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 .
Do you think Jay Cutler is the answer?
— Bill Riddle, Rocky Mount, N.C.
Way to get right to the heart of things, Bill. I don’t think Cutler is the complete answer, as I don’t think Jake Plummer has been the entire problem. But I do believe Cutler can provide Denver with a spark. That could be enough for the team to right the ship. The problem with Plummer is that he missed 4-5 plays a game. Cutler will have a chance to make those plays. That could be the difference.
It looks like Jay Cutler will be the starting QB. What will happen to Jake Plummer? Will he be released, traded or a backup?
— Ron, Reno, Nev.
Ron – For the rest of the season, Plummer will be the backup. He’ll play again if Cutler gets hurt. But that should be it.
It’s conceivable that Plummer can return next season as a backup, but it’s highly unlikely. Plummer will likely get a chance to start elsewhere next season. The most likely scenario: Plummer is released; Denver doesn’t owe him any more guaranteed money; and he’ll likely be cut. The team could seek to trade him, but there likely won’t be a big market. So expect him to be cut in February.
Plummer’s release will be a hit to the salary cap. Still, it will cost much less to cut him than trade him, further making it the more likely mode of departure. If Plummer is cut, it will count $2.8 million against the 2007 salary cap. If Denver trades Plummer, it’ll count $8.56 million against the cap.
With a Jay Cutler start against Seattle, I see Denver picking up a wild card and playing at New England or Baltimore. Tough but winnable games.
— Tony Ellsworth, Papillion, Neb.
You’re on the right track, Tony. With Denver being two games behind San Diego with five games remaining, it seems like Denver’s playoff hopes are as a wild card. And it likely will play at either New England or Baltimore in the first round. Denver has beaten both teams this season, so it won’t be sacred if it has to face either team in January.
I have lived in Denver for the last eight years, and I never cease to be amazed at how negative the fans get after the Broncos have a run of bad luck. The fans and sports personalities become so negative with their comments. Being a Viking fan, I would love to have a team that was 7-4. It seems success has really spoiled the fans (my wife included). Why can’t the fans be thankful and be more positive in their support?
— Doug, Littleton
You’re right, Doug, there are high expectations here. I have noticed that in my two-plus years here. Every game Denver loses, it seems like the world is going to end here. There’s good and bad with those expectations. But you can’t take away the fact that fans here are passionate, and that counts for a lot.
Can you get Bronco autographs at practice?
— Rudy, Denver
Only in training camp, Rudy, when practices are open to the public. Certain players are designated to sign autographs after those workouts. During the season, the practices are closed to the public.
It seems to me the biggest problem with the defense is that the offense leaves the D on the field for most of the game, especially in the second half. I think the defense would look a lot better if the Broncos had more of those 5-plus-minute, pounding drives they’ve used to dominate time of possession in the past.
— Dave, Centerville, Utah
Dave – That’s a big part of it. This defense gives up longer drives, but often it simply allows field goals. But after a long drive, often, the Denver offense responds by going three plays and out, forcing the weary defense to get back on the field. That is one of the reasons why Cutler is on his way: To keep Denver’s offense on the field more and give the defense more of a rest.
Why is no one talking about Paul Ernster? Since the Broncos cut Todd Sauerbrun, Ernster has played terrible. He lacks hang time on his kickoffs and punts. What are the chances the Broncos bring back Sauerbrun?
— Trey, Denver
Trey – Ernster has had his poor moments, but he actually kicked pretty well the past two games. Don’t confuse Denver’s special-teams problems as Ernster’s problems. The biggest issue is the coverage units. As for Sauerbrun, if Ernster does struggle, Sauerbrun could come back. But right now, it’s Ernster’s job, and he is doing a decent job.
With the pass rush dead as of late, and limited receptions by our tight ends, does anyone in the organization feel like the team made a mistake in releasing Trevor Pryce and Jeb Putzier?
— Aron Snyder, Denver
Aron – If there was a mistake, I would lean more toward Pryce. He has been solid for the Ravens. Putzier isn’t doing much in Houston and is in danger of being released again in the offseason.
What is the status of the next round of inductees into the Broncos’ Ring of Fame?
— Bob Binder, Colorado Springs
Bob – Terrell Davis leads the way. He’s a slam dunk. It will become official next summer, perhaps as Davis prepares to go into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. . The final voting will be in February.
Do you believe it’s time to trade George Foster? I believe he would be better on a team that asks less of him, and he could bring a high draft pick – first round or second round.
— DCBronco, Washington
Foster won’t be able to be traded until the offseason when the trade market opens. I do believe that if Erik Pears continues to play well at left tackle and Matt Lepsis fully recovers as expected, Pears could be moved to right tackle. That would likely mean Foster would be traded or released.
Do you think Jason Elam has a chance to join the Ring of Fame. He has been a Bronco 14 seasons with a field-goal percentage around 80 percent through his career. He has always been a class act and one of my favorite players. What’s your take on Elam joining the Ring?
— Troy Martinez, Pueblo
I’d say he’s a sure bet, Troy. His numbers have been great. He’s won two Super Bowls. He’s tied an NFL record. He’s won numerous games. And he’s a class act. A definite choice.
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, .
