Stefan Fatsis on the Cutler solution

I agree with a lot of this. It’s going to be really, really interesting to see whether Cutler can ever truly take advantage of his physical gifts, and lead a team deep into the playoffs. If I had to bet it, I’d say no….

a must read, and a refreshing new perspective…. too bad this didn’t come out earlier; perhaps it would have helped moderate some of the debate. Rec’ed!

I loved Fatsis’ book, and I love this insider perspective.

I enjoyed reading Fatsis’ book and even went to a reading by him. He makes good points about Cutler’s attitude. He probably does need an adjustment, although it’s never seemed to me that it’s an insurmountable flaw—more just some growing up to do.

My take on Fatsis’ book though, was that he wasn’t a true insider and as a journalist/writer you’ll always like the guys who give you the stories. Don’t forget, too, that this was Cutler’s rookie year. He had a hell of a lot more things to deal with than any player on the team, so I wonder if he just was trying to concentrate on his new life adjustments… and learning a complex offense. Great stuff though.

I have his book on the back of the toilet and am about to get into it… after I finish the compilation of Rick Reilly’s I picked up at the .99 cents only.

J

Should Jay Cutler and his agent, Bus Cook, have been insulted that these conversations took place? Of course not. Coaches and general managers have a responsibility, akin to a CEO’s fiduciary responsibility, to consider anything that might improve their team. What I know based on talking to some of my former Broncos colleagues is that, well before this drama erupted, Cook and Cutler wanted to renegotiate the quarterback’s six-year contract, which has three years left. The current deal included $15 million in guaranteed payments. Cutler was paid a $1.275 million roster bonus in 2006 and a $7.9 million option bonus in 2007. But his base salaries are, by Pro Bowl-quarterback standards, meager, and a $12 million performance bonus isn’t due until 2011.

Ted Sundquist, the Broncos’ general manager when I was with the team, told me at the time that, because of the large lump-sum, back-end payout, the contract would probably be restructured before it expires. He said Bus Cook also expected that to happen. Did Cutler and Cook manufacture their hurt feelings over McDaniels’s trade talks and the coach’s subsequent ineffectual spin in an effort to get a new contract now, or get to another city that would give them one? I don’t know. But they certainly saw an opening.

And rec’d.

Thanks for the link. I haven’t read his book but look forward to within the next few weeks since I am taking a two and a half week holiday to the states starting tomorrow. I’ve yet to find it in NZ.
     Jay has definitely cried crocodile tears ever since he saw an opening to take advantage of the situation. I’ve always thought he was a bit immature but nothing that could be taken care of with time and experience. Maybe it’s a good thing that this all turned out the way it has and we’ve gotten rid of Jay sooner rather than later.

I really enjoyed the book he wrote and he has always provided interesting insight.

Knowing he was no longer a Bronco, Cutler comes off as almost a misfit….not a bad guy……but a little clueless and socially inept….dont know if immature is the word….just socially awkward and a guy who beleives the press of those around him…
Afetr watching the press conferences of Jedi and Jay, I am now convinced we made the right decision…100%…and I had some doubts yesterday!

Maybe that was a sign of wisdom, journalists are infamous for putting their spin on stories in the name of sensationalism. Granted, professional athletes need to interact successfully with the media, but that is probably a learned skill. What I have always found refreshing about Jay is his directness, in the modern world of carefully prepped talking points I find that type of upfront communication refreshing.