Denver Post staff writer Bill Williamson posts his Broncos Mailbag each Tuesday during the 2006 NFL season on DenverPost.com, which earned distinction for its online-exclusive series of Mailbags at this year’s Colorado AP Reporters and Editors Awards.
To drop a question into the Broncos Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .
I heard rumors that the Broncos organization has already informed Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer that he will not be back next year. Can this possibly be true? While I believe that Jay Cutler is the future for the Broncos at the quarterback position, I also believe in playing the best man for the job.
— Seth, Lancaster, Pa.
Seth – Rumors seem to be the story of this city. Last week, there were rumors that Cutler had a blown-out rotator cuff, and now there is a rumor he’s “the guy.” Listen, the Broncos want Jake to succeed. Why would they tell him something like that? What if this 5-1 start turns into a Super Bowl run? Yes, Plummer is likely in his final season in Denver. We’ve known this essentially since Cutler was selected. But there has been no final decision.
I am a big Jake Plummer fan, and it hurts me to see him not doing so well. What do you think is going to happen to Jake in a couple of weeks if this keeps up?
— Ben Fleishman, Vernon Hills, Ill.
Ben – If Plummer struggles and the team loses the next couple of games, it is very plausible that Plummer is benched in favor of rookie Jay Cutler. But don’t expect this to happen before the game at Oakland on Nov. 12. Plummer would have to be the reason for losses to the Colts and the Steelers for it to happen.
Let the mentally challenged begin the Jake Plummer bashing – I have a question about the fourth quarter at Cleveland. Through three quarters, Jake was sharp while throwing 15 different routes. Then the fourth quarter rolls around, and I counted 10 consecutive slants. Any defense in the world is going to catch on to that. Why did the passing game suddenly shrink to running a single route, and only running it on third down?
— Brad Jahn, Bend, Ore.
Good point, Brad, and good scouting. I think at that point, with a 17-0 lead, Denver was just trying to get it over with and go home with a 5-1 record.
Has Jake Plummer lost his security blanket? Last year we had 60 receptions for 580 yards with three TDs from the tight ends. As of now we have seven receptions for 72 and no TDs.
— Artie Mensing, East Hanover, N.J.
Artie – I do think the entire offense isn’t working at a high level. The lack of production from the tight ends is just part of it. Remember, the tight ends are staying in and blocking a lot. Expect the tight ends to do so even more now that star left tackle Matt Lepsis is out for the season with a torn ACL in his right knee. But you’re right, the tight end is a weapon in this offense. And it’s a weapon that isn’t being utilized much at all.
The Broncos are now 5-1. We are dominating on defense. Yet all I hear is that we need to score more points. Why? If we score 13 points a game and win the Super Bowl, what does it matter?
— Chris, Lakewood
Great, great point, Chris. But you know, brother, that’s the way it is. If it were reverse, it’d be the same deal. Let’s say Denver was averaging 35 points a game, while giving up an average of 30 points a game with a 5-1 record. All the talk would then be about the sieve-like defense. We’re humans, Chris; we have to complain about something.
Could Denver’s incredible defense be the cause of the poor showing on the offensive side of the ball? Is the defense dominating the offense all week at practice, not allowing the “O” to get into a rhythm or establish any momentum that it could build on and take into the game?
— Jack Pittman, Denver
Jack – Maybe the “rhythm” part a tad. But that just seems to be a product of a great situation. If this is truly the issue, I think the Broncos could live with it.
It was interesting to read recently that Jake Plummer joins the defense at the unit’s weekly dinners. Does the offense meet for weekly dinners or participate in any regular social activities as a group?
— Bryna Idler, Nelson, British Columbia
Bryna – Several units have regular dinners. This is a very close-knit group. Since I’ve been in Denver (2004), I’ve been impressed by the locker-room dynamics and how well people get along.
Do you think Jake Plummer has forgotten about Rod Smith?
— John, Brookhaven, Pa.
John – Smith showed up big in Cleveland. I think both Plummer and Smith would take six catches a game by No. 80.
What is with the Broncos wearing the blue-on-blue uniforms (not that I don’t like the results)? I understood that Mike Shanahan was not a big fan of them, or maybe it was just my stomach curdling at the site of them.
— Justin T., Newcastle, Wyo.
Justin – Denver is 2-0 with the blue pants. I’d bet you might see them again later in the season.
Of the games remaining, which game do you think will be the one where the wheels come off the Broncos’ wagon? I think it will be the Indy game. The Broncos have had a very favorable schedule thus far. I don’t see them making it to more than 8-8. Your thoughts?
— Tom, Boulder
Thoughts? Got plenty, Tom. You see this team going 3-7 the rest of the way. Really? While I can go on and on with this topic, I will stop with two points.
The Broncos have three teams with winning records, one with a .500 mark and two teams with losing records. Three of their opponents are in first place. So, this has not been an easy slate. Denver’s opponents have combined for a record of 18-18. Indianapolis’ opponents have combined for a record of 15-22.
Finally, when was the last time this team has been in danger of losing? Halftime of the Kansas City game. It’s been 18 quarters since this team has been in trouble. The Broncos have won four straight games by double-digits. Sure, things aren’t perfect, but this team is not a joke.
Is Brandon Marshall still running ahead of David Kircus? It seems that Kircus is a real playmaker, while Marshall hasn’t yet caught his stride. Your thoughts?
— Damon, Albuquerque, N.M.
Damon – The Broncos were very pleased to see Marshall arrive with two big plays in Cleveland. I think the No. 3 job is Marshall’s as long as he can continue to deliver.
I heard from a friend that Jake Plummer grows his beard as a way of remembering former teammate Pat Tillman. Is there any truth to that rumor? I know he was previously told that he couldn’t wear Tillman’s number and had said he’d find his own way to honor him.
— Matt, Los Angeles
Yes, Matt, it’s true. Plummer said that last year. Plummer didn’t make a big deal of it. But this was his very personal tribute to his close friend.
Bill Williamson is in his third season as a Denver Post NFL beat reporter. To drop a question into his Broncos Mailbag, which runs each Tuesday of the 2006 NFL season, .
