On Thursday April 2, 2009, the Denver Broncos traded Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears for the Bears for Kyle Orton, the Bears 1st round pick in 2009 (#), the Bears 3rd round pick in 2009, and the Bears 1st round pick in 2010. Finally, the Jay Cutler-Josh McDaniels saga is over. How do we assess this trade? First, obviously the Bears got instant value in Jay Cutler. Cutler might be the missing piece that puts the Bears over the top in the NFC, but the true winner in this trade will not be defined for many years to come. Second, the Bears went "All in" and Denver took the deal. Say what you want about the Broncos front office, but at least they got the maximum they could get for Cutler. This will burn Bronco fans for the most of this year, but remember this trade will be defined with what the Broncos do with these picks and this draft. If the Broncos use these picks wisely, and they build a solid team for the future, then the Broncos could have pulled on the best trades since the Cowboys dealt Herschel Walker. Only time will tell. Here is what I would like to see from the Broncos on Draft Day:
1) Draft Mark Sanchez. The Broncos should draft a QB for the future and Sanchez might be the right guy at the right time. Sanchez isn't replacing John Elway. He is replacing Jay Cutler, and many Bronco fans would be excited to get a possible big time QB to supplant Cutler right away. If that means you have to trade up to get him, go do it.
2) Get a starter on the Defensive Line and at Linebacker. If we could get a D-Lineman (Brian Orakpo, Tyson Jackson, or Robert Ayers) and a Linebacker (Brian Cushing, Ray Mauluaga, Clay Matthews, or James Laurinitis) then this can be a home run draft.
As far as Cutler goes, as long as he doesn't win a Super Bowl with the Bears, then I don't care how he does. He can throw for 4,000 yards and 28 TDs every year, but as long as he isn't winning Super Bowls, I can live with it. He might be just another Drew Brees. Puts up big numbers every year, but his team goes 8-8. If Cutler goes on to win Super Bowls, then this trade was a disaster. Only time will tell.
I also want to look at the losers in the Cutler Sweepstakes. The Jets are the number one loser. All week long, all of the NY papers and sports talk shows thought that the Jets were gonna get Cutler. All the Jet fans felt that Mike Tannenbaum, the Jets GM, would make the deal and Denver would send Cutler to New York, but the Jets couldn't pull the trigger and they are stuck with Kellen Clemens and a shitty franchise. The Bucs are the second loser because they originally made a proposal for Cutler back at the end of February, and they desperately needed a franchise QB, but they couldn't lock down a deal.
The bottom line is that I am a Broncos fan and I support the team and the ownership. I am excited for the future of the Denver Broncos, and I look forward to seeing Denver somehow become a top tier NFL team. Go Broncos!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
The Cutler Era Appears Over
On Tuesday March 31st, Pat Bowlen released a statement saying that Denver will comply with Jay Cutler's wishes and try to trade the disgruntled Quarterback. Bowlen added that Head Coach Josh McDaniels and Bowlen both tried to get in touch with Cutler the last 10 days, but Cutler has not responded; therefore, Bowlen has had enough and will look to deal the franchise QB. My emotions on this situation have ranged from shock, anger, frustration and despair. The way I see it, all three parties involved (Bowlen, McDaniels, and Cutler) are all to blame and all three lose out on this deal. It is also ironic that the statement by Bowlen was released hours before April Fools Day because all three of these guys look like fools and this whole ordeal has been a foolish and petty dispute. As far as Cutler goes, it will be a shame that he is leaving Denver as a 25 year old, Pro Bowl player. Many fans of the Broncos, myself included, thought Cutler would be a mainstay for the at least 10 more years, and he would be the driving force that would get Denver back into the Super Bowl. That will not happen, and Cutler's legacy will be a strong armed gunslinger, who pouts and whines like a baby, and was too sensitive to understand that the NFL is a business. Cutler's statement on the day after Bowlen's announcement summarizes everything wrong with the QB. Cutler said that he didn't want to get traded, and he loves Denver and wishes it didn't have to come to this. This from a guy who requested a trade over a week ago. As for McDaniels, this is a critical year for him. He has established himself as the man in charge in Denver, and he must show that this team is on the rise. He will get blasted for this and he should because he handled this situation very poorly. He preaches the fact that no one player is bigger then the team. Well, he just shoved the best player on the team out the door, so hopefully all of his other players will buy in. The heat is on McDaniels, and if he is not successful, he might set the franchise back a decade. The ultimate losers in all of this are the fans. We care way too much about this team, and we spend a lot of money and time to support the Denver Broncos. We deserve the best product possible on the field every season, and unfortunately it doesn't look like that will happen in 2009.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
News from the Owner's Meetings
A couple things to take from the NFL Owner's Meetings this past weekend:
1) Coach McDaniels "commitment" to Jay Cutler sounds nice and politically correct, but I still see Cutler getting dealt this offseason.
2) The AFL Throwbacks are a cool idea but the fact that Denver is wearing their original 1960 Brown and Mustard uniforms is just plain awful. Just let them wear the old 70s and 80s uniforms.
3) The Broncos will host a Thanksgiving game for the first time since 1963. They host the Giants on Thanksgiving Night on NFL Network. I thought this was an interesting choice considering that Denver played in the first NFLN Thanksgiving at Kansas City in 2006. I thought that the NFLN Thanksgiving Primetime game was designed to give different teams a chance to play on Turkey Day and host the game, but I thought it was going to matchup traditional teams and rivals. The Broncos and Giants certainly don't fit that bill. Anyway, I just a fan of Denver playing on Sundays.
4) The Monday Night Doubleheader was announced and I like the Bills and Pats matchup in game 1. TO and Brady should be fun. I don't like the Raiders and Chargers in the second game. This was the same game in 2006 and the Raiders have played in 3 of the 4 doubleheaders on Monday Night. I was surprised they didn't go with the NFC West and use Arizona.
5) There has to be a better Sunday Night Game for Week 1 than Green Bay and Chicago. Where are the Colts, Eagles, Giants, or even Miami and the Jets????
6) I nailed the Thursday Night Opener with Tennessee at Pittsburgh. I like that matchup a lot.
7) I guess CBS wanted to save San Diego at Dallas for a possible late season doubleheader because that is the only reason why CBS has Oakland at Dallas on Thanksgiving. Also, Green Bay at Detroit again on Thanksgiving on FOX. At least in the past you had Favre to look forward to.
8) Lastly, Denver's options for Week 1 are the following: 1:00pm at Cincy, at Indy, or at Baltimore on CBS or 4:00pm at home vs Dallas on FOX. Here are my preferences in order:
1-Dallas at home
2-at Cincy
3-at Baltimore
4-at Indy
I know we are getting Indy to start the year.
1) Coach McDaniels "commitment" to Jay Cutler sounds nice and politically correct, but I still see Cutler getting dealt this offseason.
2) The AFL Throwbacks are a cool idea but the fact that Denver is wearing their original 1960 Brown and Mustard uniforms is just plain awful. Just let them wear the old 70s and 80s uniforms.
3) The Broncos will host a Thanksgiving game for the first time since 1963. They host the Giants on Thanksgiving Night on NFL Network. I thought this was an interesting choice considering that Denver played in the first NFLN Thanksgiving at Kansas City in 2006. I thought that the NFLN Thanksgiving Primetime game was designed to give different teams a chance to play on Turkey Day and host the game, but I thought it was going to matchup traditional teams and rivals. The Broncos and Giants certainly don't fit that bill. Anyway, I just a fan of Denver playing on Sundays.
4) The Monday Night Doubleheader was announced and I like the Bills and Pats matchup in game 1. TO and Brady should be fun. I don't like the Raiders and Chargers in the second game. This was the same game in 2006 and the Raiders have played in 3 of the 4 doubleheaders on Monday Night. I was surprised they didn't go with the NFC West and use Arizona.
5) There has to be a better Sunday Night Game for Week 1 than Green Bay and Chicago. Where are the Colts, Eagles, Giants, or even Miami and the Jets????
6) I nailed the Thursday Night Opener with Tennessee at Pittsburgh. I like that matchup a lot.
7) I guess CBS wanted to save San Diego at Dallas for a possible late season doubleheader because that is the only reason why CBS has Oakland at Dallas on Thanksgiving. Also, Green Bay at Detroit again on Thanksgiving on FOX. At least in the past you had Favre to look forward to.
8) Lastly, Denver's options for Week 1 are the following: 1:00pm at Cincy, at Indy, or at Baltimore on CBS or 4:00pm at home vs Dallas on FOX. Here are my preferences in order:
1-Dallas at home
2-at Cincy
3-at Baltimore
4-at Indy
I know we are getting Indy to start the year.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Owners Meetings This Weekend
As the NFL Owners meet this weekend, there is a lot of talk that Jay Cutler could get dealt at some point this weekend. We shall see what happens, but in any event expect the Broncos to discuss possible trades with a number of teams this weekend. I need to take a break from the Culter Saga for a little bit before my head explodes. Ususally, at the Owners Meetings, the NFL announces some of the primetime games for Week 1 of the upcoming season. Here are my predictions for Week 1 and Opening Weekend:
Thursday Night Opener:
Tennessee at Pittsburgh (NBC)
Sunday Night Football Opener:
Philadelphia at Dallas (NBC)
Monday Night Football Doubleheader:
Early Game-New England at Miami
Second Game- Seattle at Arizona
Thursday Night Opener:
Tennessee at Pittsburgh (NBC)
Sunday Night Football Opener:
Philadelphia at Dallas (NBC)
Monday Night Football Doubleheader:
Early Game-New England at Miami
Second Game- Seattle at Arizona
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The Cutler Saga
I have tried to sit back and analyze the Jay Cutler-Josh McDaniels Saga since the beginning, and I didn't want to post daily updates because I wanted to wait for some type of resolution. The situation has spiraled out of control and there seems to be a divorce waiting at the end. Here is my take on all parties involved:
Jay Cutler: I understand that Cutler has been miffed by the fact that McDaniels would listen to offers for him. Although he was considered the face of the franchise, he is very good commodity and a young and promising Quarterback, and those guys shouldn't be traded. He is not in the class of Eli, Peyton, Brady, Big Ben, Rivers, and Warner, but he is in the next tier of QBs. Where Cutler went wrong is that he has went public with his displeasure. Also, he has acted like a baby the whole time. He should know that outside of a small group of players, a player could be traded for the right price. He "baby" attitude has really soured on the Broncos and some fans, and he should have been less aloof and more apt to want to reach a settlement and move on with the Broncos.
Josh McDaniels: When you are replacing a legend, you shouldn't be having stare downs with your 25 year old, Pro Bowl QB. I don't blame Josh for listening to trade offers involving Jay, and for trying to improve the team. I also don't blame Josh for looking to possibly get Matt Cassell. He failed in not being able to get Jay on board after this whole mess started. He failed because now he has this whole mess and the only way to deal with it is by trading away the franchise QB.
The Bottom Line: Everyone loses-Cutler, McDaniels, Pat Bowlen and the Fans of the Denver Broncos
Jay Cutler: I understand that Cutler has been miffed by the fact that McDaniels would listen to offers for him. Although he was considered the face of the franchise, he is very good commodity and a young and promising Quarterback, and those guys shouldn't be traded. He is not in the class of Eli, Peyton, Brady, Big Ben, Rivers, and Warner, but he is in the next tier of QBs. Where Cutler went wrong is that he has went public with his displeasure. Also, he has acted like a baby the whole time. He should know that outside of a small group of players, a player could be traded for the right price. He "baby" attitude has really soured on the Broncos and some fans, and he should have been less aloof and more apt to want to reach a settlement and move on with the Broncos.
Josh McDaniels: When you are replacing a legend, you shouldn't be having stare downs with your 25 year old, Pro Bowl QB. I don't blame Josh for listening to trade offers involving Jay, and for trying to improve the team. I also don't blame Josh for looking to possibly get Matt Cassell. He failed in not being able to get Jay on board after this whole mess started. He failed because now he has this whole mess and the only way to deal with it is by trading away the franchise QB.
The Bottom Line: Everyone loses-Cutler, McDaniels, Pat Bowlen and the Fans of the Denver Broncos
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Breaking Down Denver's Free Agent Moves
I need to take a break from analyzing the Jay Cutler/Josh McDaniels situation for at least one day. I can't take it anymore, and my head is going to explode. Also, I can't comment on the Brandon Marshall arrest because I will have a nervous breakdown, so I want to look at the moves the Broncos made this first weekend of Free Agency.
1) Brian Dawkins, Safety: I love this move. I don't care that he is 35 because he immediately helps our secondary, and brings some leadership and presence to our team. Remember how well John Lynch worked out for us when we signed him from Tampa Bay in 2004? This could have the same effect.
2) Correll Buckhalter, Running Back: This was a pretty good move because it gives us some depth at Tailback. The Broncos will have Buckhalter, Ryan Torain, Peyton Hillis and possible someother back to be named later that can carry the load for the running game. This move could be helpful.
3) Andre Goodman, Cornerback: I like this move too. This upgrades our secondary and give us some more veteran presence. He shut down Denver's receivers when Miami played them in November.
4) Renaldo Hill, Safety: Any player is an upgrade over Vernon Fox, Marquand Manuel, Marlon McCree or Calvin Lowry. This signing might be a little overrated. I get nervous when Miami was ready to replace him with Gibril Wilson as soon as Wilson hit the open market. I'm not sold on this move.
5) Darrell Reid, Defensive Tackle: The Broncos didn't break the bank for this one, so I'm happy with it. He is actually a force on Special Teams, but he will add depth to the D-Line and be a rotational guy.
6) Ronnie Fields, Defensive Lineman: He can play both tackle and end in the 3-4, but he is more of a role player and rotational lineman. Nothing special with this move.
7) Andra Davis, Linebacker: He falls in the Lowry and McCree category from last year. Why was he expendable? Why would we want a linebacker from a crummy defense? I think he could become a good special teams player for us, nothing more or nothing less.
8) Jabar Gaffney, Wide Receiver: I love this move too. Gaffney proved he could play in New England. We could put him at the Z receiver and move Royal to the slot-our version of Wes Welker. Plus, this move could be huge if Brandon Marshall gets suspended next season.
9) Lonnie Paxton, Long Snapper: I was a big Mike Leach fan, so this move hurts me emotionally.
1) Brian Dawkins, Safety: I love this move. I don't care that he is 35 because he immediately helps our secondary, and brings some leadership and presence to our team. Remember how well John Lynch worked out for us when we signed him from Tampa Bay in 2004? This could have the same effect.
2) Correll Buckhalter, Running Back: This was a pretty good move because it gives us some depth at Tailback. The Broncos will have Buckhalter, Ryan Torain, Peyton Hillis and possible someother back to be named later that can carry the load for the running game. This move could be helpful.
3) Andre Goodman, Cornerback: I like this move too. This upgrades our secondary and give us some more veteran presence. He shut down Denver's receivers when Miami played them in November.
4) Renaldo Hill, Safety: Any player is an upgrade over Vernon Fox, Marquand Manuel, Marlon McCree or Calvin Lowry. This signing might be a little overrated. I get nervous when Miami was ready to replace him with Gibril Wilson as soon as Wilson hit the open market. I'm not sold on this move.
5) Darrell Reid, Defensive Tackle: The Broncos didn't break the bank for this one, so I'm happy with it. He is actually a force on Special Teams, but he will add depth to the D-Line and be a rotational guy.
6) Ronnie Fields, Defensive Lineman: He can play both tackle and end in the 3-4, but he is more of a role player and rotational lineman. Nothing special with this move.
7) Andra Davis, Linebacker: He falls in the Lowry and McCree category from last year. Why was he expendable? Why would we want a linebacker from a crummy defense? I think he could become a good special teams player for us, nothing more or nothing less.
8) Jabar Gaffney, Wide Receiver: I love this move too. Gaffney proved he could play in New England. We could put him at the Z receiver and move Royal to the slot-our version of Wes Welker. Plus, this move could be huge if Brandon Marshall gets suspended next season.
9) Lonnie Paxton, Long Snapper: I was a big Mike Leach fan, so this move hurts me emotionally.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
The Shitshow that is the Denver Broncos
Yesterday, I am watching NFL Network and find out that the Chiefs traded for Matt Cassel. Nice move by the KC, and all seems to end there. However, to my dismay and displeasure, Adam Schefter reported that NE, Tampa, and Denver were discussing a three team trade that would get Matt Cassel to Denver and Jay Cutler to Tampa Bay. I was shocked and floored. Then, as the night went on, I find out that Denver discussed talks about Cutler to teams like Detroit and Minnesota. I am shocked, floored, furious and pissed right now about this. The Josh McDaniels/Brian Xanders regime in Denver just pulled one of the biggest fuckups in the history of the Broncos organization. Anyone want Mike Shanahan back here right now? What a fucking disaster this is. Let's face it, the Broncos have lost Cutler. Cutler is pissed off and upset, and I agree with him. He is the franchise and the face of the new era Broncos, and our 32 year old HC, was actually considering trade offers for him. This will not turn out good at all. Pat Bowlen better get this fixed. This is going to be a constant problem all offseason, into training camp, and into the 2009 season. My belief is that Jay Cutler will be traded at somepoint this offseason. I think the situation will be too damaged to repair. The most important relationship on the football team is between the HC and the QB. Now we have a very fractured and dysfunctional relationship. This will not turn out well for Cutler or for us Bronco fans. The trust is gone and Josh McDaniels set up this whole shitstorm. This will not end pretty.......
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