What do you think? Answer the poll here or below.
Jeremy Green at Scouts, Inc. (by way of ESPN) thinks so.
I disagree. I'll address his points:
1. Confidence boost. Denver gets a confidence boost from this? Really? Plummer has gone 9-4 in December for his 3 seasons in Denver, including a 4-1 performance that led them to the AFC Championship game last year. This is bordering on the Ravens dumping Trent Dilfer after winning a Super Bowl.
2. Spark the offense. Really? What has Cutler done in the NFL? Here's his NFL Player page. Notice the bagels. This sounds like wishful thinking. How about getting a faster receiver than Rod Smith to create some separation? That might spark the offense.
3. Open the playbook. Being able to create on the run doesn't equal "opening the playbook". That equals "running for your life". That's an offensive line problem, not a quarterback problem. Look what David Carr has done this year when the Texans have given him some protection, he's headed for the highest passer rating in his career.
4. Cutler will open up the run game. There is no dispute that Cutler has a young, strong arm. But so did Ryan Leaf. At best, bringing Cutler in during a playoff run is a 50-50 move that could produce the next Tony Romo, or the next Jim Druckenmiller. On the other hand, if he does succeed, it'll prove all those scouts correct that had him rated above Matt Leinart.
5. Defense will benefit too. Insert Cutler and first downs will follow. Based on what, exactly? See the bagel reference in point #2. Oh, and giving up the 17-point lead to the Chargers, I'd put that blame on Ladanian Tomlinson before I'd blame any of the Broncos.
Basically, the Broncos have announced that they're rebuilding in the middle of a playoff run. This is one of those moves that will either solidify Mike Shanahan as an offensive genius or start fans calling for his head.
Denver fans, get your guillotines ready.
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Comments (4)
I think the change to Jay C... (Below threshold)1. Posted by David Stefanini | November 30, 2006 11:13 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I think the change to Jay Cutler was overdue. Jake mistake Plummer is not a QB who will compete against the Chargers, Colts, and Patriots in the AFC. The Broncos have a great defense. Jay Cutler has not proven anything, that is correct, but you have to give him a chance to do so. The coaching staff knows that there is no chance they will go far with Jake Plummer. Jay Cutler is the best and only option for true success for this team.
1. Posted by David Stefanini | November 30, 2006 11:13 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on November 30, 2006 23:13
2. Posted by Taz | December 2, 2006 8:47 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Denver fans that I know have been wanting this since the Pre-season. It's been amazing that Jake has stayed for so long as the starting QB.
If Denver looses out and Shanahan gets fired, there will be plenty of open Coaching jobs in the NFL at the end of this season.
2. Posted by Taz | December 2, 2006 8:47 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on December 2, 2006 08:47
3. Posted by Brian Mahoney | December 10, 2006 11:21 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Cutler gives the Broncos the best chance to win? Come on Shanahan, that will be the worst move ever and will end the Broncos status as an elite team. Oh and Denver defense, it would be nice to play great when the big dogs come to town!
3. Posted by Brian Mahoney | December 10, 2006 11:21 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on December 10, 2006 23:21
4. Posted by Cheeseburger | December 18, 2006 4:48 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
You are blind and have know clue about QB's, Jay Cutler has a huge future in front of him. What does Jake have?
4. Posted by Cheeseburger | December 18, 2006 4:48 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on December 18, 2006 04:48