, is also starting. Two rookie defensive ends, first-rounder Jarvis Moss and second-rounder Tim Crowder, have yet to earn starting jobs.

The defense won't allow 176.2 yards rushing per game forever, particularly if Shanahan keeps adding defensive players early in the draft.

The outlook on offense is mostly positive, thanks to Cutler. He's completing 66.3 percent of his passes with a healthy 7.8-yard average per attempt. He has seven touchdown passes while taking only eight sacks, down from 13 sacks in five starts last season. Although Cutler is showing improved awareness, he has also thrown eight interceptions, including a few head-scratchers.

That's sometimes what you get from strong-armed quarterbacks who don't let bad plays scare them away from taking more chances. Ask the Packers.

"Every time you see [Cutler] it looks like he just woke up," said an opposing defensive coordinator who has come to admire the Broncos' franchise quarterback. "He has that sleepy look, that unflappable look, like a gym rat, a guy who never really looks like he's trying. He's one of those guys where nothing affects him."

Being unflappable doesn't make a guy impervious to talent deficiencies around him. Cutler will experience growing pains as the Broncos' roster evolves.

Adding tight end Daniel Graham in free agency helped, but uncertainties persist.

Knee surgery forced receiver Javon Walker to miss the last three games, and it's unclear when he'll return. Second-year pro Brandon Marshall is leading the team in receptions, but the former fourth-round draft choice has also had off-field problems, most recently a DUI arrest.

Veteran center Tom Nalen went on injured reserve, robbing the line of its identity. Losing Nalen hurt. And yet he was so old by football standards -- 36 -- that the Broncos' starting offense went from the NFL's 19th youngest with Nalen to the seventh youngest without him.

Cutler could lose another offensive starter if the NFL suspends Travis Henry. The veteran running back might not play much against the Packers after suffering injured ribs, but Henry's long-term issues could affect Cutler and the offense more significantly. Henry could face a one-year suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

Shanahan has drafted 10 running backs and receivers since 2003. Marshall is the only one remaining on the roster.

Domenik Dixon, Maurice Clarett, Tatum Bell, Darius Watts, Triandos Luke, Brandon Miree, Quentin Griffin, Adrian Madise and Ahmaad Galloway are long gone.

Finding a franchise quarterback can right a lot of wrongs. But if the Broncos expect to win big, they'll need to find a little more help for the next Brett Favre.

Mike Sando covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...ike&id=3084020

bpc · 10-29-2007, 12:59 AM

Well I think finding that QB of the future will lead you in the right direction. A guy like Cutler who can put the ball anywhere on the field is going to help development of younger players. Just look at Peyton Manning... they lose their LT, a new one comes in and he's doing great. They break in a new HB, he's doing just as good.

You need that focal player who can lift up people's games. We have Glen Martinez catching four or five passes for 70yds in games. Cutler is the guy that can do that, we just need to keep adding talent around him.

NFLBRONCO · 10-29-2007, 01:03 AM

I think Denver still needs a game breaker at WR and RB and then look out.

Doggcow · 10-29-2007, 01:12 AM

I hope we do build around cutler. Give him some weapons and he will be magnificent.

Popps · 10-29-2007, 01:14 AM

Elway won Super Bowls when he finally had a dominant running game. Favre won it all when the Packers fielded a dominant defense led by Reggie White.

That's pretty much football 101 in a nutshell.

The Patriots will win it all this year because they have balance. Indy doesn't, so their luck-job from last year will be a one-off.

DukeWoody · 10-29-2007, 01:22 AM

Something a little more positive and factual coming from ESPiN...

Quote:

"Every time you see [Cutler] it looks like he just woke up," said an opposing defensive coordinator who has come to admire the Broncos' franchise quarterback. "He has that sleepy look, that unflappable look, like a gym rat, a guy who never really looks like he's trying. He's one of those guys where nothing affects him."

The "Every time you see [Cutler] it looks like he just woke up," QUOTE is very acurate in physical discription, but mentally, Jay is still half asleep...when the kid finally does get a full grasp and control of how to properly run a pro NFL OF without a hitch, then that awakening will be when the real fun begins...

There's no question the kid has all the physical tools and he seems to look a little more comforable and mentally prepared with every new outing...The future is looking very bright for our young franchise kid QB...

BroncoBuff · 10-29-2007, 01:39 AM

Quote:

To win big, Broncos must add to Cutler supporting cast.

Nonsense.

Personnel is NOT an issue with this team - at least not on offense. We could use a decent DT (Kris Jenkins wouldda worked

), and perhaps a playmaking LB, S and/or KR. But other than that, this roster is loaded up with quality personnel.

NFLBRONCO · 10-29-2007, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

Nonsense.

Personnel is NOT an issue with this team - at least not on offense. We could use a decent DT (Kris Jenkins wouldda worked

), and perhaps a playmaking LB, S and/or KR. But other than that, this roster is loaded up with quality personnel.

I have to repectfully disagree you about offense. Javon & Travis (susp) Tony S. are issues for this offense now and next year. This unit has yet to prove anyone can stay healthy long enough to rip D's to shreds on a regular basis. Don't get me wrong I love this group on O but, injuries have been frequent with most of them this year and last as well. So for this reason I think Denver still needs to add another skilled wr to the mix.

I agree with you on D and if they focus on that only in 08 fine by me. We can't fix everything in one year.

BroncoBuff · 10-29-2007, 02:09 AM

Your points are well-taken, but I wasn't counting injuries - they're a separate issue. I was just considering personnel.

Atlas · 10-29-2007, 09:17 AM

The Broncos are an old team BUT I like the depth the team has and I feel the young players on the team will be ready to step up when they are called upon. I think the loss of Brandon for the defense was huge. I think Denver needs to get a vet MLB and ship DJ back to SAM.

I see lots of promise for Denver the next 5 years and yes it all starts with #6.

Crushaholic · 10-29-2007, 09:23 AM

We need Javon Walker and/or Rod Smith back...

jonny1 · 10-29-2007, 09:43 AM

If you look at the defense, Lynch, Adams, Ferguson, and Bailey are the ones that raise the average age.

But if you really look at the roster, outside of those four, the defense is pretty young, particularly in the front seven.

One or two more good drafts and the defense will be really young.

2KBack · 10-29-2007, 12:28 PM

I think the Shannahan doesn't field homegrown teams numbers are misleading at this point. QB, O-line, 1 wr, fullback, 1 TE, soon to be Tailback, are draftpicks or rookie free agents. On the defensive side all the D-line rookies and dumervil, 2 Lb (3 last year), and all the secondary depth. The last few drafts have been quite fruitful.

rovolution · 10-29-2007, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2KBack

I think the Shannahan doesn't field homegrown teams numbers are misleading at this point. QB, O-line, 1 wr, fullback, 1 TE, soon to be Tailback, are draftpicks or rookie free agents. On the defensive side all the D-line rookies and dumervil, 2 Lb (3 last year), and all the secondary depth. The last few drafts have been quite fruitful.

the 2006 draft could possibly be one of the best in this franchise's history IMO

rovolution · 10-29-2007, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NFLBRONCO

I think Denver still needs a game breaker at WR and RB and then look out.

Javon is that when healthy.

RB is never a problem w/ Coach Turner and Shanny

lex · 10-29-2007, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NFLBRONCO

I think Denver still needs a game breaker at WR and RB and then look out.

Agreed. This is what I proposed:

Quote:

Just for fun, I went and did draft where we would make a trade to draft high enough to select McFadden. First, we trade Foxworth, Gold, our 2008 1st, 2009 1st & 3rd. Then we sign Teddy Lehman and Boss Bailey(Drek sold me on this idea). So here it is:

1) Darren McFadden, RB
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=56491
2) Dre Moore, DT
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=10964
4) Duane Brown, OT
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=11685
4) Maurice Murray, DT
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=73860
5) Jeremy Zuttah, OL
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=33570
5) Bryan Kehl, OLB
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=68185
7) Joe Fields, S
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings....php?pyid=9466
7) Paul Raymond, WR/Ret
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=22150

BTW, I could live with Long or McFadden but I think Long is more likely to go in the top 5 when looking at a lot of the teams that are likely to be in the top 5.

DukeWoody · 10-29-2007, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lex

Agreed. This is what I proposed:

None of the links you provided seem to be working for me??...other then that, your post is very inriguing...

Beantown Bronco · 10-29-2007, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lex

Agreed. This is what I proposed:

uhhhh. Starting LB, #3 CB and three high draft picks to move up to #1. Where in the hell did you have the Broncos originally slated to pick? #32?

If they move up for anything other than DT, I'd be beyond shocked.

Merlin · 10-29-2007, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beantown Bronco

uhhhh. Starting LB, #3 CB and three high draft picks to move up to #1. Where in the hell did you have the Broncos originally slated to pick? #32?

If they move up for anything other than DT, I'd be beyond shocked.

Trade all of that for a RB? Denver? That is beyond insane, it is just plain stupid. Considering what this team is able to do with RB, that kind of bounty would be much better spend on DTs and Ss.

lex · 10-29-2007, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeWoody

None of the links you provided seem to be working for me??...other then that, your post is very inriguing...

OK, sorry. Each link was the profile (to the extent that it allows non-subscribers) for each prospect. Here is the main part of it and you can drill down into each of the above players.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...xpos&order=ASC

lex · 10-29-2007, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlin

Trade all of that for a RB? Denver? That is beyond insane, it is just plain stupid. Considering what this team is able to do with RB, that kind of bounty would be much better spend on DTs and Ss.

There is a difference between having a very good running game and a great running game. We have not had a great running game in a while. Id rather not just get by with just anyone. Since our running game is a strength, Id rather be the best we can possibly be at it. This would also help Cutler. It would be nice to have someone that makes the difference between 4th and 1 and 1st and 10...someone to make the difference between a 15 yard run and a 70 yard run. Not only that but McFadden is an attitude player. His stiff arm is insane and its so good it can galvenize a team.

Rohirrim · 10-29-2007, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lex

Agreed. This is what I proposed:

You're kidding, right? That's called a "Ricky Williams." Franchises that do things like that get sunk for years.

lex · 10-29-2007, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rohirrim

You're kidding, right? That's called a "Ricky Williams." Franchises that do things like that get sunk for years.

We'd be giving up 3 picks. Thats not even close to a Ricky Williams trade. Besides, have you seen our 2003 draft? It might have been a good idea to trade everyone of those picks to get someone in the top 10.

Rohirrim · 10-29-2007, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lex

We'd be giving up 3 picks. Thats not even close to a Ricky Williams trade. Besides, have you seen our 2003 draft? It might have been a good idea to trade everyone of those picks to get someone in the top 10.

If the Broncos were going to give up a couple of years worth of first round picks I'd prefer they went after Glenn Dorsey. He would make a much bigger impact on this team, and quicker, and longer, than any RB. Besides, the Broncos have a pretty good record of finding RBs all over the draft and the best RB coach in the NFL, IMH(& adoptive)O.

Beantown Bronco · 10-29-2007, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lex

We'd be giving up 3 picks. Thats not even close to a Ricky Williams trade.

Sure it is, when you include the starting LB and nickle back that would have to be replaced as well.

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10-29-2007, 12:53 AM	#1
DukeWoody Happenin Homer Homie Back to the drawing board Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: In The Loft / Dog House Posts: 1,151 Adopt-a-Bronco: NEXT BIG STAR	To win big, Broncos must add to Cutler supporting cast To win big, Broncos must add to Cutler supporting cast By Mike Sando ESPN.com (Archive) Updated: October 28, 2007 Comment Email Print Scouts couldn't help but see a little Brett Favre in the way Jay Cutler played quarterback at Vanderbilt. The arm strength was there, no question, and nothing seemed to rattle him. John Elway became the inevitable reference point when the Denver Broncos made Cutler the 11th player chosen in the 2006 draft. Scott Boehm/Getty Images The Broncos have just 15 of their own draft choices to show for Mike Shanahan's 13-year tenure. That won't change as long as Cutler remains a Bronco, but the Favre comparisons are relevant again with Green Bay visiting Denver on "Monday Night Football." (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET) Even Cutler is playing along -- to a point. "We both have strong arms and both try to fit [the ball] in some tight spots," Cutler told reporters in Denver recently. "I'm a long way from getting to his status." How long might depend on the Broncos' efforts to surround their prized quarterback with the right supporting cast. Elway won Super Bowls when he finally had a dominant running game. Favre won it all when the Packers fielded a dominant defense led by Reggie White. Cutler isn't so fortunate yet. The Broncos are 3-3 and working their way through change. Coach Mike Shanahan has applied a win-now philosophy to roster management, snapping up free-agent veterans as quickly as owner Pat Bowlen could sign the checks. That approach, coupled with spotty drafting, has left the Broncos with only 15 of their own draft choices to show for Shanahan's 13-year tenure. Tennessee's Jeff Fisher is the only other NFL head coach in his 13th season with the same organization. The Titans' roster features 30 of their own draft choices from the Fisher era. Eleven head coaches have spent more than four seasons in their current positions. Shanahan, Tampa Bay's Jon Gruden (17) and Cincinnati's Marvin Lewis (19) are the only ones with fewer than 20 of their own draft choices on the roster. Even second-year Packers coach Mike McCarthy, armed with 23 selections across 2006 and 2007, has more of his own draft choices (16) than Shanahan. Failing to develop and retain large numbers of draft choices isn't fatal if teams maximize their forays into free agency. New England has proven as much. The Broncos haven't done as well in free agency. What it means, for now, is that Cutler probably won't win big soon. Denver's starting defense averages 29.1 years in age, third oldest in the league. That wouldn't be so bad if the Broncos weren't allowing more rushing yards this season (1,057) than AFC rivals Pittsburgh (453) and Baltimore (503) combined. Sam Adams and John Lynch are good guys with championship experience, but they're running out of cartilage. Change is on the way. The Broncos selected three defensive linemen in the first four rounds of the most recent draft. They moved rookie fourth-round defensive tackle Marcus Thomas into the lineup recently. Pass-rusher Elvis Dumervil, a fourth-rounder in 2006, is also starting. Two rookie defensive ends, first-rounder Jarvis Moss and second-rounder Tim Crowder, have yet to earn starting jobs. The defense won't allow 176.2 yards rushing per game forever, particularly if Shanahan keeps adding defensive players early in the draft. The outlook on offense is mostly positive, thanks to Cutler. He's completing 66.3 percent of his passes with a healthy 7.8-yard average per attempt. He has seven touchdown passes while taking only eight sacks, down from 13 sacks in five starts last season. Although Cutler is showing improved awareness, he has also thrown eight interceptions, including a few head-scratchers. That's sometimes what you get from strong-armed quarterbacks who don't let bad plays scare them away from taking more chances. Ask the Packers. "Every time you see [Cutler] it looks like he just woke up," said an opposing defensive coordinator who has come to admire the Broncos' franchise quarterback. "He has that sleepy look, that unflappable look, like a gym rat, a guy who never really looks like he's trying. He's one of those guys where nothing affects him." Being unflappable doesn't make a guy impervious to talent deficiencies around him. Cutler will experience growing pains as the Broncos' roster evolves. Adding tight end Daniel Graham in free agency helped, but uncertainties persist. Knee surgery forced receiver Javon Walker to miss the last three games, and it's unclear when he'll return. Second-year pro Brandon Marshall is leading the team in receptions, but the former fourth-round draft choice has also had off-field problems, most recently a DUI arrest. Veteran center Tom Nalen went on injured reserve, robbing the line of its identity. Losing Nalen hurt. And yet he was so old by football standards -- 36 -- that the Broncos' starting offense went from the NFL's 19th youngest with Nalen to the seventh youngest without him. Cutler could lose another offensive starter if the NFL suspends Travis Henry. The veteran running back might not play much against the Packers after suffering injured ribs, but Henry's long-term issues could affect Cutler and the offense more significantly. Henry could face a one-year suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. Shanahan has drafted 10 running backs and receivers since 2003. Marshall is the only one remaining on the roster. Domenik Dixon, Maurice Clarett, Tatum Bell, Darius Watts, Triandos Luke, Brandon Miree, Quentin Griffin, Adrian Madise and Ahmaad Galloway are long gone. Finding a franchise quarterback can right a lot of wrongs. But if the Broncos expect to win big, they'll need to find a little more help for the next Brett Favre. Mike Sando covers the NFL for ESPN.com. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...ike&id=3084020

10-29-2007, 12:59 AM	#2
bpc "Nemo Me Impune Lacessit" 1 sword keeps another in the sheath Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 12,574 Adopt-a-Bronco: Von Miller	Well I think finding that QB of the future will lead you in the right direction. A guy like Cutler who can put the ball anywhere on the field is going to help development of younger players. Just look at Peyton Manning... they lose their LT, a new one comes in and he's doing great. They break in a new HB, he's doing just as good. You need that focal player who can lift up people's games. We have Glen Martinez catching four or five passes for 70yds in games. Cutler is the guy that can do that, we just need to keep adding talent around him.

10-29-2007, 01:03 AM	#3
NFLBRONCO Ring of Famer Go Nuggets Go Lakers Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Lafayette Colorado Posts: 7,394	I think Denver still needs a game breaker at WR and RB and then look out.

10-29-2007, 01:12 AM	#4
Doggcow Rebel Laughs At Unbelievers Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 8,304 Adopt-a-Bronco: Von Miller	I hope we do build around cutler. Give him some weapons and he will be magnificent.

10-29-2007, 01:14 AM	#5
Popps TEAM FIRST. Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 29,786	Elway won Super Bowls when he finally had a dominant running game. Favre won it all when the Packers fielded a dominant defense led by Reggie White. That's pretty much football 101 in a nutshell. The Patriots will win it all this year because they have balance. Indy doesn't, so their luck-job from last year will be a one-off.

10-29-2007, 02:09 AM	#9
BroncoBuff *************** Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 25,440 Adopt-a-Bronco: QUANTERUS SMITH	Your points are well-taken, but I wasn't counting injuries - they're a separate issue. I was just considering personnel.

10-29-2007, 09:17 AM	#10
Atlas Draft Defense Early&Often Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 18,526	The Broncos are an old team BUT I like the depth the team has and I feel the young players on the team will be ready to step up when they are called upon. I think the loss of Brandon for the defense was huge. I think Denver needs to get a vet MLB and ship DJ back to SAM. I see lots of promise for Denver the next 5 years and yes it all starts with #6.

10-29-2007, 09:23 AM	#11
Crushaholic Armchair Poster Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 22,044	We need Javon Walker and/or Rod Smith back...

10-29-2007, 09:43 AM	#12
jonny1 Ahhh, football! Broncos' cheerleaders rule! Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 2,504 Adopt-a-Bronco: Chris Kuper	If you look at the defense, Lynch, Adams, Ferguson, and Bailey are the ones that raise the average age. But if you really look at the roster, outside of those four, the defense is pretty young, particularly in the front seven. One or two more good drafts and the defense will be really young.

10-29-2007, 12:28 PM	#13
2KBack Rumblin' Bumblin' Cake is delicious Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Wash DC Posts: 7,275	I think the Shannahan doesn't field homegrown teams numbers are misleading at this point. QB, O-line, 1 wr, fullback, 1 TE, soon to be Tailback, are draftpicks or rookie free agents. On the defensive side all the D-line rookies and dumervil, 2 Lb (3 last year), and all the secondary depth. The last few drafts have been quite fruitful.