"What have you done for me, lately?"-The Jay Cutler Story
Written by Spenser's Sports Report, Monday April 06 2009
Did Jay Cutler make the right choice, when demanding to be traded, and who benefitted the most, from his decision? There are two sides to every story, or at least there should be, so let's examine this situation from both perspectives, before drawing our own conclusions, shall we? Cutler has indicated that he was happy things worked in his favor in the end, but he might have alienated many Denver Broncos fans in the process, who are still seeking a successor to the legendary John Elway, and restore the renowned franchise to prosperity.
How many starting quarterbacks have taken over the helm that John Elway has held for 16 years, with the Denver Broncos? Brian Griese was the first, followed by Gus Frerrote, Steve Beuerlein, and Jake Plummer, until he was replaced by Cutler. Each quarterback had their moments, either while with the Broncos, or with other teams they played for. Frerrote, Plummer, and Cutler, have surpassed some of Elway's team records for passing yards in a game or season, but none have ever led the Broncos to the Super Bowl, like Elway did 5 times in his career, which is still a record for appearances by a starting quarterback. Of course, many successful players in all sports have never experienced playing for a championship, or even come close, but one should not be judged primarily by their ability, or lack thereof, to lead their teams to a title, as the tenure of a professional athlete, and their accomplishments, should not go unnoticed. A player must have made some good contributions to their teams, in order to remain on their roster, or in the league, for an extended time, and their ability to persevere and overcome adversity, also helps determine one's success in professional sports. We are all going to have our off days, when things don't seem to go our way, no matter what we do, or how hard we try, but that is a part of life we must learn to accept, and handle accordingly. Among those starting quarterbacks who have replaced Elway since his retirement, only Griese and Plummer have led the Broncos to the playoffs. Plummer had a winning record after coming to Denver, which he had been unable to achieve with some previously inept Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals' teams, and then he seemed to play his worse, when it mattered most, during the championship game loss to Pittsburgh in 2006, so the Broncos drafted Jay Cutler the following season, as his eventual replacement. Cutler compiled some impressive statistics with the Broncos, in his 3 seasons with the team, and even though his record was a paltry 17-20, he established himself as a good quarterback in the league, especially after discovering he was a diabetic, and after seeking treatment to alleviate the symptoms that affected his performance during the 2007 season, he led the AFC in passing yards, was only sacked 11 times (the fewest among starting quarterbacks), and was elected to the Pro Bowl for the first time, so the future looked bright for Cutler, and with all the free agency signings by the team in the offseason, Denver looked to be a playoff caliber team again, in 2009.
It was disappointing to see Denver squander their lead in the AFC West in 2008, as their collapse was more the result of the Broncos' ineffectiveness, rather than the Chargers' resurgence. After a fast start, and some "fairytale" endings in their early victories (San Diego and New Orleans), they suffered some tough losses, but managed to maintain their lead in the division, until the final week, when they saved their worse for last. I predicted that Mike Shanahan would probably lose his job, if Denver did not make the playoffs, which I did not want to happen, but I have no control over such decisions, and can only hope for the best. Cutler did not approve of all the changes in personnel with the Broncos during the offseason, as he endured the departures of his head coach, and quarterbacks' coach. When he learned he was mentioned in trade talks by new coach Josh McDaniels, he apparently felt the team considered him to be the scapegoat for the Broncos' failures, and their inability to make the playoffs during his term, and despites the team's efforts to communicate with him to resolve the matter, he grew more frustrated with the situation, and distanced himself from the team, stating their relationship was irreparable. Denver had a good offense, despite the inconsistency of their running backs due to injuries, but the defense was more to blame for allowing insurmountable leads by several opponents, which not many quarterbacks or teams, past or present, could have overcome. Cutler concluded that the team did not want him anymore, and wanted to make a fresh start elsewhere, which the Broncos accommodated, with his trade to the Chicago Bears, for Kyle Orton and draft picks. Was Cutler justified with his trade demands, or was McDaniels for his claim that "any attempts to potentially acquire a player who can contribute to the team's success, was worth considering"? Sure, Cutler was offended that the Broncos entertained thoughts of trading him, which were exaggerated after McDaniels indicated they were never serious about trading him, but Cutler was more a victim of wounded pride. I don't really blame Cutler for feeling as he did, because I know from personal experience, that when you work hard at any job, and you are not being respected and appreciated for your performance or contributions, it is inevitable that someone will suffer eventually, so you should try exploring other opportunities, before the decision is made for you, as you might not like the results. I've seen Jay Cutler do some amazing things, during his brief career with the Denver Broncos, and it's a shame things had to end this way, but I believe that is important that we be happy where we are, and with what we are doing, personally and professionally, in order to benefit everyone involved. The Broncos will prevail, and so will Cutler with the Bears. How will the Broncos do this coming season, and who will be their next starting quarterback? Stay tuned, as I look forward to the next chapter.
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6 comments
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I'm glad to hear there is a devoted Denver Broncos' fan out there, whom I can share my thoughts with about the team, as there don't seem to be any that I know of, in my neighborhood! I learned from watching John Elway play, that sometimes you need to fail, in order to succeed, and that what does not kill you, makes you stronger. These statements might seem too cliche, but Elway's career with the Broncos, epitomizes the ups and downs of an athletes' career in professional sports, or perhaps life in general. We will have our greatest moments, but not every day will be memorable, so when things don't go the way we had planned or hoped, we need to review what went wrong, and make the necessary adjustments, in order to achieve success. Of course, there are individual and team accomplishments, as well as times when you can contribute to one's success, either verbally through praise, or having enough confidence in someone, by offering them the opportunity to showcase their talents. John Elway did whatever he could to help the Broncos win, as he indicated that until the game clock showed 0:00, he would give everything he got. Much of Denver's problems (past and present), can be attributed to their anemic defense, especially from their previous Super Bowl appearances. If I remember correctly, Elway was quoted as saying that in his first 3 Super Bowls, the New York Giants were dominant in the second half, the Redskins in the 2nd quarter, and the 49ers at kickoff. These situations in itself were not amusing, but we need to find some humor in our misfortunes, so that we will not dwell on them, and this will not only convince us to make some changes in order to improve, and hopefully prevent future recurrences, but enables us to appreciate the good times more, as they won't happen all of the time, so we must cherish every moment, and learn from them. Elway has made some spectacular plays throughout his football career, but not all deficits are surmountable, so when your defense can't stop the other team from scoring at will, you can only do your best to help keep the score close (if possible), and be better prepared for your next game. During Denver's Super Bowl victories, they had a good running back in Terrell Davis, who helped them score by moving the chains, and controlling the game clock, while the defense did their job, by not allowing as many points, like before. John Elway and Jay Cutler won some exciting games for the Broncos, but Cutler did not have the benefit of a good defense for an entire season, which accounts for his somewhat misleading record, as a starting quarterback (17-20). Denver was unable to match the success they achieved after Elway and Davis departed, with only 3 playoff appearances, and 1 victory, to show. Some of Elway's successors were able to surpass his team records for passing yards in a game, and in a season, but none could lead Denver to the promised land like Elway did, yet I still remained a devoted Denver Broncos' fan. Football, like most of the other sports, is a team game, as everyone must contribute, in order for the team to have a chance to prevail. The quarterback is the leader of a football team, as he will be held accountable, in ultimately determining the outcome of a game, more so than the coach, since he is not the one making the plays on the field. Elway helped Terrell Davis and Rod Smith become stars, as Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall were part of the next generation. Now that Cutler is no longer on the team, and Denver has a surplus of runners, with no featured back, who will assume these roles, next? As for the Houston Texans, they have a good young team, as Mario Williams has emerged as the player they envisioned, when they selected him as the #1 pick in the 2006 N.F.L. draft, over highly touted offensive stars, Reggie Bush and Vince Young. The Texans have, and also had some former Broncos' players, on their team, including coaches. David Carr did not have good pass protection during his years with the Texans, as his offensive line surrendered a lot of sacks. All players want to be on a winning team, especially a starting quarterback, who will be the one directing them up and down the field, but if he is not receiving enough help from his teammates, it becomes harder for them, to reach their potential. I was a Houston Oilers fan, which is how I became a Tennessee Titan fan, and the Texans will be an elite team, before long. The Broncos should do well eventually, as I hope all of their offseason transactions, will attest. I was happy to see Denver finally defeat San Diego last season, although they should have finished them off early that first game, after building a big lead, rather than allow them back in the game, only to get lucky at the end, and I did not like the outcome of their second meeting. Whenever you have a favorite team, you are most likely a rival for teams in their division. It's good to know you are married to a true Denver Broncos fan, and that you have not given up on them, completely. Thanks!
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Yeah, I spent a good 19 years as an avid Bronco's fan. They are still my second favorite, only because they finally won the big one two years straight--compliments of the ultimate in professional sports integrity and skill, the Mr. John Elway. Before his departure, I never knew how much a QB meant--the losing season thereafter was a fine testament. What the pro QB's since have been unable to accomplish is also testament. But, I do remember Elway's rookie years and all the boos--very similar to Cutler's fortunes, but everyone ultimately stayed faithful because you could see the skill and passion for football. I am now a Texans fan since I live in Houston and my original favorites--the Broncos-- already have won the big time. I also got more familiar with QB issues here--Carr--oh the horror! He had skills and pretty hair, but the one thing he didn't have is a passion for playing football. When Orton or Simms show passion for the sport, then I will believe. Until then, I have to assume the Bronco's, under the instruction of their new and unbelievably green and egotistical coach will be facing a completely new rebuilding phase. Still, I will be happy to have mud on my face for that prediction if they actually turn out to contend in the division and do not let punky Rivers beat them again. I can still cheer because my wife is still a faithful fan of theirs and she chides me well for selling them out to my new home team. Keep the Broncos news coming....
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Matt Cassel would seem to be a good fit for Denver now, but I guess it's too late for them to acquire him from the Chiefs, and I believe the QBs currently on Denver's roster, are better alternatives than the reserves the Chiefs still have (Croyle and Thigpen). Simms and Orton might prosper, when operating with a better offense, and despite Trent Green's history of injuries, he could still be a valuable asset to any team, either as a starter, backup, or even a coach. I'm not sure which other QB's are still available in free agency, or as trade bait, as Rex Grossman is the only one I can think of at the moment, and he only had one good season. I'm glad that John Elway was able to finish his career in Denver, and I still liked Plummer, even after Cutler replaced him as the starter. The Broncos signed more free agents than the Chiefs, but I don't envision K.C. being much better than the Raiders this season, if at all. The N.F.L. schedule was just revealed yesterday, but we have to wait at least 4 months, before we can evaluate any teams'performance. No matter how good a team looks on paper, or personnel wise, it's how they play, that determines how successful they are, and their ability to overcome adversity, when things don't go according to their game plan. Sports are unpredictible, as the stronger and/or smarter team(s) will often prevail, and I hope Denver returns to the playoffs this season, after all they've done to improve. Are you a Denver Broncos' fan? I appreciate your insight, as I don't know anyone personally who likes the Broncos, but it helps to be able to discuss them with someone who can be objective, and is passionate about sports!
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Yeah, should definitely make for an interesting drama for both teams this year. Seems like the Bronco's definitely need to pick up a QB for the future, but I'm not sure if the draft or some other deal holds the best promise. In following Simms and Orton, I have seen two guys with obvious skills but both seem to lack the leadership and overall talent for the next level--playoff wins. So, we have just revereted to the Griese and Jake the Snake era once again. I'm not sure Trent Green would be much different, but I would be more excited about having him at the helm than either of the other two. What's done is done, but the worst part is the fact that the Chiefs have gotten better in free agency. Ultimately, I'm already having football withdrawals--bring on the season! Thanks.
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Thanks for the compliments Greg, as both parties are responsible for the misunderstanding, and even owner Pat Bowlen agreed with McDaniels, so had Cutler remained with Denver, things would have gotten intense, as he would be under more scrutiny, and there is enough pressure playing for the Broncos, especially at quarterback! At least Simms and Orton have experience at the position, so we will need to wait and see how they do, and who emerges as their leader & savior. Do you think Denver should draft a quarterback in the first round, as the top 2 players at the position (Stafford and Sanchez), might not be available by the time Denver makes the 12th selection? They should try to sign a free agent QB, such as Trent Green, who has been an established starter for many seasons, or he can be a mentor to whomever wins the job, with his years of knowledge and experience in the league, and from his tenure as the Chiefs' starter, while playing against the Broncos twice per season. Denver was certainly active in free agency, but it remains to be seen if addressing their needs on defense, will compensate for losing their best player, on offense. Chicago will still need more receivers, as Cutler won't have the luxury of relying on playmakers such as Marshall and Royal, to throw to. Denver has a tougher schedule this season, and they don't play Chicago, but when they do, it will be interesting to see what transpires, as both will have plenty to prove.
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Very thorough examination of the issue here--thanks! Seems to me that McDaniels made the initial misstep and let his ego get in the way of fixing it later. As a result, the Bronco's went from having an experienced and known QB to mere potential. Potential, only if they get something in the draft--if Simms or Orton are the future, we are in trouble and with all the cheers coming from Chicago, it appears the Bronco's were the ones who hurt themselves. But, you are right, in the end, I'm sure both sides will prevail.