Holy Cow! A look back at two of many reasons Shanny was canned and Jay was shipped.
On my way back from a wedding in Georgia, I picked up this years Sporting News Pro Football Preview (a yearly ritual that I look forward to). As usaual I thumbed first to the Broncos preview and looked at our record from 2008. Holy Cow! Our first loss was a beat down by two touchdowns by the Chiefs at Arrowhead. Now I know we never win at arrowhead (kind of like we never beat the Dolphins), but if you step back and look at this disaster for what it was, you can't help but sympathize with Bolwlen tossing all of Shanny's stuff into the yard and locking the door behind Mike when he went to retrieve it. While the box score shows that we lost by two touchdowns (33-19), it was never really that close.
Though we gained more yards and first downs we could not get into the end zone. The Chiefs did everything in their power to give us the game committing 45 yards in penalties. We committed 4 turnovers, two ducks by Chicago's golden boy. Between the 20s Cutler and Shanny were great, but when it came time to finish the job neither had it in them to get it into the endzone. Sure, the receivers were of no help turning it over once apiece, but kicking 4 fieldgoals in once game is ridiculous and scoring just one touchdown is inexcusable. For the record, I am certain that Orton could easily have completed the 16yd TD that Cutler did. Cutler's passing percentage was 59%. Simply put, the Chiefs had been there and done that with our schemes before and capitalized on a poor gameplan and poor QB play (okay and the defense too geez) to best us.
But what really stings about that loss was that that one game comprised 50% of the Chief's victories for the year. The Chiefs only won two games in 2008, one against the Broncos and one against the Raiders. I don't care how many pro-bowls you gone to or how many HOF QBs you've coached, you can't allow a team that awful... that wretched... that division rival of yours who is on the floor pounding on the life alert pendant gasping for air to not only beat you, but to embarass you by only allowing one touchdown. They only won 2 games all year!
Then! Later in the year the Broncos did the same thing only worse to the Raiders! We lost to the Raiders at home 31-10. AT HOME! Once again we led in virtually ever stat category and yet we could not even make it look close. Nope, not even a garbage touchdown for us. Cutler was stellar with a 43% passing percentage and committing two turnovers, a fumble and interception. Special teams and defense were totally lacking in this beat down. Shannahan's failure to gameplan for Johnny Lee Higgins and Darren McFadden is one thing, but to allow former Eddie Quitterson Award winner Ashlie Lelie to score a TD against us is insult to catastrophic injury.
Simply put, our coach put the onus of winning the game on the back of Jay Cutler and when he did Cutler buckled under the pressure and failed to deliver anything substantial. Sure, it won us a few games, close games (and an awesome not so close one against the Raiders to start off the year and get our hopes up), but it lost us more than a few games and we lost them bad. I didn't even bring up the Carolina or second San Diego game.
So Shanny is out and Cutler is in Chicago. Shanny, I love ya and you were the greatest when we were winning and the worst when we were losing (Devin Hester jamming us up twice in one game) and now I'm happy for the change. This year may be rough, but I have high hopes and know the change was necessary. Cutler? Well, my friend... You're leaving a team where you had difficulty making things happening with a hyper productive reciever corps and an iron clad(y) line for a team with no receivers and a line that's going to have you running for your life. Further, his inability to perform in critical division games against inferior opponents will not help him against a stacked Vikings team and a tough Green Bay team. The Lions shouldn't give them too much trouble... but then... they were just two wins away from being the Chiefs. Good luck Jay! See you on August 30that Mile High wearing your jersey and and baby bonnet with a diaper. I'm praying to see something like this...
I am pumped for this year. It's gonna be excitng. It's gonna be fun. Go Broncos...
...and Rod Bless.
J
This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR
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39 comments
Comments
Great Article
Jay Cutler could have difficulty against the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions judging from how he played against both in 2007. Cutler and Mike Shanahan cost the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football against Green Bay in Week 8 during the 2007 campaign. Many want to blame Dre Bly for that defeat, but in my opinion the loss squarely falls on two plays. The first is when Cutler fumbled as Denver was on Green Bay’s 1-yard line in the first half and the second was Shanahan’s quarterback draw call on Denver’s final drive of regulation while inside Green Bay’s 5-yard line before the Broncos settled for a Jason Elam field goal that sent the game to overtime. We all know what happened after that.
Further, Cutler did not play well before being injured in the 2007, Week 9, 44-7 beat down handed to the Broncos by the Lions and Shanahan’s game plan and inability to get the team prepared or capable of even competing against the Lions was beyond me at the time and still is to this day.
by RSH089 on Jul 24, 2009 2:00 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't think you're being fair...
Cutler apologist enters the fray!!! =P
If I remember correctly, the fumble was the OLman’s fault, who punched it out of Cutler’s hand as he pulled out. It was the Defense and the bizarre end-of-game play calling that lost us that game. Oh and as much as we hate him, Brett Favre played pretty splendidly.
I’ve tried to block out the Lions game completely from my memory, but looking up stats… Cutler was 3/4 for 20 yards, drove us downfield with Elam missing a make-able 48-yarder, and then got knocked out early in the 2nd quarter when the game was still only a 0-6 deficit.
I can certainly see him having a decent amount of trouble vs the Vikings, but he should be fine vs the perennially bad Lions and perhaps the Pack, who had similarly bad defensive play last year and is undergoing many of the same changes that we are.
by tunga77 on Jul 24, 2009 2:32 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guys are always trying to cause a fumble...
the fact that it was his own O-Lineman doesn’t excuse it, it makes that fumble worse.
J
by Jezru on Jul 24, 2009 2:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure what you mean...
Disclaimer: This is all from memory…
As Cutler pulls away from Center, his guard (I believe) starts pulling with him. Jay’s got the ball in his left hand, presumably to either hand-off or playaction and roll out. The guard inadvertantly punches it out of Jay’s hand.
Believe me when I say I was one of his harshest critics when he was playing for us, but that fumble was hardly Jay’s fault. I said that then, and I say it now. You can find plenty of other games where he made bone-headed mistakes. That was not one of them…
by tunga77 on Jul 24, 2009 2:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
It means that Jay needed to have a better hold on the ball than he did.
Never an excuse for fumbling… Unless you break your leg…. Nope, not even then.
J
by Jezru on Jul 24, 2009 3:19 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uh... was that sarcasm?
And have you seen the replay? I just went to nfl.com’s replay cutter and watched it. In my view, it was the guard’s fault more than Cutler’s. The guard did not need to reach that far back as he came out of his stance and went into the cut block.
by tunga77 on Jul 24, 2009 3:52 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's Jay's or any QB's responsibility to hold on to the ball. That's it.
If Thunder the horse kicks him in the pills he still needs to hold onto it. A fumble is still a fumble is still a fumble.
by Jezru on Jul 24, 2009 4:12 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
at worst you can blame it on the play calling. Why have you guard pulling at the goal line? I don’t blame the guard, he’s just trying to move his 295 pound butt as fast as he can, you pump your arms hard when you do that. Unless you’re asking a lineman to go at less than full speed? Jay didn’t really get out from under center that well there either and as QB/RB/WR, when the ball is in your hands, YOU are responsible with it.
So to sum up:
1. Bates (or Shanny,) – whoever called the stupid play
2. Cutler – ball is in his hands, he needs to hold onto it
Owning the Patriots since September 9, 1960
by Darin H on Jul 25, 2009 9:21 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was supposed to be a bootleg
You pull the guard on bootlegs. Calling a bootleg on the goalline is a great call . . . it gives the QB a throw/run read. If a receiver is open, throw it. If he is not, run it in. The guard is essentially his lead blocker/protector.
"The men who have done big things are those who are not afraid to attempt big things, who were not afraid to risk failure in order to gain success."
- B.C Forbes
by HSFBCoach on Jul 27, 2009 11:23 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great post
I think I puked in your couch watching the lions game. How many times did we lose, no crap the bed, versus bad teams? It’s like a fat chick in college. It happened. It counts. Don’t pretend it didn’t.
Go broncos
by ShagstarOrange on Jul 24, 2009 4:40 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Great post
I think I puked in your couch watching the lions game. How many times did we lose, no crap the bed, versus bad teams? It’s like a fat chick in college. It happened. It counts. Don’t pretend it didn’t.
Go broncos
by ShagstarOrange on Jul 24, 2009 4:40 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I bet Jared Allen is excited.
He gets to toss around Cutler like a rag doll again. FTR, I love Jared Allen’s intensity and I like it even more now that he’s not in our division anymore.
Peyton Hillis is also referred to in early Greek mythology by his other names such as Zeus or Poseidon.
by Joe Medina on Jul 24, 2009 3:38 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Allen
Have you seen those youtube videos of him hunting elk in the safari with a spear? That guy is one crazy scary dude…
Apparently, Allen and Cutler are decent friends…
“It’s easier to play somebody you don’t like,” Allen said. "But it’s that thrill of playing somebody you do like. It’s awesome to hit them in the back of the head. Because then when you see them in the off-season, you can say, ‘Hey, remember when I tattooed your face to the ground?’
“The more I like you, the more I want to smash your face into the ground. I have an enormous amount of respect for people who are the best at their position. Peyton Manning, it took me five years to sack him. I hit the [stuffing] out of that dude every time I played him, but I just got my first sack of him last year.”
As for Cutler, he doesn’t go quietly. He and Allen have a running conversation every time they face each other.
“Jay loves to talk,” he said. “I missed him on one sack, and he let me hear about it the whole time: ‘Hey, Jared, you missed me! You missed me!’ I like him because he’s not afraid to say something or show his emotions.”
by tunga77 on Jul 24, 2009 3:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now Calijoe
The Vikings are tough in the “roller dome”, but Soldier Field will be a different story. I have a feeling that Allen’s big mouth will be full of a little ‘Pace" in 09. If Orlando can’t keep up with him, Cutler will be rolling right all game long. Our primary concern vs the Vikes is AD.
by rocko1 on Jul 24, 2009 5:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are putting alot of faith in Orlando
He has barely played the last two seasons due to injury . . . plus he’s old. Cutler better grow eyes in the back of his head . . . quickly!
"The men who have done big things are those who are not afraid to attempt big things, who were not afraid to risk failure in order to gain success."
- B.C Forbes
by HSFBCoach on Jul 27, 2009 11:25 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
You just HAD to bring that up didn't you
JEEZ Jez, now that you’ve jarred that faded memory to the forefront of my mind, I’m going to have nightmares tonight. Lol. Eddie Quitterson indeed.
"You give 100 percent in the first half of the game, and if that isn't enough, in the second half you give what's left." – Yogi Berra
"No, I'm from Iowa, I only work in outer space."
by KaptainKirk on Jul 24, 2009 3:11 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
...and Rod Bless
Highlight of the article :D
Thanks J.
by studbucket on Jul 24, 2009 5:24 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd!
I agree, Larsen shouldn’t get any bigger. I am getting tired of his bone crushing hits knocking the pixels off my TV, once they fall to the floor they are very hard to find.
by Arctic Bronco on Jul 24, 2009 11:38 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice to see you posting, Jezru
Good points. Shanahan also developed a habit of not bringing the team to play, as shown by the number of outrageous blowouts, some on our home court. I loved Mike, but at the end the team wasn’t responding. I hope this year changes that and that we do show up each week and compete.
Hillis/Moreno in '09
by Emmett Smith on Jul 24, 2009 5:41 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm not going to add it up because I know I don't have to...
I know that our cumulative points weren’t ever close to points scored against us over the last three years. Shoot just the last two years alone how many games did we win by 4 points or less? How many did we lose by 10 or more? This pervaisive impression that we had tons to lose by jettisoning Shanny is just silly…. Jamie Dukes, I am looking your direction…
by Jezru on Jul 24, 2009 5:58 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interstering stuff Jezru
I especially liked "(kind of like we never beat the Dolphins), " ….except for in the Playoffs when we busted their ass so bad that Jimmy Johnson retired….but living in FL it has been a rough go of it in the regular season!
Moreno in 2009! - Check
Taylor Mays in 2010!
by Steve O' on Jul 24, 2009 8:50 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
All time record against the Dolphins?
3-11-1
Ugh… Whether or not that includes the playoff victory (my guess is that it doesn’t), I am not sure.
J
by Jezru on Jul 24, 2009 9:46 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
It severely dampens my smack talking ability!
Being from CT but living in FL there are only two teams I want to consistantly beat…NE and Mia, we used to own NE but Mia, not so much.
I must admit that Miami fans are pretty decent to opposing fans. In 05 at the opener as I was exiting with my tail between my legs many fans gave me a pat on the back and were suprisingly, very cordial.
Moreno in 2009! - Check
Taylor Mays in 2010!
by Steve O' on Jul 24, 2009 10:01 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was an awful awful game.
Another butt whoopin ala Shanny (nevermind the fact we went to the AFC Championship – on the shoulders of a seldom seen “No Mistake Jake”)
by Jezru on Jul 24, 2009 11:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
It seems to infer that you are implicating Shanahan in some kind of shananigans...
That notty boy, do you think he was into betting??? That’s it, he must of been betting on the Broncos to lose when they were favored to win. Is that possible? Intriguing Jezru, now you have my curiosity dancing upon my soul. I must meditate on that synopsis. Is it???
by bfree2bronc on Jul 24, 2009 11:47 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
No...
Nothing diabolical like betting. I think it was over-confidence and under-preparedness. It is odd though how we could fall on out butts to teams that we should beat and play lights out when we should lose…. I think it’s all preparation….. No schenanigans.
by Jezru on Jul 25, 2009 12:16 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly..
How we beat the tar out of the Jets and go on to lose to the Raiders at home will always make me wonder. I’ve noticed for the past few years that we would play crap teams and lose the farm against them, only to come back the next week and blow out a playoff team. I don’t know if Mike Shanahan’s preparation was at fault or if it was the players not thinking they needed to work as hard the next week.
Had we just won ONE more game last season, we’d have been in the playoffs. It really chaps my ass to think that we could have been in the playoffs if Shanahan and the players would have just studied harder and practiced better for 5 more days.
Peyton Hillis is also referred to in early Greek mythology by his other names such as Zeus or Poseidon.
by Joe Medina on Jul 25, 2009 12:47 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
It still kills me that had KC made a fieldgoal they missed against San Diego we'd have gone to the playoffs....
…but then would Shanny have been fired? Would Boy Wonder be in Chicago? Would I have lost my job? (okay maybe that last one isn’t the NFL’s fault…)
by Jezru on Jul 25, 2009 1:47 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Growing Pains
I think had Shanny stayed along w/Cutler, we’d had endured two years of growing pains. For the most part, Bowlen has moved on and as easy it is to point the finger looking back the writing was on the wall well into the preseason when the defense simply couldn’t grasp the scheme. I’m not reaching for excuses but a spade is a spade.
I hope for Cutler to do very well and would not be surprised if Chicago won a championship before Denver. We haven’t addressed key positions at Defense since Pryce and D. Williams. We simply wouldn’t commit at key positions and I believe that AFC Championship game’s offseason was evident of that.
Say hello to my fast...
by dcrespo7 on Jul 25, 2009 9:31 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice - Thanks!
“Eddie Quitterson Award winner Ashlie Lelie” – Indeed!
“[The Lions] were just two wins away from being the Chiefs.”
Ya’ know, it just occurred to me that Cutler may do better in Chicago expressly because his O-line is worse. Figure he came of age running for his life at Vandy. Perhaps he just does better when he doesn’t have time to think. Kind of like Plummer in that regard.
Fun read at 1am! (That, and it’s always tough for me to turn in when H. Johnson and “Jazz Classics” is on the radio.)
by MakeCents on Jul 25, 2009 11:01 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Painful
I took my son to see the Broncos play the Panthers December 14, 2008. Panthers were undefeated at home thus making this away game difficult but not impossible to win. First possession of the game Denver scored and then added three more points early in the first quarter. And thats all she wrote….the game ended 30 to 10. That day was so exciting for my son but for me it all was about Denver being out coached and out played. 2009 can only get better (what else is left?)
by m and m connection on Jul 26, 2009 1:03 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't know if this relevant but I did a kinda 'question/answer' post at Wind City and had a funny question thrown at me
.Mike Clark I can’t find an article that supports my claim, but a couple days ago on the radio I heard a report that says many Broncos players are complaining over the fact that McDaniels has a problem telling the truth. If I remember correctly they said they got it from Jamie Dukes over at NFL.com, so it sounds pretty reliable.
If this is true, does this worry you about McDaniels future as the head coach of the Broncos? Trust between coaches and players is paramount, so if the players don’t trust McDaniels it doesn’t bode well for your season.
Another point, I remember the reason many people called Cutler immature was because he ignored McDaniels’s phone calls and text messages. Has anyone heard Cutler confirm that he ignored these messages? I only ask because if McDaniels isn’t always truthful then, are we sure that these messages were even sent or that Cutler didn’t in fact respond? If that is true, does this end any claim that Cutler is mature?
Another question, not related to any of that. I hear a lot about all the weapons that Denver has, and that without them in Chicago Cutler will struggle. You said yourself that you believe Jay is the real deal, so is their a worry over in Bronco nation that your receiving cores production will greatly decrease because Cutler made them look a lot better than what they really are? Looking at it objectively, your two starting receivers last year were an unheralded 2nd round pick who was a rookie and an equally unheralded 4th round pick of a few years ago who Cutler seemed to do fine without during his 2 game suspension at the beginning of the season. I think Greg Olson and Tony Scheffler kind of cancel each other out.
.
.
This was my answer:
.
Chase—-good questions. I’m not really sure I have an answer so I’ll give you my opinion. With few exceptions I take all ‘rumors’ floating from the MSM with a grain of salt. The only integrity issue I’ve heard concerning McDaniels have come from Cutler and Marshall. Several MHR members actually attended QB and Mini camp and the report I get from them is that most players have been impressed with Josh. A report from Rod Smith said veterans liked the increased stickness and demands Josh was putting on the players. One of the things that caused Shanny’s fall (keep in mind that this is just my opinion) is he started being more of a friend to the players instead of a coach.
As far as the Cutler thing I don’t think ‘mature’ was as big an issue as ‘anger.’ I think Jay was pissed-off and couldn’t get over it. The sad thing is—at least from what I understand—is the whole trade thing was initiated by Tampa Bay. After that who knows what really happened.
Yes Jay is ‘The Real Deal’ but so is Eddie Royal. Eddie is one of the most mature hard-working players I have ever seen enter the NFL. Baring injury Eddie will have a brilliant NFL career. Brandon is a freak of nature…if his hip does not become a recurring issue and he stays out of trouble….he will break some NFL records.
As far as Eddie’s and Brandon’s great numbers, I think the fact that we only had three games last year where we ended with the same RB we started with had a lot to do with it.. I think both their numbers will drop off this year simply because I believe our running game will be vastly improved.
One correction. Brandon was only suspended one game last year. Game 2 against SD he had 18 catches for 166 yards.
Guardian of the Gate to La La Land!
Gonsoulin, Taylor, Little, Wright, Gradishar, Atwater, Davis, and Sharpe...
Why are they not in the Hall...I just don't understand.
by Mike Clark on Jul 26, 2009 4:41 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
What?
No jabs against Jamie Dukes? We gotta discredit that guy whenever we can.
J
by Jezru on Jul 26, 2009 5:33 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why?
Guardian of the Gate to La La Land!
Gonsoulin, Taylor, Little, Wright, Gradishar, Atwater, Davis, and Sharpe...
Why are they not in the Hall...I just don't understand.
by Mike Clark on Jul 26, 2009 5:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well you don't have to jab him Mike.
But, he is nothing better than a junk journalist. 20 years ago he might have gotten a job with the National Enquirer or its TV equivalent Entertainment Tonight at best. He is proof positive you don’t have to know anything to report on anything as long as you sound like you know something and sound brash saying it. Just my opinion though.
Liked your response to Chase BTW
by bchiper on Jul 27, 2009 10:29 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL
I understand now…LOL
Guardian of the Gate to La La Land!
Gonsoulin, Taylor, Little, Wright, Gradishar, Atwater, Davis, and Sharpe...
Why are they not in the Hall...I just don't understand.
by Mike Clark on Jul 27, 2009 1:27 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
And thanks bchiper
I’ve had a lot of fun over at Chicago’s SB site the last little while. That was the most dificult question thrown at me.
Guardian of the Gate to La La Land!
Gonsoulin, Taylor, Little, Wright, Gradishar, Atwater, Davis, and Sharpe...
Why are they not in the Hall...I just don't understand.
by Mike Clark on Jul 27, 2009 1:33 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually...
I don’t think we have to do anything at all. The poor fool discredit’s himself. Anyone that takes what he has to say as sincere concern, or an ounce of actual truth is the real fool.
It's Orange Crush time. And no I am NOT talking about the soft-drink.
Which I beg the question: "Can liquid really be... soft?"
3 TE Set = 3 losses or less.
Do it MickeyD... 13-3!!
by USMCWall on Jul 26, 2009 9:42 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice Post Jezru.
I will tell you Orton is money in the Red Zone. So if that’s what your looking for in a quarterback that is something he brings to the huddle. After watching him in Chicago though, Orton seems to struggle throwing the long ball. He either over throws the ball of just misses them completely. Hopefully he will get better for you in Denver in that area. Your comment about the Bears offensive line kind of threw me for a loop. We have All Pro Kreutz at Center and just signed Orlando Pace, another All Pro. I think Denver’s problem losing to bad teams was your Defense. Your Defense was as bad as any team in the league last year. In order for your team to win it had to outscore opponants. It was like every game was a shootout waiting to happen. Hopefully, with the Bears draft picks you received from the Bears will enable your team to rebuild it’s Defense. I remeber the years of the Orange crush! That was kewl.
by Gesiakob on Jul 29, 2009 11:11 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

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