The time is now for Pat Bowlen to 'Take Charge'
by John Bena on Mar 16, 2009 12:35 PM MDT
in Strictly My Opinion
59 comments
On December 31, Pat Bowlen made a 'historic change' to the Denver Broncos organization. He said as much when he relieved Mike Shanahan of his duties and the one-stop shop of Broncos' management. He made one other telling comment that day that has stuck with me during the whirlwind that has been the past 65 days at Dove Valley.
"I am here everyday. I am in charge, I make the calls."
The implication in that statement, to me, was that Bowlen had watched Mike Shanahan manage his business solo for long enough, and Bowlen wanted a bigger say in his team. Now, Bowlen will never be as overbearing as Jerry Jones or Daniel Snyder, but I got the feeling that he was going to be more vocal, more visible in the day-to-day operations. I thought, at the time, that this would be a good thing for the Broncos, Bowlen is respected throughout the League and his voice commands respect.
Here we sit, some 10 weeks later, and the Broncos appear to be in dissarray. I won't get into the details of a story we all know about, but no matter which side you fall on, I think we'd all agree that something has to happen, there needs to be resolution.
I'm not looking for any type of knee-jerk reaction. In all honesty, the Broncos hold all the cards, have all the leverage. It's not good to have a rift between your starting QB and Head Coach, but similar "trade me or else" statements were made by Chad Johnson and Anquan Boldin, with Johnson going so far as to say he would play in the Arena League. In the end, both played.
Some of you might say there is a big difference, that those guys are Wide Receivers, not the Quarterback. That is true, but Cutler cannot simply blow off the 2009 season. He wants a new deal, I think we'd all agree to that, and how he handles this situation will go a long way towards the number of zeros are added to that deal. If Cutler plays poorly in 2009, it could represent his mental toughness in a negative light. Whether the perception would be he couldn't grasp a new offense, or his play was affected by his unhappiness, neither would look good in the eyes of other teams.
Of course, an unhappy quarterback does not make for an environment conducive to winning. By signing players like Brian Dawkins, the Broncos are trying to do their best to win now. A happy Jay Cutler, at least between the lines, would go a long way towards that.
That is where Mr. Bowlen comes in. This is his team, and these are his employees. He is the only one that can make this go away, one way or the other, and still allow the major players to save face. No matter who you side with, and that fact that we as a fan base are forced to choose sides annoys me, both men have stuck to their guns, and both men feel any concessions at this point will undermine their ability to lead - Cutler on the field, McDaniels in the locker room.
If Mr. Bowlen came out and said, one way or the other, "this is how this is going to be," it would force the two sides to come to a resolution, or at least show the fans that yes, he is in charge, yes, he is in the building, and yes, he does make the calls. As someone that manages people, I respect that Mr. Bowlen is letting his employees do their jobs, but in the end, only he is completely accountable for what the Broncos do for they are his team, his business.
All this back-and-forth, he-said-he-said stuff has been great drama and has provided guys like me plenty to talk about. Enough is enough, however. By stepping in now, all this drama could be forgotten about by the time the Draft rolls around and the Broncos can get back to the business of trying to win football games.
Either way, if Bowlen decided to cut ties with Cutler, or if he forces the two sides together, a statement now would calm the waters and steady the frayed nerves of Broncos fans everywhere. That is what we are looking for from the man in charge - to make a call that will end this nonsense once and for all.
GO BRONCOS!
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100% correct
Best thing I’ve heard lately.
by jaffe28 on Mar 16, 2009 12:40 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
It shouldn't have even come to this
and this is the only option left.
by jwkcsu on Mar 16, 2009 12:45 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Mr. Bowlen
Should get Cook on the phone and tell him to advise his young client to get to work. And, in passing, Mr. Bowlen should tell Cook that if Cook doens’t stop stirring the pot, Cutler will remain in Denver for the next five years (three under contract, the next two as the franchise player).
Yet must thou sail after knowledge, knowing less than drugged beasts.
pthengometha thasson
by bradley on Mar 16, 2009 12:47 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
they won't answer the phone.
standard fare from an article regarding the rookie-holdout with the Giants several years ago, handled by Cook:
Joseph, as his agent promised in yesterday’s Daily News, finally arrived at camp yesterday morning, ending his 12-day holdout and signing a five-year, $6.95 million contract. It was the team’s longest holdout in eight seasons and clearly one of the strangest. And GM Ernie Accorsi made it clear that he wasn’t happy with the way Joseph’s agent, James (Bus) Cook, went about striking the deal.
"I will say that it made me appreciate the pure professionalism of (agents) like Tom Condon, Marvin Demoff and David Dunn," Accorsi said. "And just so you don’t have to come back to me and ask me about (Cook’s) reaction to our tactics, tell me when we’ve had an experience like this. We’ve had holdouts, but not like this. And that’s really all I have to say."
Joseph’s holdout was apparently marred by an odd lack of communication between the Giants and Cook, who would sometimes go days without returning assistant GM Kevin Abrams’ calls. Cook told the Daily News Monday night that there was no disagreement over the signing bonus ($3.725 million) or the length of the contract (which is technically seven years, though the last two are "voidable"). The problem was with the "structure" – meaning the incentives package, according to a source.
Cook could not be reached for comment yesterday, but Joseph seemed to have no problems with the way his negotiations were handled.
"I just told him to do his job," Joseph said. "He was right."
Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.
by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 16, 2009 1:06 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
sigh.......
Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.
by Tim Lynch on Mar 16, 2009 1:40 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great minds work alike
I was just starting a post saying exactly the same thing. Mr. Bowlen made it perfectly clear that Coach McDaniels and Mr. Xanders report directly to him. He needs to step in and take charge.
It all starts in the trenches - HT 11/11/08
by firstfan on Mar 16, 2009 12:50 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey....
I’VE GOT IT!
Now that Shanahan is gone, maybe we can get Jake Plummer!
by TheMastermind on Mar 16, 2009 12:59 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I think the decision has already been made by Bowlen
And it is to figure out what the best kind of deal would be. Not the biggest deal, but the best deal, one that fits inot the plan for this offseason and addresses weaknesses going forward. That will take some time, and a LOT of negotiating.
McDaniels is probably under instructions to talk with Jay and work with him if any chance arises before a deal can be settled, but I think they want to leave Cook out of the proceedings, so they won’t bring something to the table, or talk openly about it until it is a rock solid deal that Cook can’t sue them about or something.
To that degree, we will probably just hear the usual suspects while the deal gets worked out secretly in the background, and gets completed just before or during the draft.
But Bowlen also can’t make the statement public if it is a for sure trade, because without an actual deal, the Broncos can’t tie their hands like that. If no trade good enough comes along, than that will be a good reason to hold Cutler, even if he refuses to study and learn the playbooks, although he has already said that he will attend all the mandatory team activities, and if he does than he will practically default to starter.
One thought I have been having, was that Bus/Cutler may look at the situation as a temporary inconvenience until Shanahan rejoins the coaching ranks of the NFL. They probably feel that no matter how low Cutler’s value drops, Shanny will always pay top dollar for him.
Hey how about this: Shanahan is actually behind all of this, in an effort to reacquire Jay for his planned new team? Crafty, no?
Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.
by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 16, 2009 1:02 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
a Mastermind for sure if that's the case
As diabolical as it gets! Got a good laugh at that and as always thanks for the great info/insight styg!
by Royal With Cheese on Mar 16, 2009 1:33 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am shuddering....
you should have left that last line off of your comment.
Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.
by Tim Lynch on Mar 16, 2009 1:42 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was with you until the last sentence.
I certainly hope you are correct on Mr. Bowlen’s role. At this point I really could care less whether or not Cutler stays or goes. If he goes I hope we get maximum value for him. What I do want however is continuation of the movement the team made the last few years toward what I consider to be True Bronco Players. These players are:
•Hard-nosed. I want tough players who want to be on the field. I want players who give 100% on every play.
•Intelligent. I want players who can grasp the playbook and can understand their role so they can make mid-game adjustments.
•Character. I am tired of off-field problems and distractions. I’m sorry, but it is time to get maximum value for Mr. Marshall.
•Athletic. I want fit players who are willing to train to be strong in the fourth quarter.
•Team-oriented. I want players who place team goals above their own.
We have several players who fit this mold now. I thought the Goodman’s were involved with their acquisition, but it might have been Xanders. I don’t know and don’t care as long as the trend continues. I hope Mr. Bowlen has been the architect of this movement and it continues. I feel Mr. Cutler still fits the mold, but if he does not want to be in Denver, so be it.
It all starts in the trenches - HT 11/11/08
by firstfan on Mar 16, 2009 1:44 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well said....
But you can’t expect someone who has taken a backseat for the last 14 years to know how to operate a ferrari – clutch and all… Okay, we’re not a ferrari… more like a souped up Honda Civic… made out of fiberglass…
J
by Jezru on Mar 16, 2009 1:29 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I disagree with "and the Broncos appear to be in dissarray" the only problem right now is one player out of 53.
I’m not happy with the current situation but you have to becareful about calling in the big guns to early. I’m not talking about this situation, I’m talking about in a young Head Coaches career. If Bowlen steps in now it will apear as though he had to take the reins from his Head Coach. Then players in the future will have it in the back of their mind, can I go over the coaches head. I think Mr. Bowlen is doing exactly the right thing by giving his HC and GM guidance and staying out of the way. Once he steps in on this situation it is a slippery slope.
I don’t think it is Mr. Bowlen’s job to “calm the waters and steady the frayed nerves of Broncos fans everywhere” that is his front offices job. I understand with out the fans no NFL team is going to succeed but I don’t think that equals a owner is responsable to calm our nerves.
I have great respect for you TSG, I just don’t agree with you on these issues.
by ThorpeBroncosfan on Mar 16, 2009 1:33 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey...
That’s all good. I respect your opion and can definitely see your side. I’m just thinking that, in regards to your comments, that should Cutler get traded there is going to be a high amount of negative backlash towards McDaniels for being too rigid. Bowlen can remove that by publicly taking a stance.
Just my opinion but others are definitely welcome.
-TSG
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by John Bena on Mar 16, 2009 1:52 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I agree with TSG on this one, but I also can’t just up and disregard your point Thorpe.
by ohiobronco on Mar 16, 2009 1:52 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's more than just one player
Reggie Rivers points out in his article today that the release of Mike Leach in order to sign the Patriots’ long snapper might be even more problematic than Cutler. Brandon Stokely even complained publicly about that move when it occured. Rivers uses his own “unnamed sources” within the Broncos’ locker room and wonders how much damage is being done with morale.
I thing Guru’s exactly right on this one. Yes, you need to give your employees more than enough rope to hang themselves, but when they actually start hanging themselves you can’t just pull up a chair, watch, and say you’re “disappointed.”
We are ready for an unforeseen event that may or may not occur.—Al Gore
by oxmouth on Mar 16, 2009 2:09 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Bowlen can remove that by publicly taking a stance"
Some times you have to learn to listen to the slience. To me his silence is consent. By not saying anything he is saying it all. He supports his coach and GM 100%. Would I feel better if Mr. Bowlen came out and made a statement, probably. Would it be the best thing for this team in the long run I don’t think so. Right now this situation is being handled at the appropriate level.
by ThorpeBroncosfan on Mar 16, 2009 2:18 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally hear both of you - and agree with both to some extent
But ultimately tend to side with TSG on this one.
Yes, you don’t want to publicly discredit your coach… and sink his leadership cred. But when he is in the midst of drowning on his own, ya gotta throw him a rope.
At this point if you are Bowlen ya gotta be wondering about your HC’s long term future, anyway, why not try to get through this incident, to get on to the recovery phase. Gonna be a mountain to climb either way, now (sadly).
by jonahsilas on Mar 16, 2009 2:44 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
He could also say
that he is giving his brand new first-time-Head coach some (obviously) much needed pointers on the difference between a class organisation and the Patriots.
One thing I know for sure - I'm usually wrong.
by Oz bronco on Mar 17, 2009 11:53 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree with “and the Broncos appear to be in dissarray” the only problem right now is one player out of 53.
"Apart from that Mrs Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?"
I can win an argument on any topic, against any opponent. People know this, and steer clear of me at parties. Often, as a sign of their great respect, they don't even invite me. -Dave Barry
by PosterNutbag on Mar 16, 2009 2:21 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice!
Perfect PNB! Always love your tongue in cheek comments!
by Royal With Cheese on Mar 16, 2009 3:33 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Parralled my post earlier
The only question I have is wether McDaniels is going to give Jay a legit shot, and what I mean is that it is pretty much obvious that Jay and McD probably hate each other to the core right now, what is to say that Jay comes to terms, goes into training camp, works his but off, then let’s say that he disagrees with a call coming in from the sideline, McD sees this as another threat to his authority and now you have a QB benched and pissed. Watching top ten clutch QB’s last night and a great quote from Don Shula and his rookie year with Johnny Unitas:
“It was forth and three and we were down on the ten yard line and I sent the FG team in, Unitas sent them back off the field, ran a play and scored a touchdown. When Unitas came off the field I told him, "Don’t you ever do that to me againg.”, “Unitas turned and said, no coach, you got it all wrong, you don’t ever do that to me again.” Shula thought about it and then realized Unitas was right, why am I limiting such a great player."
Granted Cutler isn’t Unitas yet, but it goes to a point where a coach needs to subvert his ego for the benefit of the team, I am not convinced that McDaniels can do that.
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"McDaniels must go!" - Broncoman
by Broncoman on Mar 16, 2009 2:24 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Great quote
This all comes down to ego on both sides and it’s freakin makin me sick. I wonder if football involved a bunch of females instead of we would be having these problems….. ok maybe not, but we def would be having a whole DIFFERENT set of them lol
by ohiobronco on Mar 16, 2009 2:29 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
But there is football that involves women
see http://denver.metromix.com/sports/photogallery/football-season-has-begun/1022014/content for the start of the Denver Dream.
One thing I know for sure - I'm usually wrong.
by Oz bronco on Mar 17, 2009 11:57 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont think they hate each other....
McDaniels is perplexed by Cutler’s attitude and the way that Jay is reading situations. Thats not hate, thats frustration.
Jedi will have to be a hard man and stay fiirm, because frustration can lead to apathy, and then Jay will be traded. This is what Bus and Cutler are planning on….
Make Cutler play out his 3 years, and bar Bus Cook from the facility and Mile High…I would seriously do it.
I would state that they wont even speak trade if Cook is involved!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
by boydy2669 on Mar 16, 2009 2:45 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey guys
Raiders fan checking in here and I gotta say, wow… Cutler is whiny. First he complains about being talked of being traded, now he wants to be. Just wow. Since I’m a Raiders fan, you know I’m hoping he leaves, but at least you guys can look forward to what should be a pretty good defense. Just giving my two cents.
Go Raiders!!!!!!!
With the drafting of Manu and Parker and the signing of Oberto, the International Basketball era began in San Antonio. showing that all of the world's people can, in fact, come together in peace and harmony. After all, every nationality loves to kick the Hornets' asses.
by KA1Z3R on Mar 16, 2009 2:45 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Two words........Bus Cook...
Cutler is a pawn in one mans desire for fame and fortune. I despise Bus Cook and all that he stands for.
Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.
by Tim Lynch on Mar 16, 2009 3:01 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
cutler wants out of denver
because the defense will be better next year and he won’t have any excuses for loosing
snap
by lolcopter on Mar 16, 2009 3:10 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cutler is whiny, then Jamarcus Russel is fat
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"McDaniels must go!" - Broncoman
by Broncoman on Mar 16, 2009 3:10 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
LMAO!
I hope that my avatar is a sign of things to come for a verrrrry long time :-)
by ohiobronco on Mar 16, 2009 5:30 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
at least he's not
giving his entire fan base headaches and dividing the fans. You guys will soon be the next Cowboys.
"Voilà! In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of Fate. This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is a vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished. However, this valorous visitation of a by-gone vexation, stands vivified and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin van-guarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition. The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous. Verily, this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose, so let me simply add that it's my very good honor to meet you and you may call me V"- V from "V for Vendetta"
by KA1Z3R on Mar 17, 2009 2:52 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pat Bowlen
His first mistake was not hiring a GM first…Than hiring the coach 2nd which proves when he fired Shanny he had no immediate plan. Fires the Goodmans which helped in hiring coach McD?(Tell me thats not odd?) Says in the press conference after the firing of Shanny “Jays the man around hear now” and i could be wrong that Jay could even have input on the new coach hire……So how we are at where we are now is mindblowing and has to fall on the owner..I was feeling the Jay needs to grow up until i read Mortensens Espn version of what went down in Saturdays meeting and it looks like McD still is rubbing in the I want my guy thing. Now we all know in media everything may not be as it seems but if this ESPN article is true it makes the Broncos look callous and insensitve..That is of course if Jays account of the meeting is true. Finally if the reason you fired Shanny was because he had to much power why does it seem a 37 yr old GM and a 32 yr old coach are given the same respect/power as Shanahan… Either way i’m a Bronco fan and it makes both the Broncos and Jay look bad.
by broncolb on Mar 16, 2009 3:23 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Bowlen is the problem
Bowlen should have kept Jeremy Bates if he told Cutler he was going to do so.
He should have hired a defensive-minded coach. The offense was fine.
Bowlen picked McDaniels, so now he HAS TO stand by him. If he admits McDaniels is wrong, he is essentially admitting HE was wrong to fire Shanny and essentially admitting he picked the wrong guy. Bowlen’s ego is too big for him to admit his mistakes!
Everyone involved in this embarrassing fiasco is partly to blame, but more than anyone else this is Pat Bowlen’s mess.
by creamy on Mar 18, 2009 8:37 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
"What the hell is going ON out there?"
Guys, I had to come over from Canal Street Chronicles and see for myself. I’ve always respected the Broncos, but what the heck? Your new coach appears to not have a handle on the situation, Bus Cook or not. This is damaging the franchise.
rotoworld.com:
Jay Cutler-QB- Broncos Mar. 16 – 4:41 pm et
Coach Josh McDaniels reportedly assured his team that he’ll “take care of” the Jay Cutler situation at Monday’s meeting with the Broncos’ players.
New CB Andre’ Goodman said McDaniels told the players to not talk about what he said in the meeting, but DL Kenny Peterson told the Denver Post the coach said he’ll “‘take care of it,’ and that’s pretty much it.” McDaniels still hopes to meet one-on-one with Cutler, presumably before the April 25 draft.
Source: Denver Post
That doesn’t sound very convincing. Jay Cutler to Detroit in a 3 way trade, or Cutler to the Jets in a 3 way? Rumors are flying. I like Cutler a lot, I hope you keep him and this blows over. What a mess.
Had a great time seeing the Saints at Mile High last year, really nice stadium.
88! WTF??!
by stujo4 on Mar 16, 2009 3:38 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree, does not look good
I don’t know how McDaniels gets control of this team at this point, everybody is going to be thinking who is next.
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"McDaniels must go!" - Broncoman
by Broncoman on Mar 16, 2009 4:56 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
where is bowlen? or xanders, for that matter. wasn’t the gm supposed to have final say on personnel matters? this is a personnel matter, no? did that change between mcd’s first press conference and xanders hiring? and mcd and xanders were both to report directly to… bowlen, right? like i said, the silence coming from dove valley speaks volumes. it appears everyone involved with this situation just let this seperation progress and develop. the stupid part is both sides prefer jay being here, in my opinion.
at this point, if all true, cutler apparently wants a new contract, mcd is treating the franchise like any other disposable player, xanders and bowlen seem invisible, mcd seems intent to remove anything that even smells like shanny(including cutler) and bus cook, unfortunately, has jay’s ear. and for the first time in this thing, cutler did something that was all on him. he didn’t show up. voluntary or not(any other absentees?), that was wrong. and i cannot defend it. this is the first time i actually believe this may end up in a trade, and everyone involved seems to have fumbled the ball. the mcd/cutler dynamic should have never reached this stage. who’s in charge of that? and yes, the sky is falling…
taste my blintzkrieg!
2009-year of the defense.
by davecheffy on Mar 16, 2009 3:51 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I think...
That what Pat Bowlen must do is invite Jay for a one-on-one at his mansion. Have a drink and a good steak and talk about the situation. Jay is a good young QB; one of the best in the game… but he does not have the leverage to get a new contract when he is only 3 years into a 6 year deal. That is insane. I hope Bowlen intervenes in this mess… I don’t see how he could sit by and have his franchise slide into chaos
by theflanman86 on Mar 16, 2009 6:28 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
100% correct Guru.
It is interesting because I was thinking about the same thing on my way home from work, while thinking about the situation. As he said when he fired Shanny, he makes the calls and he needs to end this RIGHT NOW.
Bowlen, McDaniels, and Culter need to be in the same room with Jay’s moronic agent at home.
2007-08 MVP: Kobe Bryant
Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 9
by weazel on Mar 16, 2009 7:07 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
This whole deal SUCKS!!
I agree with you tsg 100%!
With that said I don’t think we should trade him NO MATTER WHAT this year for any reason. He has way to much tallent to give up on him because he is way to imature! Now I’m not saying they should kiss his @#$ in any way! They should just refuse to trade, force him to play this coming year, and try to mend the situation this year. I think we would be in much better shape with him then we would be with out him at this present time.
For those of you who think that loosing Jay Cutler would not leave the Broncos in dissarray (because he is 1 of 53) are being unrealistically optimistic!!!! Quarterbacks with Jay’s kind of ability are not easy to come by in the NFL!
by Nichols4Broncos on Mar 16, 2009 9:09 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Forcing Jay to stay...
isn’t realistic. QB isn’t the same as other positions, if he and McDaniels butt heads for another year, or two or three, we’re gonna have problems on the field to match those off the field. This is clearly more than a disagreement. Jay feels lied to, whether Bus is in the room or not, that doesn’t change, and if McDaniels wants to keep reminding him that everyone is expendable, there is no chance that this relationship is gonna magically repair.
First Bowlen got rid of Shanny and promised to keep Bates around. Then he hires McD which pushed Bates out, then they made a mess of trying to deal Jay, and didn’t come clean about it. I’d add that Shanahan was fired for his GM work and wearing too many hats. Why does McDaniels have so much power? I can’t believe this was part of Bowlen or Xanders master plan. Hire a new coach to trade away Cutler. As an employee, I wouldn’t want to work for a guy that would lie straight to my face either. So what if he chooses to hold out? He’s a pro-bowl QB, if teams will call Vinny Testeverde in his 40’s off his couch and throw him into a game, I can’t believe in a year Jay won’t still have suitors. Did anyone watch Shaun Hill last season or Kyle Orton, or Delhomme? I suspect there are a number of teams that would rather take a risk on a pro-bowler than an unproven back-up or a draft pick.
If he’s not signing a new deal either, do we really want to invest the next year or two going through the growing pains of learning a new system with a QB that wants out. I think we should trade him now while his value is at its peak. This situation is already too far gone to fix.
And to whoever said this is part of some nefarious Shanahan plan, I’d say it wasn’t, but it surely is now. I’m sure Shanahan will make it part of his interview. Get me Jay and I’ll bring you a lombardi trophy.
McDaniels tried to trade Jay and failed, now he has to fix it by getting the best deal he can and getting us back to the playoffs.
by mattison on Mar 16, 2009 11:01 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Well said.
I can’t believe the Broncos went from 8-5 and a division title right there for the taking to this. Whatever happens from here on out, I just want this to be over. Get the 53 guys that want to be here and let’s go.
2007-08 MVP: Kobe Bryant
Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 9
by weazel on Mar 17, 2009 1:35 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Raiders beat writer chimes in...
For what it’s worth, Nancy Gay of SF Chron writes about how “Raiders benefit from suddenly dysfunctional Broncos”
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/16/SPGL16G870.DTL
She means more that the Broncos sudden dysfunction shines light away from the Raiders ongoing dysfunction, including current legal issues between Davis and former coach Kiffin (suing for pay he’s not getting from Davis — sound familiar?) Anyway, worth a read. Someone should send stuff like this to the Denver FO and their PR stuff, none of whom are currently earning their weight.
by underdog on Mar 16, 2009 11:36 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Before Shany there was Elway and Reeves
I don’t know how many of you remember the days of Reeves and Elway in Elway’s first 4 years but I don’t remember a day Reeves and Elway would agree on the color of the Sky. To Pat Bowlen’s credit he never publicly sided with either party but worked tirelessly behind the scenes to get some cohesion. I always felt Elway played better with that chip on his shoulder always showing Reeves he could perform and find a way to win. In a lot of ways this could help Cutler if he allows it to fuel him and not eat him up inside. Cutler is definitely a competitor who could perform better with adversity.
And ultimately Pat Bowlen did decide that he couldn’t take the in fighting anymore and made a statement that Elway was his guy and Reeves had to go. Bowlen did that only after Reeves made a huge error and drafted Tommy Maddox who could throw like Elway but couldn’t play like Elway. In 1992 Bowlen only stepped in out of fear Reeves was about trade or give away the Franchise.
This seems a little familiar and I think we won’t hear from Pat until an unfixable error is about to occur. I know that Bowlen will act swiftly in what he deems the teams interest no matter what ( i.e. schocking announcement Mike Shannahan).
by precisiongolfguy on Mar 17, 2009 2:08 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Is there a Elway curse?
Is that what this is? Seems the Broncos have been the gang that can’t shoot straight ever since Elway left. I doubt Pat Bowlen can fix this. You have to wonder why you would take a Patriots backup over a Pro Bowl QB anyways. Matt Cassell has played one year with a very talented team, I am betting he’s not as good in KC, time will tell.Cutler will do well in Minnesota and the Broncos will continue the never ending search fr John Elway. It won’t be Chris Simms. How do you give $6 million to a guy like that with so many QBs available in the draft and some through free agencies, at least get a guy with a spleen!
Jay, I wouldn’t have traded you, you have that whole Brett Farve thing going with your stong arm and ability to break our hearts with an ill timed INT but dude this is professional sports, people trade people. It’s nothing personal. Brett Farve got traded from the Falcons to the Packers. It worked out for him. Cash the checks, show up for the games, enjoy the ride.They are not hiring at Wal Mart and if you get traded you get traded. Play better than Matt Cassell. Beat him twice this year and prove what a bonehead play trading you would have been right now its probably looking better and better.
by cnwtra on Mar 17, 2009 5:28 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Stop It Raiders Fans
Your team isn’t run better than anybodys..well maybe better than Kansas City but that is the NFL’s next to bottom rung. The Raiders have had flashes of brilliance but more often that franchise dwells in the neither regions of the AFC Worst. Maybe Tom the Cable guy has a chance, maybe your young QB will take the game seriously this year, maybe you have a receiver that can stay healthy and catch the ball at the same time, but I looked for them in the playoffs the last few years and didn’t see them there. Where have they been? Hey how good is a franchise that loses a Super Bowl coach to Nebraska and then has another coach begging to get fired? No Raiders fan, you can not take heart in someone ele’s misfortune unless and until your team suddenly becomes a normally functioning NFL team and that just isn’t going to happen, at least not as long as Al Davis is able to breathe air!
by cnwtra on Mar 17, 2009 5:38 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Unintended Consequences
This thing seems to be playing out like a Greek tragedy.
I am sure that Pat Bowlen did not anticipate blowing up the offensive side of the ball when he made the move to replace Mike Shanahan. Nor do I think the the new coach intended to dump Jay Cutler, at least not right away.
However, it also seems to me that a certain arrogance has permeated Dove Valley since the change and the new coach, probably due to his insecurity about several things, was totally incapably of apologizing when he both acted recklessly and then conveyed disrespect to Jay Cutler.
Lots of Bronco fans don’t like the way this unnecessary saga has played out. It could use a leader to solve it, and with no disrespect to Mr. Bowlen’s current staff, it could use someone with some age and talent for human relations to clean up the mess. Now is no time for youthful macho posturing.
I hope this does get resolved. This is embarrassing. I have been a proud Bronco fan since their inception and have never been as embarrassed as I have now. I was really looking forward to seeing the team in close East Coast cities this Fall, but I am just putting away the team gear, and buying no more, until the owner takes a public role in support of a quarterback who busted his hump for him for 3 years, sometimes behind a leaky offensive line, and who nearly got him into the playoffs last year. Some Bronco Official owes a private, and then in some form, a public apology to Jay Cutler, but it seems pretty clear that the new crowd does not think like that. My guess is that Jay Cutler would move past his agent’s whims if the Broncos showed some respect.
Patrick Bowlen has been the profile of a solid NFL owner until his erratic moves of late. I would like to see the calm, caring, leader come forward again.
by Baltimore Bronco on Mar 17, 2009 9:24 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
amen.
taste my blintzkrieg!
2009-year of the defense.
by davecheffy on Mar 17, 2009 10:25 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
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