Denver Post staff writer Bill Williamson posts his Broncos Mailbag each Tuesday during the 2006 NFL season on DenverPost.com.
To drop a question into the Broncos Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .
Starting Jay Cutler at home against Seattle was a mistake. Jake Plummer hadn’t played as bad all year as Jay did Sunday night. What was with the play calling? I was under the impression that playing Cutler was designed to open the playbook.
— Brad Jahn, Bend, Ore.
That’s easy to say now, Brad. There are going to be growing pains. That was clear when the move was made. It’s not all going to be great. But this was a move that was made for now and the future.
As for the playbook, Denver coach Mike Shanahan alluded that maybe too much was put in, pointing out the play on which Cutler threw the interception that was returned for a touchdown. It was clear the running game was a big part of the playbook as well. That’s the ideal plan in Denver. The run sets up the pass, and at points, it worked.
I understand the five turnovers were huge, but we were right in the game at home vs. Seattle. I hate to say it again, but no pass rush, no win. Jay Cutler had nowhere near the time that Matt Hasselbeck did.
— Clay, Olney Springs
Clay – Cutler had problems partly because the Broncos’ offensive line is not as strong as it was due to injuries. But as far as Denver’s pass rush, it was not there. It has struggled for much of the season. This will be one of the first things addressed in the offseason.
What was the deal with the fake field-goal attempt against the Seahawks on Sunday? Was Jason Elam supposed to run out of bounds to stop the clock?
— Jim, Littleton
Jim – Both Shanahan and Elam said they thought it was going for a long gain, possibly a touchdown. Shanahan credited former Denver cornerback Kelly Herndon for sniffing out the play.
Am I the only one who thinks the blue home pants are bad luck?
— Tanner, Assaria, Kan.
Probably not anymore, Tanner.
Now that Jay Cutler has taken over at QB, do you think a youth movement will sweep the Broncos? Is it the last year for older guys like Rod Smith, Tom Nalen and John Lynch?
— Duane, Lee’s Summit, Mo.
Yes, Duane, in some ways. I think you’ll see more of receiver Brandon Marshall and tight end Tony Scheffler. These guys are comfortable with Cutler and will get more playing time. As for this being the last year for Smith, Nalen and Lynch, no, I don’t think so. I think each of these players will be back in 2007.
Would you agree that the Broncos basically have a 50-50 chance of going to the playoffs this year with Jay Cutler?
— CJ, Colorado
CJ – There is a logjam of teams at 7-5. So, 50-50 might be charitable. If Denver wins three of its next four games, it should be in. But the Broncos have to start winning now.
With Nick Ferguson and Sam Brandon both going down in our secondary, are there any options available in the free-agent market that we have tried out?
— Karl, Webster, Mass.
Karl – There’s nothing out there. The Broncos like young players Curome Cox and Hamza Abdullah better than anyone who is currently on the street.
I think your estimate of Jake Plummer missing 4-5 plays a game is a little conservative. That would be my estimate of third-down plays missed.
— R. T., Trinidad
Can’t a guy by nice once in a while, R.T. You’re right; there may have been more missed plays by Plummer.
You really should have pointed out to that guy who asked about George Foster that there’s no way Foster would bring anything close to a first- or second-round pick. That is ludicrous. Foster likely could not fetch a fifth-round pick.
— Kas, Los Angeles
Kas – I spent most of my time explaining that Foster will likely be cut rather than traded. That is still the case. You’re right; he wouldn’t get much in return in a trade. Great players don’t command much in trades in the NFL.
In seeing one of the coaches last week wearing a suit – I don’t remember which – the announcers said that they are only allowed to wear suits two times a year. Is the NFL that bent on marketing? Personally, I thought the look of the leader dressed to the nines was a good look.
— Dan, Saratoga, N.Y.
Dan – Mike Nolan of San Francisco and Jack Del Rio of Jacksonville wore the suits in a special admission by the league. Yes, the NFL loves marketing. This league is built on cash, and that philosophy works. The league is a cash cow, and it will always be.
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, .
