Seattle at Denver
6:15 p.m., Invesco Field at Mile High
KUSA-9, KOA 850 AM and KBNO 1280 AM (Spanish)
Latest line: Broncos by 4
OVERVIEW
Cutler’s time
Jay Cutler is the last of three rookie quarterbacks taken in the first round of the NFL draft to debut, so everyone wants to see what he can do. Everyone wants to see if Cutler’s presence will spark the Broncos and help them rebound and make a push toward the AFC playoffs.
That’s Cutler’s task beginning tonight in prime time against Seattle at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said he decided to bench 10-season veteran Jake Plummer in favor of Cutler last week because he thinks the rookie can lead the team to the playoffs.
After back-to-back losses to AFC West contenders San Diego and Kansas City, the Broncos have fallen from a team with designs on a first-round playoff bye to a team clinging to a wild-card spot.
Denver has problems on both sides of the ball, but Shanahan says Cutler, the No. 11 pick in draft, can help straighten out the team.
“Jay has a strong arm, and he can make plays,” said wide receiver Javon Walker, Cutler’s top weapon. “It’s up to all of us to make things happen.”
OPEN UP THE PLAYBOOK
Cutler: Fire up “O”
The Broncos offense might improve simply because the coaching staff will become less conservative. Yes, it sounds strange that a rookie would have more license than a seasoned veteran, but it was clear the offense was handcuffed by design with Jake Plummer at the helm. The offense was dialed back this season, and the team was struggling in its drop-back passing game.
With Jay Cutler in the game, expect to see more pocket passing, more use of the tight ends, then, if things open up, more reliance on the running game. Expect a more complex offensive attack today. The Cutler era begins with a bang.
FINALLY STOP THE RUN
Slow Shaun
The Broncos’ defense, the strength of the team, has been dying lately. It has been death by the run. Maybe Jay Cutler can keep the Denver offense on the field more, cutting down on three-and-out drives and giving the defense a rest.
In the past two games, San Diego’s LaDainian Tomlinson and Kansas City’s Larry Johnson ran right through the Broncos. Now, Denver has to deal with Shaun Alexander, who ran for 201 yards against Green Bay on Monday night.
“It’s another tough task,” Broncos safety John Lynch said. “But we have to find a way.”
USE THE YOUNGSTERS
Eye familiar faces
Expect the Broncos to use big doses of rookie tight end Tony Scheffler along with wide receivers Brandon Marshall and David Kircus. These are players with whom Cutler built a strong chemistry during training camp and in practices during the season. As backups, they played a lot together. All three have had spurts of good play but have struggled at times.
Cutler will be looking for these guys. Yes, the game will be won with Javon Walker and Rod Smith making catches and Tatum Bell on the ground, but Scheffler, Marshall and Kircus can contribute as well.
