Broncos report: Long road for Cutler

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Denis Poroy / Associated Press

Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler, sacked by the Chargers' Clinton Hart on Monday, says he's feeling the grind of a full season, especially in his right knee.

David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Broncos tight end Daniel Graham, troubled by a left ankle injury, didn't practice Wednesday.

Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler has discovered the 16-game NFL regular season to be the grind it was advertised to be.

Cutler, who has a sore right knee, did only limited work in practice Wednesday. He is expected to practice today and the remainder of the week and said he also expects to start Sunday against the Vikings.

But he said his body has told him the difference between his five starts last season compared with being the starter this season all the way through training camp and 15 regular-season starts thus far.

"It's a long season," Cutler said. "Last year, I got to sit and watch a little bit. This year was my first year since college - it was long, mentally and physically."

Cutler said he was "worn down" and described the knee, which he injured against Houston, as a "little banged up."

He had a magnetic resonance imaging exam on the knee in the days after the loss to the Houston, but when asked if it was a serious enough injury to require offseason surgery he said "no."

Memory lane

Broncos defensive end Tim Crowder, having played for the University of Texas, has a little better feel than most on the Broncos defense about what to expect from Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson.

Crowder has been watching Peterson play since 2004, Peterson's freshman year at Oklahoma. Peterson ran for 225 yards on 32 carries against Texas in 2004, when he was a true freshman.

"I would say don't take it for granted, don't think just because he's a rookie he can't do some things . . . he's a grown man, he was a grown man then," Crowder said. "I was one of the guys who underestimated him his freshman year. He put 225 on us. I know what he's made of.

"He's got the size, the speed, the cutting ability. If he sees a defensive back or a linebacker, he might try to juke one time, but mostly he's going to try to run you over."

Peterson leads the NFC with 1,305 rushing yards. He was the Vikings' first-round pick - seventh overall - in April's draft. He has six 100-yard games this season and two 200-yard games, including an NFL single-game record 296 yards against the Chargers on Nov. 4.

No health concerns now

Some scouts were concerned before the draft that Peterson had dislocated his left shoulder twice in 2004 and had fractured his left collarbone in 2006.

"But he looks like the same old guy to me, same one I always saw," Crowder said. "He's just healthy (now)."

Added Vikings coach Brad Childress: "He's added that explosive component to our team. . . . He can change angles and run for you."

Another punter booted

For the second time in two weeks, the Broncos have released their punter.

Last week, it was Todd Sauerbrun who was released. Wednesday, it was Paul Ernster.

Ernster, the Broncos' 2005 seventh-round pick, was waived after a one-game return to replace Sauerbrun.

Ernster's difficult night in San Diego on Monday included punts of 17, 33, 31 and 38 yards. He had one 59-yard effort that was downed at the Chargers 1-yard line in the first quarter.

When asked Wednesday who would punt Sunday, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said, "Me."

The Broncos will work out several punters today, but Shanahan left open the possibility kicker Jason Elam could punt if the team doesn't see what it wants in the workouts.

Former Broncos punter Tom Rouen and Chris Gardocki are veterans who remain unsigned. They worked out for Arizona last month with Mitch Berger, whom the Cardinals elected to sign.

Former Adams State punter Jeff Williams, who was with the Broncos in the 2006 offseason, and Tyler Frederickson, who was with the team that spring, also are unsigned.

Former Shepherd University punter Ricky Schmitt, who went to training camp with the Cardinals and recently had a workout for Seattle, and former Penn State punter Jeremy Kapinos also are available.

Etc.

* Safety John Lynch was named the winner of the first Darrent Williams Good Guy Award, which is presented by the Denver chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America. The award will be given annually. "For John Lynch to get the first one is well deserved," Shanahan said.

* The Vikings, who lost to Washington on Sunday night, practiced for the first time this week.

Injury report

Tight end Daniel Graham (left ankle), linebacker Ian Gold (right knee) and receiver Brandon Stokley (left knee) did not practice .

Graham, who was held out of practice last week, played Monday night before leaving the game after reaggravating the injury.

Stokley and Gold did not play Monday.

Receiver Javon Walker, who was limping in practice, was limited.

For the Vikings, backup linebacker Vinny Ciurciu (ankle) and defensive tackle Pat Williams (knee) did not practice.

Cornerback Antoine Winfield (chest/shoulder), who did not play Sunday against the Redskins, was limited.

Numbers game

3 times the Broncos have faced the Vikings in Shanahan's tenure as Denver coach. The Broncos are 1-2 in those three games, 0-1 in the only one played in Denver in that span - a 23-20 Vikings win in 1999.

He said it

"It's the hardest season I've had since I've been coaching. No question about that. That's part of this game, you've got to work through it, and each week you get ready to tee it up again and, hopefully, we can do better this weekend than last weekend."

Shanahan, on the difficulty of this season

"We're a better football team this year than we were in '99."

Shanahan, on why this one has been more difficult

The few, the proud

The Vikings, who are No. 1 in the NFL against the run this season, have allowed teams fewer than 60 rushing yards in a game six times this season. Only five opponents have gained more than 80.

Rush Date Team yards Top rusher (yards)

Sept. 9 Atlanta 96 Warrick Dunn (55)

Oct. 14 Chicago 83 Cedric Benson (67)

Oct. 21 Dallas 128 Marion Barber (96)

Nov. 11 Green Bay 120 Ryan Grant (119)

Dec. 23 Wash. 106 Clinton Portis (76)

legwoldj@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2359

• December 26, 2007

  11:11 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  joeblow writes:

  Yeah, it's the punter! Paul Ernster totally orchestrated this debacle and he needs to pay for it! First, he slyly and coyly stays off the roster as the team pulls the rug out from the Bills and the Raiders with last-second miracles. (Now he's got 'em right where he wants 'em.) Again, by remaining out of sight and without a contract, and with the team buoyed with a 2-0 record, he slowly turns the screws and implants thoughts into Mike Shanahan's head: Let Brett Favre use a single play to beat the Broncos in overtime---in a nationally televised game. Carefully, skillfully allow the Lions to pulverize the team on Thanksgiving Day. Lull the Chargers into a false sense of security by letting them win by 34 points. And it doesn't stop there!!!
  By using a form of the Vulcan mind-melding technique, he causes the coach to kick to Bears return man, Devon Hester. Viola!!! Two punt returns for touchdowns---not to mention overcoming a 14 point lead in the fourth quarter. And, in one of many coups de grace moves, let the Texans kick the (fill in the blank) out of them (again on national television).
  That Ernster fellow is one clever sumbitch! Thank goodness he's gone. Without him, the Broncos can salvage pride and a 50/50 shot at ending the season on a winning note. Incidentally, what's the line on Sunday?
  Bottom line: Paul Ernster must be stopped!!!!!

• December 26, 2007

  11:54 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Onefold76 writes:

  Hold on Joe...
  You're right, this whole season has been MASTER MINDED by Paul Ernster. I can't beleive I couldn't see it! I was going to blame it on Shanahan (the GM) and the fact he has given Bates exactly one-half of a safety on the roster (John Lynch), only one corner on the roster (Champ), a middle linebacker who shouldn't be playing there (D.J.) and no other linebackers that are better than special teams players, and exactly one...that's right...one defensive linemen who can rush the passer in Elvis (sorry Jarvis Moss you showed nothing while you were healthy). Yeah! That Ernster is a "sumbitch"! He (Ernster) is also responsible for hiring a fool to coach special teams, and stocking the cover teams with j-holes who couldn't tackle.
  I've looked into it...the only way to stop this mad man Ernster...Silver bullet, baby (not the beer).

  By the way opening line Vikings by 3. Here in the house "we must protect".

• December 26, 2007

  3:16 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  misterbigge writes:

  Joe, stop it already. I am not a fan of sarcasm but I couldn't stop laffing at your post. Too funny. Now that the fall guy has been identified, Bowlen can give Shanahan more control of team operations. Yikes! My mind just flashed back to the Broncos season and all of a sudden it's very, very quiet in here again. I wonder if that punter revolving door is wide enought to let in a 'washed up' linebacker. Al we still love you man.

• December 26, 2007

  5:35 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  KSbroncofan writes:

  misterbiggie, are you serious about Al? I would think he is making too much money with another team he singlehandedly carried to the Superbowl to ever want to come back to the Broncos

• December 26, 2007

  5:39 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  KSbroncofan writes:

  Onefold76, Are you the same Onefold76 who coaches a pro football team or maybe you are the general manager? Naw, maybe an assistant with a pro team? No, well maybe you are a player making stellar, he man studly plays? Are you even a guy who got cut in preseason somewhere? Do you even go to games? Maybe you can give us your credentials.

• December 26, 2007

  6:49 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Cutler6 writes:

  KSbroncofan, yea I am serious bring back Al and while your at it bring back Gradishar and Mecklenberg also, then we would have a pro bowl linebacker corp. Seriously all, I loved Gradishar,Mecklenberg and Al too, but realistically, their human beings like the rest of us and get old and hurt (especially since the play a very ruff and violent sport). Hey, I got a better idea, instead of bring back the broncos 25 year reuion all-american team, let's draft some talent in this years draft, who are still young enough and less injured to play. Brilliant.

• December 27, 2007

  11:24 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  jkoswan writes:

  Perhaps it is time for Mike to go, how is it that you fire Larry Coyer and hire a "defensive mastermind" in Jim Bates and go from mediocre to pathetic on defense? Mike is responsible for the team and the staff, he does the hiring and makes the player decisions. The game has passed him by. Bye Bye Mike

• December 27, 2007

  2:16 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  brewster6308 writes:

  You guys are funny

• December 27, 2007

  5:30 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  coach writes:

  Shananhan should hold himself to the same standards he does his players...If that were the case he would have been gone after the first game. how many time do we have to here him say that he got out coached and that he didnt get his players ready to play .. now that the coach I want coaching for me. what a joke he has become.

• December 27, 2007

  5:36 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  coach writes:

  One more thing : Denvers o-line has not been good since ALex GIbbs left. Rick Dennison is a joke as well. Can someone please name me one good coach Denver does have....Shanahan can not judge coaching talent either... how sad

• December 27, 2007

  7:40 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Donkyz writes:

  Cutler needs a lot of work.. period...kind of not happy with his play this year even though this was his first full year. I don't see a team captian in him at this moment. He kinda rememinds me of Greise as he sits by himself all the time. Honestly I think we need to draft another qb in the draft. Also Cutler has not been trusted to throw the ball far down the field. His int's are way up. Needs to put a lot of work in the off time this year and get it together. Oh get rid of the backup qb we have, he is worthless.