Cutler's plan working to perfection
Preseason interception dearth spurs good feelings
By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published August 24, 2008 at 7:25 p.m.
Doug Pensinger © Getty
Broncos starting quarterback Jay Cutler had a stellar preseason throwing for 352 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions while also rushing for a score. Cutler isn't slated to play in Denver's final preseason game vs. Arizona on Friday.
CLICK TO ENLARGE: A look a how Jay Cutler's preseason numbers stack up against other starting QBs have who haven't thrown an interception.
Drew on the NFL
Scores and statistics
- Broncos statistics
- Broncos schedule
- Broncos roster
- Broncos depth chart
- NFL scoreboard
- AFC standings
- NFC standings
Broncos inbox
*Time is Mountain. Home games in CAPS.
Preseason (1-2)
Date Result W-L
Aug. 9 TEXANS 19, Broncos 16 0-1
Aug. 16 BRONCOS 23, Cowboys 13 1-1
Aug. 22 Packers 27, BRONCOS 24 1-2
Date Opponent Time TV
Friday at Arizona 8 p.m. CBS 4
Three games, 43 passes thrown, 79 plays run, and Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler came away with nothing in his preseason's work.
And that is exactly the total he wanted.
As in no interceptions, no fumbles and no sacks.
"Look, I don't want to jinx him or anything, because he's playing at such a high level, but people have to understand, sometimes preseason is all about mistakes," Broncos backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey said. "You don't get that many plays, usually everybody is tired from camp and there isn't a whole lot of game-planning to get people free the way you want.
"So it's rare, just very rare. It's not something you see a lot in the situations you're in during the preseason, that's for sure. I'm really excited about the way he's playing; I think we all are."
Cutler, who, like almost all the Broncos regulars, won't be slated to play in the preseason finale Friday night in Phoenix, finished his preseason work Friday night against the Packers. In three games, he directed 10 offensive possessions.
The Broncos scored five touchdowns and one field goal on those possessions, including on all three first-half possessions against the Packers. The two-touchdown, one-field goal total against the Packers included a 16-play, 99-yard drive that chewed up 8 minutes, 29 seconds of the second quarter.
"I'm happy with that," Cutler said. "That's kind of the biggest thing, not turning the ball over. Sometimes you're going to get tipped (passes) and things like that . . . but I'm happy with that, that's kind of the goal."
Despite a 1-for-7 start against Green Bay, Cutler went 30-for-43 passing overall (69.8 percent) for 352 yards and three touchdowns in the preseason. Cutler also rushed for a touchdown.
Winning the rating game
His passer rating was an atmospheric 117.6, and of the league's starters, only New Orleans' Drew Brees has a better rating (124.0) after three preseason games. And Brees is the only starter with a higher yards-per-attempt average, 8.4, than Cutler's 8.2.
Anything around 8 yards per attempt usually will put a quarterback among the league leaders in the regular season and usually is indicative of an offense putting pressure on secondaries.
"And here's the thing: I think people can recognize how well he's playing, but you have to see the guys in front of him, they're doing a tremendous job, giving him time to throw, and guys are making plays when the ball's in the air," Ramsey said. "But I think everybody's got the feeling when they look at him in the huddle (that) we're going to be able to move the ball.
"As a quarterback, that's what you want."
But taking care of the ball has been at the forefront of what the Broncos have done with Cutler in the offseason. Beyond simply getting the 25-year-old healthy and accustomed to what will be a lifelong, day-to-day battle with Type 1 diabetes, the Broncos also continue to work on his game.
Cutler's arm strength -- he has one of the most powerful arms in the league -- gives him an almost unshakable belief he can fit the ball in almost anywhere well down the field. But opposing personnel executives, having reviewed video of Cutler during the past two seasons, believe defenses simply will keep dropping more players deeper into coverage to take away what Cutler has wanted to do most.
Some deep trouble
In Cutler's first two seasons on the field, they are trying to use that desire against him. That is a reason why his interception rate last season -- 3.0 percent of his attempts in his first full year as a starter -- was higher than those of Tom Brady's 1.4 percent, Peyton Manning's 2.7 and Brees' 2.8.
Recent Broncos history shows that when Jake Plummer cut his interception total to seven in 2005, 13 below the previous season, the Broncos advanced to the AFC Championship Game despite having only one offensive player, wide receiver Rod Smith, selected to the Pro Bowl.
But Broncos coach Mike Shanahan and quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates have spent a great deal of time this offseason working to get Cutler to look at the underneath receivers -- the running backs and tight ends -- to force defenses to adjust.
The idea being that when the Broncos complete enough of the short to intermediate passes, when they pile up enough first downs, at least one of the safeties will have to move toward the line of scrimmage and the big plays down the field will present themselves.
"Honestly, it's a good problem to have," Shanahan said. "You have a guy - he's like John (Elway) that way -- who doesn't worry about his percentages all the time, his stats, who believes he can do it, wants to do it and has the arm strength to do it. So, you work to use the whole field and see the opportunities that will come because of that."
There also was the matter of fumbles. Cutler tied for the AFC lead, with Raiders quarterback Josh McCown and Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, with 11 fumbles last season.
Some came on mis-timed center-to-quarterback exchanges, some came from hits in the pocket.
"You always want to avoid those turnovers," Shanahan said.
"I don't know, I've never been a big fumbler in the pocket or anything like that," Cutler said. "I didn't feel like I looked at that more than anything else in the offseason. You just work to limit mistakes and find the matchups. I don't want to make mistakes, I want us to move the ball, put up some points and get some wins. That's always the bottom line.
"Everybody knows if you're the quarterback, you can't turn the ball over. If you do, you're not going to be the quarterback."
ETC.: Broncos players return to the practice field today after having two days off. . . . The Broncos are expected to inform at least five players by Tuesday morning that they will be released. Rosters leaguewide have to be to 75 players by 2 p.m. MDT. The Broncos carried 80 players on the roster this weekend. Rosters have to be to 53 players by Saturday.
Featured
-
DNC in Denver
Complete coverage of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
-
The Crevasse
A five-part series that examines one tragic day on Mount Rainier.
-
Deadly denial
Sick nuclear workers applied for government compensation but most haven't seen a dime.
-
Final Salute
The Rocky followed Maj. Steve Beck as he took on the most difficult duty of his career.
-
'Colorado's burning'
Coverage of the state's worst wildfires.
-
Columbine shootings
Coverage of the April 20, 1999, shootings at Littleton's Columbine High School.
-
The Crossing
Colorado's deadliest traffic accident killed 20 children on Dec. 14, 1961.
-
Osveli's journey
Osveli Sales left Guatemala for a better life. Two months later, he came home in a box.
-
Wake for an Indian warrior
Oglala Sioux bestow a tribute to the first tribal fatality in Iraq.
Broncos cheerleaders
August 24, 2008
8:05 p.m.
Suggest removal
coachk writes:
I dont know who they cut first. The extra wide outs or someone that they respect that needs another look from some other teams. My guess is the wideouts. They need everyone else right now because of injury. Here are my guesses: Jacobs, McDaniel, Dada, Mustard, Sam.
August 24, 2008
8:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
Cutler will be a force in the NFL and the AFC West. He will make his presence known. And what better place to start then with the lowly Raiders? As I recall, both them and KC got smoked 24-0 yesterday. HAH! Good things to come. Let the games begin.
August 24, 2008
8:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
hofforrandy writes:
nfl.com ranked the top 40 qbs look at where cutler is and who's behind him
9. Brett Favre
10. Jay Cutler
11. Donovan McNabb
12. David Garrard
14. Marc Bulger
13. Eli Manning
15. Philip Rivers
cutler is just below hall of famer brett favre
and above mc nabbb
a former pro bowler
rivers played in afc championship
eli manning superbowl mvp the other two not really that important
August 24, 2008
8:47 p.m.
Suggest removal
crushon77 writes:
hofforrandy,
not impressed. who is listed above cutler not named farve?
8 qb's?
cutler will finish higher than this list suggests...
i'm with you in spirit.
August 24, 2008
9:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
hofforrandy writes:
the others ranked above cutler were
1. Tom Brady
2. Peyton Manning
3. Tony Romo
4. Drew Brees
5. Carson Palmer
6. Ben Roethlisberger
7.Matt Hasselbeck he will be higher than him
8. Derek Anderson possibly higher than him
August 24, 2008
9:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
LarryB writes:
Nice article, Jeff.
But who does your headlines? Put him on probation.
August 24, 2008
10:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
LarryB, looks like he heard you. He changed it.
August 25, 2008
6:24 a.m.
Suggest removal
cmcray1 writes:
I just love this kids humility. How refreshing.
August 25, 2008
7:29 a.m.
Suggest removal
LingLingfor_prez writes:
I think that list is complete bunk. They probably picked names out of a hat. I think the 'west' in general will have better QBs. Go Chargers!
August 25, 2008
7:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
broncodano writes:
isnt it refreshing to have a quarterback that is humble, or at least smart enough to give credit to our NEW ROOKIE OFFENSIVE LINE? The biggest cudos to the offensive line guys, and the offensive line coach.
Rookies or first year players in three of the five slots, and NO SACKS, NO HURRIED INTERCEPTIONS? Are you kidding me? And the running game... we have been averaging like 100 yards IN THE FIRST HALF?
where are all the people who hate SHANNY now? 200 yards rushing a game AND a 117 point qb rating... with a predominately rookie line...
Start CLONING SHANAHAN now so we can replace him in 20 years..
Yes mr shanahan, this is your ticket to Korea.. just get on the plane.. oh ya, they need to draw blood for the flight.. its standard procedure by United Airlines now... just relax..
bd
August 25, 2008
8:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
broncodano, yeah, we are racking up the stats. We just need to carry that over to the regular season. Oh, I noticed that the blog has been absent of the Raiders fans after their 24-0 stomping (yes, STOMPING) by the Cardinals. They have nothing to say after they got thrashed (yes, THRASHED). KC looked real sharp, also. I'm willing to bet, that when Denver plays the Cardinals, with our 2ND STRING and 3RD STRING, WE'LL at least SCORE some points. So, put that in your pipe, Raiders fans, and smoke it.
August 25, 2008
12:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
xxx writes:
LOL...god I hate the raiders.
August 25, 2008
1:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
DocBronco98 writes:
Raiders fans are like dogs that have eaten something it made them throw up and they still go back and eat what they just yacked up! It will be nice to see them stay in the cellar of the west!
August 25, 2008
2:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
jonnyrotten writes:
BREAKING NEWS
OAKLAND (CA)--Oakland Raiders football practice was delayed nearly two hours today after a player reported finding an unknown white powdery substance on the practice field. Head coach Art Shell immediately suspended practice and called the police and federal investigators. After a complete analysis, FBI forensic experts determined that the white substance unknown to players was the GOAL LINE. Practice resumed after special agents decided the team was unlikely to encounter the substance again this season.
August 25, 2008
2:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
R8R_H8R writes:
One thing about those National Media Clowns. They catch glimpses of each team, then talk like they are some All-Knowing Wise Master. They really don't know shi'ite. On t.v. and radio, their commentary/ analysis of the state of the Broncos is laughable. Jay Cutler will finish the season ahead of Carson Palmer, that team is in disaray. The Raiderettes drafted a BUST at quarterback. He's got the Field Vision equal to that of Stevie Wonder.
My Gawd! we are lucky the Broncos picked up Jay Cutler, not the laughable Leinart or over-rated, horribly in-accurate throwing V.Young. Last year, the Titans won with a dominate run game and strong defense, Young was terrible at quarterback, but made a few fast runs and all the high-light reels. NO THANKS. Cutler is far superior than any of these over-hyped young guns.
August 25, 2008
3:26 p.m.
Suggest removal
DocBronco98 writes:
What we always find especially in the media there are teams that are darlings and those who are not! I for one am glad the critics were wrong about us and I remember that day in San Diego. I was surrounded by and sitting among "Cheeseheads" and "Cheese-seats" everyone was talking about Brett Favre and the how the Packers were going to repeat and they were the media darlings. No one (except for the great Hank Stram) was picking Denver to run over the Packers and win without a strong passing attack. I suffered the insults the jeers and laughed last that day! I expect with Jay Cutler and the Offensive lines play matching the 98 team we may get to laugh last again this year. By the way only Bronco fans are making a stink that Randy Gradishar is not in the Hall of Fame!!! HMMMMMMM!!!!???? I guess he was no media favorite either he just left it out on the feild!! Jackson, Wright, Mecklenberg, Jones, Fletcher. Naw nobody ever heard of them either!!!
August 25, 2008
4:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
jonnyrotten, too funny. How many of the Raiders players were reported for having goal line chalk on their noses? They thought it was a reward of some sort (for what, I don't know).
DocBronco98, yeah, the SB was a good day for me. I put $1K on Denver. $500 went to the 49 1/2 and over and Denver to win and $500 went to 13 1/2 and over and Denver to win. Ah, what a grand day THAT was. I went to Tahoe for the weekend after that. Thanks Green Bay. Wright NOT going to the Hall of Fame is a laugh. He was only a 5 time Pro Bowler and on the Denver Ring of Fame. Teams were just plain afraid to throw at him (just like Champ). The committee is blind.
August 26, 2008
10:08 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cwillyrun1 writes:
Gradishar should be in the HOF. If he wasn't in on the tackle, he was right there. I've never seen a linebacker close to the play of action so much. Over 2,000 tackles in 10 seasons, and people make a big deal about Ray Lewis and Lewis can't claim anything close to that. Tom Jackson's another linebacker the HOF should have in it. Wright should be a candidate, but it's probably because his interception numbers aren't too high. Nobody wanted to pass his way! Dennis Smith, Billy Thompson and Steve Atwater could be choices, but in my opinion, Smith was always laying receivers out and the guy I'd choose first from that group. Upchurch was an awesome return man, and for that he should be in but in the end he won't be. We'll get to see Sharpe go in, and Rod Smith if the HOF committee has minimal intelligence. Schlereth's another guy.
Too bad the national media and the HOF voters have a bias against the Broncos. It's a joke, and a partial reason I don't put huge faith in the legitimacy of the HOF. I mean, Andre Tippett before Randy Gradishar? That's like Boomer Esiason before John Elway...........