There is an interesting series of articles over at ESPN discussing the uphill climb rookie quarterbacks face when they enter the National Football League. It talks about the 3 first round picks from the '05 draft, including our own Jay Cutler. Here are some of the more interesting pieces in my mind -
"Having to play against the Floridas and the Tennessees and the Georgias and the LSUs, it made me tough," Cutler explained. "It made me have to learn what defenses are doing and how to attack them."
Said Shanahan, "Coming in he knew the secondary coverages [and] he knew the strengths and weaknesses better than most of the quarterbacks I have ever been with."
No doubt that Cutler exudes confidence. It seems many people focus on the fac tthat he didn't play at a big football school, but fail to mention that Vanderbilt was in a big-time football conference. The experience he got playing against that kind of talent, while not having that kind of talent around him, will prove to be a blessing in disguise for Jay. Here's some more -
"In my days at Vandy, things broke down from time to time," Cutler said. "They counted on me to deliver the ball, and most times I did."
"The quarterbacks that separate themselves are the ones that can get off balance and, all of a sudden, throw a 25-yard comeback," Shanahan explained. "You're rolling to the right and it gets there in a second. You know, not many people can do that, and that's what he's shown -- an unbelievable ability to make some throws that most human beings can't make."
I think it is obvious what Shanny thinks of this kid. The future looks quite bright in Bronco land and I can't wait to watch it unfurl....