The New England Patriots, generally regarded as the best team in the blocking-and-tackling business, have scored 15 touchdowns and attempted four field goals going into tonight’s game at Cincinnati.
The Broncos? They’ve played one more game than the Pats and have scored seven touchdowns and attempted 11 field goals.
No, that’s not all you need to know, but it’s enough. If you know the difference between a football and a foot massage, you know there’s no future in settling for field goals.
Things reached a boiling point Sunday at Indy, where the Broncos knew they had to score touchdowns to keep pace with the Men of Manning, only to twice walk away with field goals. After the game, Jay Cutler was asked once again about the team’s inability to reach the end zone.
“You’re asking the wrong person,” Cutler said. “I run what’s called.”
What does that comment tell us? At the very least, Cutler is frustrated by the play-calling in the red zone. And make no doubt, he’s already sick and tired of being asked about it.
October just arrived and Cutler has made all of nine career starts. How’s he going to feel in December if the Broncos’ red-zone problems haven’t gone away?
If they haven’t by then, the Broncos won’t have to worry about winning their final game to make the playoffs, as they did in 2006. If they don’t start scoring touchdowns, their season will be long gone by December.
Follow Jim Armstrong’s Broncos commentaries every weekday on The Jimmy Page at 7 a.m. and noon. And read his Third & Short column on Sundays and the day after Broncos games.
Staff writer Jim Armstrong can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
