No running game, both defensive captains watching from the sideline, and a 13-point deficit on the road. It didn’t look like a recipe for the Broncos’ most dramatic comeback of the season, but that’s how it turned out.
It wasn’t just that it happened, it’s what it signified. As ugly as things have been in recent weeks — for the past two-plus years, for that matter — the Broncos of 2008 haven’t quit.
And who helped them rediscover their lost resolve? Jay Cutler. I’m not talking about how he played in Thursday night’s come-from-behind, 34-30 win at Cleveland. I’m talking about how he interacted with his teammates in the days preceding the game.
Cutler sent a text message to Brandon Marshall a few days before the game to suggest the two get back to their dominating ways on offense. Last time I checked, the technical term for that was leadership.
The challenge is to keep it up. The Broncos have been wildly inconsistent this season. If they’re going to become a legitimate playoff contender, they have to bring it week after week.
But more than anything, they need Cutler and Marshall to be on top of their games. It’s not all about those two, but don’t kid yourself. It’s largely about those two.
The Broncos need them to become a passing combination that rivals Montana and Rice or Manning and Harrison. They have that kind of ability. But it has to manifest itself on Sundays for the Broncos to become a special team.
Jim Armstrong: 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com
