Thursday, April 2, 2009

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

April 1st, 2008 11:37pm PST


[Wednesday Edition]
TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK



What's wrong in Denver?

I'm sure when the Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen decided to go in a new direction by firing former head coach Mike Shanahan, he never expected to see the heir apparent run his team in this direction (into the ground). At least for the moment that appears to be where this team is heading if the new head coach Josh McDaniels, can't put the pieces of this puzzle we call the Denver Broncos back together soon. In just less than three months as the head coach McDaniels has managed to dismantle last year’s 2nd ranked offense, first with the release of offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates and now the trading of quarterback Jay Cutler.

The popular sentiment at the moment amongst Bronco fans has to be "I can't believe it went this far." Well believe it Mile High faithful, because Cutler is packing his bags and well on his way to the windy city.


It took the Broncos new hire just 56 days to disrupt the harmony in the team's locker room and cause quite a stir with the alleged trade rumors involving the team's former first round pick. When the Broncos entertained the idea of trading Cutler for Cassel this would evidently mark the end of Cutler and McDaniel's working relationship.

It has become quite apparent that team owner Pat Bowlen has decided to stick to his guns and fully support his unproven and quite naive new head coach. It's already been well documented of McDaniels mishandling of the infamous Cutler-for-Cassel deal and his attempts to reconcile with the ego-bruised quarterback. The last insult to injury is now the apparent trading of Cutler to Chicago.

The amazing part of all this, when Shanahan was fired it seemed the big issues in Denver were all about the defense. Consequently the team’s defensive coordinator was terminated to no surprise. Many football fans and experts questioned the hire of McDaniels, considered another offensive genius, since so much had been made about the Broncos poor defense.

McDaniels had seemed to put some of that concern to rest with some of his offseason moves and signings, but definitely the thought in Denver had to be the offense was good to go and did not need any changes, so much for thinking outside of McDaniel’s circle. About one month ago he considered the move and today the Broncos decided to follow his lead and trade quarterback Jay Cutler.

So where do the Broncos go now? It seems from so close to the "Penthouse," there are now closer to becoming residents of the "outhouse." What happened to the Broncos and what's wrong in Denver?

If this trade goes through and Cutler signs with Chicago, it would seem that the Broncos have taken major strides in the wrong direction, or at least that would be the impression. Bowlen sure has put a lot of faith in the kid that just traded his pro bowl quarterback away. Three months ago, you could not have paid me to believe any of this could happen, so much for going in another direction, eh Pat?

(Photo by John Leyba/Denver Post)

...but, if there is light at the end of the tunnel, and I'm not sure too many of us can see quite that far, McDaniels is supposed to be an offensive genius. Well it looks like he'll have to earn his keep in 2009 with quarterback Kyle Orton under center. Orton has never had impressive passing numbers in Chicago, but he has won. That's a good sign.

In Denver he'll have a full complement of weapons and if the defense can get better and continue to improve, the long term plan for the Broncos could be waiting for them on Draft day. With two first round picks, it very conceivable that the team could trade up in this year’s draft and go get its future. Many believe at number 12, the team could be in position to select USC quarterback Mark Sanchez.

On Wednesday Sanchez had a very impressive Pro-Day and could very well have raised his stock level significantly, so much that waiting for him at number 12 could be too late. There is a lot wrong with Denver at the moment, but if McDaniels proves to be as good as advertised the Broncos could be working on a fix that many will learn of come draft day on April 25.

What's Blogging....

With the block-buster trade of Cutler-to-Chicago hitting all the news wires Thursday afternoon, there was just as much buzz about the deal on many blog sites throughout the day. In reading "Bronco Madness" there seems to be an optimistic approach about the trade, although I am not ready to jump on this train, I'll keep an open mind. It's very apparent that there aren't too many Bears fans upset about this shocking news today. I received a text from a friend and bear-fan, "Cutler is a Bear, hell f**ken yeah!" Apparently "Gridiron Goddess" shares the same sentiment writing "I AM STOKED!!!!!" I didn't even know she was a Bears fan. "Football by Barbie" had this to add "I guess the Broncos aren't too worried about winning this year. Orton? C'mon seriously?!"

Taking a quick break from today's football shattering news, trying to get his name back into the mainstream, according to "NFL Gridiron Gab" Arizona's wide receiver Anquan Boldin was making it known once again his wish to leave the desert. It seems Bolding fancy’s the Sunshine State. In "Draft Insiders' Digest" the recent post profiling NFL quarterback prospect Mark Sanchez, just reaffirms my belief why the Broncos should use their newly acquired picks to snatch this young strong-armed talent.

Continuing to follow the major story of the day, I was reading "Pro Football 101" and found their prediction of the Broncos being set back five years from contending and McDaniels out in three to be entertaining. While this remains to be seen, one stat to note, Mangini, Crennel, and Weiss have not exactly enjoyed great success since leaving the Belichik camp.

As long as these sites keep scribbling, I will keep reading and enjoying them and hope that you will too!

Check back for more "Tuesday Football Talk."



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