Denver is done for the year (1 Viewer)

[Sweetness_34]

They will be lucky to even make the playoffs now with this Jay Cutler starting decision. I keep hearing how great Cutler looked in preseason. But has anyone seen who Jay was up against in the preseason????

OPPONENT SITE TIME/RESULT TV/REC

1 Fri. Aug.11 at Detroit Ford Field L 20-13 CBS4

2 Sat. Aug.19 vs. Tennessee INVESCO Field at Mile High W 35-10 1-1

3 Sun. Aug.27 vs. Houston INVESCO Field at Mile High W 17-14 NFL Network

4 Thu. Aug.31 at Arizona Cardinals Stadium W 29-23 CBS4

4 of the worst defenses in the entire NFL and in many cases going up against the back ups on these teams. What is Shanny thinking?

The real problem this year has clearly been an inconsistent running game. Shanny may not admit to that, but do Denver homers realize that with a rookie QB they may not even make the playoffs now, forget winning anything relevant once they are in the playoffs.

Denver will probably lose 3 out of their next 5 (SD, Cincy, Sea most likely).

I guess they have given up on this year and would rather focus on the future.

 

[packersfan]

Other than San Diego in Week 14, the Broncos' schedule the rest of the way is hardly filled with imposing defenses. I also think the comment made by Sean Salisbury is on the mark. He said the Broncos were getting rookie-type production out of their QB all season long so they might as well actually go with the rookie.

Plummer has been bad this season. It's not all his fault but he has not played well. It's difficult to envision Cutler being much worse and there's a good chance he can be better since the bar has not been raised very high at all.

 

[Sweetness_34]

Other than San Diego in Week 14, the Broncos' schedule the rest of the way is hardly filled with imposing defenses. I also think the comment made by Sean Salisbury is on the mark. He said the Broncos were getting rookie-type production out of their QB all season long so they might as well actually go with the rookie.Plummer has been bad this season. It's not all his fault but he has not played well. It's difficult to envision Cutler being much worse and there's a good chance he can be better since the bar has not been raised very high at all.

A rookie qb in the playoffs will get hammered, especially given he has not been getting reps with the #1 team all year. Also, Sea will beat them too now I think.

 

[dagogrease]

They will be lucky to even make the playoffs now with this Jay Cutler starting decision. I keep hearing how great Cutler looked in preseason. But has anyone seen who Jay was up against in the preseason????OPPONENT SITE TIME/RESULT TV/REC 1 Fri. Aug.11 at Detroit Ford Field L 20-13 CBS4 2 Sat. Aug.19 vs. Tennessee INVESCO Field at Mile High W 35-10 1-1 3 Sun. Aug.27 vs. Houston INVESCO Field at Mile High W 17-14 NFL Network 4 Thu. Aug.31 at Arizona Cardinals Stadium W 29-23 CBS4 4 of the worst defenses in the entire NFL and in many cases going up against the back ups on these teams. What is Shanny thinking?The real problem this year has clearly been an inconsistent running game. Shanny may not admit to that, but do Denver homers realize that with a rookie QB they may not even make the playoffs now, forget winning anything relevant once they are in the playoffs. Denver will probably lose 3 out of their next 5 (SD, Cincy, Sea most likely).I guess they have given up on this year and would rather focus on the future.

But from the way Plummer has looked this year, they would probably lose 3 out of those next 5 anyway. Unfortunately, I am not sure I see a huge downside by starting Cutler at this point. Plummer just has not been making the throws, and has made some big mistakes. Just seems to me that Plummers confidence has been shaken from the team drafting Cutler which was not his fault. Shanahan was on the doorstep of winning a championship last year and I think he killed his fragile QBs confidence and the team's chances this year.

 

[packersfan]

Other than San Diego in Week 14, the Broncos' schedule the rest of the way is hardly filled with imposing defenses. I also think the comment made by Sean Salisbury is on the mark. He said the Broncos were getting rookie-type production out of their QB all season long so they might as well actually go with the rookie.Plummer has been bad this season. It's not all his fault but he has not played well. It's difficult to envision Cutler being much worse and there's a good chance he can be better since the bar has not been raised very high at all.

A rookie qb in the playoffs will get hammered, especially given he has not been getting reps with the #1 team all year.

He'll have plenty of reps between now and the playoffs if the Broncos make it. And the way Plummer's been playing he was going to get hammered too.

Also, Sea will beat them too now I think.

The Seahawks have plenty of issues of their own. Going to Denver will not be an easy trip.

 

[Brewdude]

The real problem this year has clearly been an inconsistent running game. Shanny may not admit to that, but do Denver homers realize that with a rookie QB they may not even make the playoffs now, forget winning anything relevant once they are in the playoffs.

Are you saying they have a shot at winning something relevant with Plummer calling the plays?Bronco homer here. It sucks, but Culter gives the team the best chance of winning. The running game has been a mess, but cannot be blamed for Jake's poor performance.In the SD game, Plummer had Walker for a big play, but threw about 6 yards over the outside shoulder. If that pass is on the mark, Walker has a huge play and maybe even a TD.In the KC game, 4th down in the 4th quarter and Jake overthrows an open receiver (Smith) to end the game.Jake is a veteran and is expected to not get rattled, but he clearly has. He's been performing worse than a rookie--he's been looking over his shoulder and not looking forward. The media was all over the Cutler draft move saying Jake's days were numbered. Shanny showed confidence in him and let him take the team to where they are now. If Jake had performed, Cutler is still sitting on the sidelines. Jake has failed and it's time to replace him.Honestly, I'd rather the rookie get the experience now and have all training camp next year to build on these experiences than to have him cut his teeth next year. Who knows, he may pull a Marino or Big Ben rookie stunt...

 

[Sweetness_34]

They will be lucky to even make the playoffs now with this Jay Cutler starting decision. I keep hearing how great Cutler looked in preseason. But has anyone seen who Jay was up against in the preseason????OPPONENT SITE TIME/RESULT TV/REC 1 Fri. Aug.11 at Detroit Ford Field L 20-13 CBS4 2 Sat. Aug.19 vs. Tennessee INVESCO Field at Mile High W 35-10 1-1 3 Sun. Aug.27 vs. Houston INVESCO Field at Mile High W 17-14 NFL Network 4 Thu. Aug.31 at Arizona Cardinals Stadium W 29-23 CBS4 4 of the worst defenses in the entire NFL and in many cases going up against the back ups on these teams. What is Shanny thinking?The real problem this year has clearly been an inconsistent running game. Shanny may not admit to that, but do Denver homers realize that with a rookie QB they may not even make the playoffs now, forget winning anything relevant once they are in the playoffs. Denver will probably lose 3 out of their next 5 (SD, Cincy, Sea most likely).I guess they have given up on this year and would rather focus on the future.

But from the way Plummer has looked this year, they would probably lose 3 out of those next 5 anyway. Unfortunately, I am not sure I see a huge downside by starting Cutler at this point. Plummer just has not been making the throws, and has made some big mistakes. Just seems to me that Plummers confidence has been shaken from the team drafting Cutler which was not his fault. Shanahan was on the doorstep of winning a championship last year and I think he killed his fragile QBs confidence and the team's chances this year.

But there is a much higher probability that you will get Plummer to find some of his game again. With a rookie Qb that has not even been getting reps with your #1 team, how are you going to win? Plummer has been QB'ing a team that has one weapon in Walker. There is no real #2 WR on this team (Rod Smith looks finished out there), no TE, no real running game other than sporadic great games against average competition and big time issues on the OL (with LT gone for year). With Cutler, I just do not see how they will win unless they can keep getting 3 TD games from Walker on deep throws or end arounds every game.

 

[Brewdude]

Also, Sea will beat them too now I think.

Seattle has no clue how to defend against Cutler. I'd imagine they will key on the run, but if Shanny let's Cutler throw, I think Seattle may have a difficult time stopping Walker.

 

[Sweetness_34]

The real problem this year has clearly been an inconsistent running game. Shanny may not admit to that, but do Denver homers realize that with a rookie QB they may not even make the playoffs now, forget winning anything relevant once they are in the playoffs.

Are you saying they have a shot at winning something relevant with Plummer calling the plays?Bronco homer here. It sucks, but Culter gives the team the best chance of winning. The running game has been a mess, but cannot be blamed for Jake's poor performance.In the SD game, Plummer had Walker for a big play, but threw about 6 yards over the outside shoulder. If that pass is on the mark, Walker has a huge play and maybe even a TD.In the KC game, 4th down in the 4th quarter and Jake overthrows an open receiver (Smith) to end the game.Jake is a veteran and is expected to not get rattled, but he clearly has. He's been performing worse than a rookie--he's been looking over his shoulder and not looking forward. The media was all over the Cutler draft move saying Jake's days were numbered. Shanny showed confidence in him and let him take the team to where they are now. If Jake had performed, Cutler is still sitting on the sidelines. Jake has failed and it's time to replace him.Honestly, I'd rather the rookie get the experience now and have all training camp next year to build on these experiences than to have him cut his teeth next year. Who knows, he may pull a Marino or Big Ben rookie stunt...

They will have a better shot with Plummer than with Jay. All this Jay love thanks to beating up on Det, Hous, Arizona and Tenn in preseason is hilarious. He is not going up against these teams in the playoffs. You are screwed either way but make no mistake about it, you are giving up on this year with this move. Shanny's ego on being able to produce a running game with anyone is coming back to bite him. Can you imagine Portis and Cutler at the 2 most impt positions on the field for the next decade?Now you have tinker bell

 

[Brewdude]

There is no real #2 WR on this team (Rod Smith looks finished out there), no TE, no real running game other than sporadic great games against average competition and big time issues on the OL (with LT gone for year).

Damn, dude...Elway couldn't win the big one with that mess...and you think Plummer can???

 

[ExtraPoint]

NFL history tells us this is a bad move but Shanny started Griese with success as a rookie against popular opinion. Cutler has had 12 weeks in addition to training camp to get used to the pro game. Cutler also looked good in preseason. Everybody is talking about Plummer but maybe the reason Cutler is starting is that Cutler has shown Shanny in practice that Cutler is ready now.

 

[Sweetness_34]

Also, Sea will beat them too now I think.

Seattle has no clue how to defend against Cutler. I'd imagine they will key on the run, but if Shanny let's Cutler throw, I think Seattle may have a difficult time stopping Walker.

And trust me, Cutler has no clue either on what he is about to get from the next 5 teams, not to mention the playoff teams. What do you think will Belichick, Ravens D, Hermie's D, San D D do against Cutler in the playoffs?Oh, and remember Plummer already beat the Pats ..... in NE. Cutler will not be able to do that.

 

[dagogrease]

They will be lucky to even make the playoffs now with this Jay Cutler starting decision. I keep hearing how great Cutler looked in preseason. But has anyone seen who Jay was up against in the preseason????OPPONENT SITE TIME/RESULT TV/REC 1 Fri. Aug.11 at Detroit Ford Field L 20-13 CBS4 2 Sat. Aug.19 vs. Tennessee INVESCO Field at Mile High W 35-10 1-1 3 Sun. Aug.27 vs. Houston INVESCO Field at Mile High W 17-14 NFL Network 4 Thu. Aug.31 at Arizona Cardinals Stadium W 29-23 CBS4 4 of the worst defenses in the entire NFL and in many cases going up against the back ups on these teams. What is Shanny thinking?The real problem this year has clearly been an inconsistent running game. Shanny may not admit to that, but do Denver homers realize that with a rookie QB they may not even make the playoffs now, forget winning anything relevant once they are in the playoffs. Denver will probably lose 3 out of their next 5 (SD, Cincy, Sea most likely).I guess they have given up on this year and would rather focus on the future.

But from the way Plummer has looked this year, they would probably lose 3 out of those next 5 anyway. Unfortunately, I am not sure I see a huge downside by starting Cutler at this point. Plummer just has not been making the throws, and has made some big mistakes. Just seems to me that Plummers confidence has been shaken from the team drafting Cutler which was not his fault. Shanahan was on the doorstep of winning a championship last year and I think he killed his fragile QBs confidence and the team's chances this year.

But there is a much higher probability that you will get Plummer to find some of his game again. With a rookie Qb that has not even been getting reps with your #1 team, how are you going to win? Plummer has been QB'ing a team that has one weapon in Walker. There is no real #2 WR on this team (Rod Smith looks finished out there), no TE, no real running game other than sporadic great games against average competition and big time issues on the OL (with LT gone for year). With Cutler, I just do not see how they will win unless they can keep getting 3 TD games from Walker on deep throws or end arounds every game.

Not sure I completely agree with a higher probability that Plummer will find his game. He has had 11 weeks and has not found it. The problems you mention still exist no matter what QB you have back there. To me, Plummer has never been a QB that can carry a team on his back in the NFL. He only flourished when he had a good team around him and as you mentioned he doesn't. Might as well give Cutler a chance in my opinion.

 

[Brewdude]

They will have a better shot with Plummer than with Jay. All this Jay love thanks to beating up on Det, Hous, Arizona and Tenn in preseason is hilarious. He is not going up against these teams in the playoffs.

All I'm hearing is that Cutler has a better arm than Jake and can make some of the throws Jake's been missing.There is hope this move will energize the rest of the team. Who knows how the locker room will take it, but it's clear they need a change. Why not QB?

You are screwed either way but make no mistake about it

We are screwed with Jake and we don't know with Cutler. Not expecting a Lombardi trophy this year.

you are giving up on this year with this move. [

Is that bad? What are we giving up? A first round embarrasment, if that??

Shanny's ego on being able to produce a running game with anyone is coming back to bite him. Can you imagine Portis and Cutler at the 2 most impt positions on the field for the next decade?

The Broncos did just fine w/o Portis last year...You should quit kidding yourself into thinking it's all about the RB/OL/QB/whatever. Kubiak moving on was a HUGE loss to the Broncos. He was a key piece of the offensive machine over the past decade.

 

[Da Guru]

Shanny..deep in thought.

http://www.clubdesmonstres.com/ratboy.jpg

 

[commisholio]

Anyone else hearing reports that Shanny has mishandled this situation badly enough to divide the locker room? If this team falls into a Plummer camp and a Cutler camp, they're not winning anything with either QB.

 

[Sweetness_34]

NFL history tells us this is a bad move but Shanny started Griese with success as a rookie against popular opinion. Cutler has had 12 weeks in addition to training camp to get used to the pro game. Cutler also looked good in preseason. Everybody is talking about Plummer but maybe the reason Cutler is starting is that Cutler has shown Shanny in practice that Cutler is ready now.

Look at that preseason competition I posted above. Do not ever use that as an argument again. Shanny himself had a quote (I am sure some Denver homer can dig it up) where he said (early this year) that the biggest mistake he made was starting Griese as a rookie and he would not do that with Cutler. There are NO guarantees in the NFL. Look at the mess the Steelers are this year. If you have a chance to compete for a SB, you go for it gung ho and worry about the future next year. Starting Cutler now means you have given up for this year and there are no guarantees you will not get hit by some key injuries next year that kill you next year and so on and on it goes.......I think the correct thing to do would have been to start Cutler next year after a full offseason under him. This year, you have a shot at atleast advancing to the 2nd round of the playoffs with Plummer (say they play NE or KC again 1st round and Denver with Plummer has already shown they can beat them)....and that must be worth something. It is not all about just winning the SB. It is about giving yourself the best chance to win that SB.

 

[Da Guru]

Shanny..deep in thought.

http://www.clubdesmonstres.com/ratboy.jpg

I say play Cutler. Plummer just can`t get it done anymore.

 

[Banger]

This team was imploding with Plummer at the helm and weren't going anywhere. They might back into the playoffs but there is no chance they win more than one game with Plummer at the helm. Shanny isn't looking to just make the playoffs he's looking to win and obviously feels that Cutler gives them a better chance. Not a single person on this board knows what is going on in the locker room, film room, practice field more than Shanny. He's a very good coach and is not making this move on whim. He's making a gutsy call similar to what Parcells did with Romo. It probably won't result in the same success but this team is going nowhere with Plummer, that's a fact.

 

[Sweetness_34]

They will have a better shot with Plummer than with Jay. All this Jay love thanks to beating up on Det, Hous, Arizona and Tenn in preseason is hilarious. He is not going up against these teams in the playoffs.

All I'm hearing is that Cutler has a better arm than Jake and can make some of the throws Jake's been missing.There is hope this move will energize the rest of the team. Who knows how the locker room will take it, but it's clear they need a change. Why not QB?

You are screwed either way but make no mistake about it

We are screwed with Jake and we don't know with Cutler. Not expecting a Lombardi trophy this year.

you are giving up on this year with this move. [

Is that bad? What are we giving up? A first round embarrasment, if that??

Shanny's ego on being able to produce a running game with anyone is coming back to bite him. Can you imagine Portis and Cutler at the 2 most impt positions on the field for the next decade?

The Broncos did just fine w/o Portis last year...You should quit kidding yourself into thinking it's all about the RB/OL/QB/whatever. Kubiak moving on was a HUGE loss to the Broncos. He was a key piece of the offensive machine over the past decade.

If you do not expect the Lombardi anyways this year, then why not continue with Plummer. He has shown in the past he can win playoff games. If your running game comes back come playoff time, and the ball bounces in your favor, you might even win meaningful playoff games. With Cutler, you have no shot, with Plummer you have some (albeit small). And it is not like 5 more games of experience this year is going to help Cutler that much. Start him next year from game 1....but why give up now. If you do not have SB aspirations, HOW are you going to expect the other 52 players to give their best for a coach who has already given up this year???? Players do play for the SB....and they do not like just giving up. This is not about your judgment or Shanny's.....this is about your team being given the best chance to WIN NOW. Which is the purpose of playing. Not to develop a QB for next year.

 

[malice]

They will be lucky to even make the playoffs now with this Jay Cutler starting decision. I keep hearing how great Cutler looked in preseason. But has anyone seen who Jay was up against in the preseason????OPPONENT SITE TIME/RESULT TV/REC 1 Fri. Aug.11 at Detroit Ford Field L 20-13 CBS4 2 Sat. Aug.19 vs. Tennessee INVESCO Field at Mile High W 35-10 1-1 3 Sun. Aug.27 vs. Houston INVESCO Field at Mile High W 17-14 NFL Network 4 Thu. Aug.31 at Arizona Cardinals Stadium W 29-23 CBS4 4 of the worst defenses in the entire NFL and in many cases going up against the back ups on these teams. What is Shanny thinking?The real problem this year has clearly been an inconsistent running game. Shanny may not admit to that, but do Denver homers realize that with a rookie QB they may not even make the playoffs now, forget winning anything relevant once they are in the playoffs. Denver will probably lose 3 out of their next 5 (SD, Cincy, Sea most likely).I guess they have given up on this year and would rather focus on the future.

But from the way Plummer has looked this year, they would probably lose 3 out of those next 5 anyway. Unfortunately, I am not sure I see a huge downside by starting Cutler at this point. Plummer just has not been making the throws, and has made some big mistakes. Just seems to me that Plummers confidence has been shaken from the team drafting Cutler which was not his fault. Shanahan was on the doorstep of winning a championship last year and I think he killed his fragile QBs confidence and the team's chances this year.

But there is a much higher probability that you will get Plummer to find some of his game again. With a rookie Qb that has not even been getting reps with your #1 team, how are you going to win? Plummer has been QB'ing a team that has one weapon in Walker. There is no real #2 WR on this team (Rod Smith looks finished out there), no TE, no real running game other than sporadic great games against average competition and big time issues on the OL (with LT gone for year). With Cutler, I just do not see how they will win unless they can keep getting 3 TD games from Walker on deep throws or end arounds every game.

I'm watching to see if Scheffler suddenly comes off the inactive list. He and Cutler had some good plays in the preseason.

 

[dagogrease]

They will have a better shot with Plummer than with Jay. All this Jay love thanks to beating up on Det, Hous, Arizona and Tenn in preseason is hilarious. He is not going up against these teams in the playoffs.

All I'm hearing is that Cutler has a better arm than Jake and can make some of the throws Jake's been missing.There is hope this move will energize the rest of the team. Who knows how the locker room will take it, but it's clear they need a change. Why not QB?

You are screwed either way but make no mistake about it

We are screwed with Jake and we don't know with Cutler. Not expecting a Lombardi trophy this year.

you are giving up on this year with this move. [

Is that bad? What are we giving up? A first round embarrasment, if that??

Shanny's ego on being able to produce a running game with anyone is coming back to bite him. Can you imagine Portis and Cutler at the 2 most impt positions on the field for the next decade?

The Broncos did just fine w/o Portis last year...You should quit kidding yourself into thinking it's all about the RB/OL/QB/whatever. Kubiak moving on was a HUGE loss to the Broncos. He was a key piece of the offensive machine over the past decade.

If you do not expect the Lombardi anyways this year, then why not continue with Plummer. He has shown in the past he can win playoff games. If your running game comes back come playoff time, and the ball bounces in your favor, you might even win meaningful playoff games. With Cutler, you have no shot, with Plummer you have some (albeit small). And it is not like 5 more games of experience this year is going to help Cutler that much. Start him next year from game 1....but why give up now. If you do not have SB aspirations, HOW are you going to expect the other 52 players to give their best for a coach who has already given up this year???? Players do play for the SB....and they do not like just giving up. This is not about your judgment or Shanny's.....this is about your team being given the best chance to WIN NOW. Which is the purpose of playing. Not to develop a QB for next year.

After seeing what you have seen with Plummer this year, what makes you think he gives you the best chance to win now?

 

[MarcO]

I would imagine that Shanny sees the success that Romo is having in Dallas taking over mid season and maybe hopes he can get a similar spark from Cutler. Granted - Romo is no rookie but they have similar physical strengths and "Favre-like" style. He has the talent around him to be succesdful and if he can make a big play a couple times a game then he gives them a better shot at winning than Plummer. I like the move for the Broncos.

 

[srnohav]

Brewdog hit it on the head, this is not a bad move. Plummer has been playing like a rookie, and his confidence jsut doesn't look like it is there this year. Put Cutler in and see if he ignites some energy. it has been working with Romo, and Campbell. Rothisberger did well. Rivers is not a rookie, but it is his first year. I am not comparing Cutler to these guys, but I am saying that Shanny is not throwing in the towel when you see other teams having success with younger qb's. there are many problems with the bronco's this year, but sometimes guys ralley around a "new guy".

Cutler has a cannon, and can throw from the pocket. something Plumemr struggled with. his bootlegs were becoming too predictable. the play action was not fooling anyone since the Running game has struggled, so what do you do, bring in a guy that can throw in the pcoket and can scramble a little.

Not on person in Denver has said that Cutler is the answer, everyone has said give the guy a chance, because Plummer has struggled SOOOOOOOOO much.

 

[Family Matters]

Well I'm disappointed. I was hoping Plummer would remain the QB until they played the Bengals. Now they have time to get Cutler ready in what will likely be a game that will impact the wildcard race. With Plummer I felt the Bengals could win. But if Cutler plays anything like Romo, watch out.

 

[Sweetness_34]

Brewdog hit it on the head, this is not a bad move. Plummer has been playing like a rookie, and his confidence jsut doesn't look like it is there this year. Put Cutler in and see if he ignites some energy. it has been working with Romo, and Campbell. Rothisberger did well. Rivers is not a rookie, but it is his first year. I am not comparing Cutler to these guys, but I am saying that Shanny is not throwing in the towel when you see other teams having success with younger qb's. there are many problems with the bronco's this year, but sometimes guys ralley around a "new guy". Cutler has a cannon, and can throw from the pocket. something Plumemr struggled with. his bootlegs were becoming too predictable. the play action was not fooling anyone since the Running game has struggled, so what do you do, bring in a guy that can throw in the pcoket and can scramble a little. Not on person in Denver has said that Cutler is the answer, everyone has said give the guy a chance, because Plummer has struggled SOOOOOOOOO much.

And I am NOT saying that the Broncos should not give Cutler his chance. Just that that chance should come next year. Not this year. Plummer has led this team to a 7-4 record hasn't he???? Denver's vaunted D was responsible for losing to the Colts. Plummer already beat Pats in NE. Again the Denver D gave up points in the 2nd half to lose to the Chargers. Plummer led his team to enough points to win all of those games against playoff level competitions. Yes he has his limitations but he gives you a MUCH better chance to win in the playoffs than Cutler will. Hell, like I said, you will struggle to even make the playoffs now. Do not be surprised if you end up at 9-7 and outside looking in. All because you cannot wait 5 games to give your rookie Qb a chance.

 

[Sweetness_34]

They will have a better shot with Plummer than with Jay. All this Jay love thanks to beating up on Det, Hous, Arizona and Tenn in preseason is hilarious. He is not going up against these teams in the playoffs.

All I'm hearing is that Cutler has a better arm than Jake and can make some of the throws Jake's been missing.There is hope this move will energize the rest of the team. Who knows how the locker room will take it, but it's clear they need a change. Why not QB?

You are screwed either way but make no mistake about it

We are screwed with Jake and we don't know with Cutler. Not expecting a Lombardi trophy this year.

you are giving up on this year with this move. [

Is that bad? What are we giving up? A first round embarrasment, if that??

Shanny's ego on being able to produce a running game with anyone is coming back to bite him. Can you imagine Portis and Cutler at the 2 most impt positions on the field for the next decade?

The Broncos did just fine w/o Portis last year...You should quit kidding yourself into thinking it's all about the RB/OL/QB/whatever. Kubiak moving on was a HUGE loss to the Broncos. He was a key piece of the offensive machine over the past decade.

If you do not expect the Lombardi anyways this year, then why not continue with Plummer. He has shown in the past he can win playoff games. If your running game comes back come playoff time, and the ball bounces in your favor, you might even win meaningful playoff games. With Cutler, you have no shot, with Plummer you have some (albeit small). And it is not like 5 more games of experience this year is going to help Cutler that much. Start him next year from game 1....but why give up now. If you do not have SB aspirations, HOW are you going to expect the other 52 players to give their best for a coach who has already given up this year???? Players do play for the SB....and they do not like just giving up. This is not about your judgment or Shanny's.....this is about your team being given the best chance to WIN NOW. Which is the purpose of playing. Not to develop a QB for next year.

After seeing what you have seen with Plummer this year, what makes you think he gives you the best chance to win now?

7-4He did enough to win the SD and Indy games. The D was responsible for losing those games.

 

[Warpig]

I'm confused as to why people are saying the running game hasn't been successful. It seems like it doesn't matter who they throw in there the guy runs all over the place: Mike Bell, Tatum Bell, Damien Nash, hell, even their fullback has rattled off some decent runs.

I think it's Skeletor's ignorance that has the team floundering. He needs to stick with a RB instead of starting a different RB every week.

The Denver O-line is designed to run...not necessarily pass block. I hope Cutler has a decent set of wheels to scramble out of the collapsed pocket with.

I don't know what's going on with the running game, but in my eyes it looks like Shanahan is being a 8itch and holding grudges or something. He has decent enough backs to get the job done...now what seems to be the problem?

 

[MarcO]

Brewdog hit it on the head, this is not a bad move. Plummer has been playing like a rookie, and his confidence jsut doesn't look like it is there this year. Put Cutler in and see if he ignites some energy. it has been working with Romo, and Campbell. Rothisberger did well. Rivers is not a rookie, but it is his first year. I am not comparing Cutler to these guys, but I am saying that Shanny is not throwing in the towel when you see other teams having success with younger qb's. there are many problems with the bronco's this year, but sometimes guys ralley around a "new guy". Cutler has a cannon, and can throw from the pocket. something Plumemr struggled with. his bootlegs were becoming too predictable. the play action was not fooling anyone since the Running game has struggled, so what do you do, bring in a guy that can throw in the pcoket and can scramble a little. Not on person in Denver has said that Cutler is the answer, everyone has said give the guy a chance, because Plummer has struggled SOOOOOOOOO much.

And I am NOT saying that the Broncos should not give Cutler his chance. Just that that chance should come next year. Not this year. Plummer has led this team to a 7-4 record hasn't he???? Denver's vaunted D was responsible for losing to the Colts. Plummer already beat Pats in NE. Again the Denver D gave up points in the 2nd half to lose to the Chargers. Plummer led his team to enough points to win all of those games against playoff level competitions. Yes he has his limitations but he gives you a MUCH better chance to win in the playoffs than Cutler will. Hell, like I said, you will struggle to even make the playoffs now. Do not be surprised if you end up at 9-7 and outside looking in. All because you cannot wait 5 games to give your rookie Qb a chance.

It's not that easy - just as an example because it is the only one that I actually saw- the Charger game - Plummer in the second half led them on two drives that resulted in FGs, one drive that was a 3-and-out, one that ended in an INT and then the final drive which ended in a Plummer fumble. The DEN DEF scored the only TD for them in the 2nd half. I don't think it is fair to blame the loss on the DEF and I don't think you can say he led his team to enough points to win that game.

 

[Brewdude]

If you do not expect the Lombardi anyways this year, then why not continue with Plummer. He has shown in the past he can win playoff games.

This makes no sense to me. The goal is to win the SB. The vet has failed to deliver the performance required. On the bench is a rookie that Shanny felt was the best QB in the draft. No one knows how Cutler will perform.So, take the sure bet "no way" with Plummer or roll the dice with Cutler? I'd roll the dice hoping to hit the jackpot, but not counting on it.

With Cutler, you have no shot, with Plummer you have some (albeit small).

How can you say that? No shot that Cutler could perform well?

And it is not like 5 more games of experience this year is going to help Cutler that much. Start him next year from game 1....but why give up now.

Have to disagree. Giving him a taste of what he'll be practicing against next Summer will be very beneficial to him.

If you do not have SB aspirations, HOW are you going to expect the other 52 players to give their best for a coach who has already given up this year???? Players do play for the SB....and they do not like just giving up. This is not about your judgment or Shanny's.....this is about your team being given the best chance to WIN NOW. Which is the purpose of playing. Not to develop a QB for next year.

Plummer has really sucked this year...when is he supposed to get better and lead this team to the SB?I think the locker room has been somewhat divided because Plummer is still in there. I honestly get the feeling that the players want Cutler back there.

Rod Smith essentially said he'd fire half the team if he could after the SD game. Don't fool yourself into thinking this team had the leadership to take them to the next level. The leader on the O should be your QB. Plummer doesn't have the confidence to be that leader...time to let the kid try.

 

[Gr00vus]

I'm confused as to why people are saying the running game hasn't been successful.

It's perfectly obvious to me - I mean they're only 8th in the NFL in rushing ypg - a total failure.

 

[shredhead]

They will have a better shot with Plummer than with Jay. All this Jay love thanks to beating up on Det, Hous, Arizona and Tenn in preseason is hilarious. He is not going up against these teams in the playoffs.

All I'm hearing is that Cutler has a better arm than Jake and can make some of the throws Jake's been missing.There is hope this move will energize the rest of the team. Who knows how the locker room will take it, but it's clear they need a change. Why not QB?

You are screwed either way but make no mistake about it

We are screwed with Jake and we don't know with Cutler. Not expecting a Lombardi trophy this year.

you are giving up on this year with this move. [

Is that bad? What are we giving up? A first round embarrasment, if that??

Shanny's ego on being able to produce a running game with anyone is coming back to bite him. Can you imagine Portis and Cutler at the 2 most impt positions on the field for the next decade?

The Broncos did just fine w/o Portis last year...You should quit kidding yourself into thinking it's all about the RB/OL/QB/whatever. Kubiak moving on was a HUGE loss to the Broncos. He was a key piece of the offensive machine over the past decade.

If you do not expect the Lombardi anyways this year, then why not continue with Plummer. He has shown in the past he can win playoff games. If your running game comes back come playoff time, and the ball bounces in your favor, you might even win meaningful playoff games. With Cutler, you have no shot, with Plummer you have some (albeit small). And it is not like 5 more games of experience this year is going to help Cutler that much. Start him next year from game 1....but why give up now. If you do not have SB aspirations, HOW are you going to expect the other 52 players to give their best for a coach who has already given up this year???? Players do play for the SB....and they do not like just giving up. This is not about your judgment or Shanny's.....this is about your team being given the best chance to WIN NOW. Which is the purpose of playing. Not to develop a QB for next year.

After seeing what you have seen with Plummer this year, what makes you think he gives you the best chance to win now?

7-4He did enough to win the SD and Indy games. The D was responsible for losing those games.

You are wrong on so many points in this thread. The offense is responsible for the loss at San Diego. When you have a 24-7 lead midway through the third quarter you don't have 3 terrible pass plays in a row (2 of them almost interceptions) 3 and out run 10 seconds off the clock while protecting a lead and put the defense right back on the field. Hell, they didn't even have time to get a gatorade and sit down on the bench and talk to the coaches before they had to go back out on the field. The offenses inefficiancy was the reason San diego was able to come back and win that game. The Broncos are still ranked in the top 10 in almost all defensive stats. If we had any offense at all then those defensive stats would be even better. The reason the running game has suffered is twofold. The play calling and offensive line play has been terrible. They miss Kubiak more than anyone wants to admit. The great Olinemen of the superbowl years are getting older and a step slower.

 

[shredhead]

Can you imagine Portis and Cutler at the 2 most impt positions on the field for the next decade?

That Champ Bailey guy is pretty good!

 

[shredhead]

I'm confused as to why people are saying the running game hasn't been successful.

It's perfectly obvious to me - I mean they're only 8th in the NFL in rushing ypg - a total failure.

 

[shredhead]

Shanny's ego on being able to produce a running game with anyone is coming back to bite him. Can you imagine Portis and Cutler at the 2 most impt positions on the field for the next decade?

The Broncos did just fine w/o Portis last year...

You should quit kidding yourself into thinking it's all about the RB/OL/QB/whatever. Kubiak moving on was a HUGE loss to the Broncos. He was a key piece of the offensive machine over the past decade.

another

 

[Da Guru]

Shanny's ego on being able to produce a running game with anyone is coming back to bite him. Can you imagine Portis and Cutler at the 2 most impt positions on the field for the next decade?

The Broncos did just fine w/o Portis last year...

You should quit kidding yourself into thinking it's all about the RB/OL/QB/whatever. Kubiak moving on was a HUGE loss to the Broncos. He was a key piece of the offensive machine over the past decade.

another

Tatum Bell was leading the AFC in rushing before he stubbed his toes.

 

[larz]

Can you imagine Portis and Cutler at the 2 most impt positions on the field for the next decade?

Portis on the field for the next decade?

 

[Scorehoard]

This post is kind of humorous in the sense that we like to think we know it all. As spectators and fans of the game we see the outer shell of the nucleus that is a team. We saw Cutler play pretty well through the preseason and that's that. 3 months is a long enough learning curve minus realtime reps but he gets plenty at practices that WE DON'T SEE. Many of you have pointed out multiple factors of why Plummer should or should not be benched as well as opinions on Cutler. I don't have the answer but the thought of their season being over is obsurd. Shanny hasn't been in Denver this long because he's made a bunch of terrible decisions. He's the Parcells type of legend that can sense when something feels right or wrong. The trend this year has been the inexperienced young starter taking the reigns. It seems to working okay for Dallas, SD, Washington, Tenn., Arizona/Clev (bad Teams!), and TB. I'm excited for the kid so we'll see what happens this weekend. Tear into him then.

 

[3C's]

I'll leave it to the guys who know (Cecil), but I hear Cutler has been blowing Plummer away in practice.

 

[-OZ-]

If you do not expect the Lombardi anyways this year, then why not continue with Plummer. He has shown in the past he can win playoff games. If your running game comes back come playoff time, and the ball bounces in your favor, you might even win meaningful playoff games. With Cutler, you have no shot, with Plummer you have some (albeit small). And it is not like 5 more games of experience this year is going to help Cutler that much. Start him next year from game 1....but why give up now. If you do not have SB aspirations, HOW are you going to expect the other 52 players to give their best for a coach who has already given up this year???? Players do play for the SB....and they do not like just giving up. This is not about your judgment or Shanny's.....this is about your team being given the best chance to WIN NOW. Which is the purpose of playing. Not to develop a QB for next year.

From what I hear, Cutler has been better in practice, and more importantly, the players are asking for the change.

 

[Scorehoard]

That's exactly the same thing i heard this morning on Mike & Mike. Thanks for helping proving my point that what goes on at the practice field is unknown territory for us. Good Luck Cutler, wish he was on my squad!

 

[Colin Dowling]

If you are a playoof teamm and you can't win the SUper Bowl with the guy(s) you have, then you need to try something different. I'm not sure 6 weeks ago that anyone in Dallas thought Tony Romo was going to be significantly better than Bledsoe, but it was clear that Dallas COULD NOT win the SUper Bowl with Drew as the QB. Ergo, you make a change.

 

[ScottNorwood]

Shark Thread

 

[ExtraPoint]

Look at that preseason competition I posted above. Do not ever use that as an argument again. Shanny himself had a quote (I am sure some Denver homer can dig it up) where he said (early this year) that the biggest mistake he made was starting Griese as a rookie and he would not do that with Cutler. There are NO guarantees in the NFL. Look at the mess the Steelers are this year. If you have a chance to compete for a SB, you go for it gung ho and worry about the future next year. Starting Cutler now means you have given up for this year and there are no guarantees you will not get hit by some key injuries next year that kill you next year and so on and on it goes.......I think the correct thing to do would have been to start Cutler next year after a full offseason under him. This year, you have a shot at atleast advancing to the 2nd round of the playoffs with Plummer (say they play NE or KC again 1st round and Denver with Plummer has already shown they can beat them)....and that must be worth something. It is not all about just winning the SB. It is about giving yourself the best chance to win that SB.

I find the move just as surprising as you do. However neither of us know what's going on in practice. Its an interesting quote by Shanny but the biggest point I really wanted to make there was that Griese was a successful rookie. I wouldnt discount Cutler's, who has had 12 weeks in addition to camp, chances of being successful. I know, the playoffs are a different story but I wont discount Shanny's decision. He knows better than you or I. Jerry Jones probably knows better than you or I but Parcells knew more than him. Parcells didnt make the decision lightly, neither did SHannahan. Those guys know better than we do. I'm shocked as well but I trust the true experts more than my own opinion.

 

[BigRed]

They will be lucky to even make the playoffs now with this Jay Cutler starting decision.

You've never seen Plummer play have you What's to get? Plummer sucks, I mean REALLY sucks. Cutler might be erratic, but he'd be hard-pressed to be worse. And unlike Plummer he should continually actually IMPROVE as he's young and learning. What's Plummer's excuse? Oh yeah: he sucks.lmao @ questioning this move

 

[[scooter]]

Culter gives the team the best chance of winning.

That's quite a peculiar thing to say, considering that they've won 64% of their games with Plummer as QB.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

I remember when Bledsoe was replaced by a young inexperienced QB too....

TWICE now.

 

[Sweetness_34]

I guess time will tell folks.

 

[moleculo]

hate to break it to ya, but Brian Griese did not start as a rookie. He rode the pine in 1998 and got the nod for the first game in 1999, after watching Bubby Brister stink up the pre-season. Shanahan wanted to start Bubby, but he felt that Bubby couldn't handle the fullplay book.

I'm not sure where you are getting your Griese/Shanahan quote, but either you or Shanahan is wrong.

 

[BigRed]

' date='Nov 28 2006, 12:00 AM' post='5972290']

Culter gives the team the best chance of winning.

That's quite a peculiar thing to say, considering that they've won 64% of their games with Plummer as QB.

Another rocket scientist. FYI winning is about more than stats and football is a TEAM sport. Put the EA video games down and try playing one sometime, you might learn something.Wait let me guess, you think Vinny T was a better QB than Unitas - after all he passed for more yds!