On Monday, a number of guys were at Dove Valley continuing their rehab from injuries in 2008, or they were just stopping by. Today, a pair of Broncos stopped in after getting into town ahead of time for Monday’s offseason conditioning program.
Matt Prater and Brandon Stokley were hanging out down in the locker room. Both players have spent their offseason spending time with family back in their respective home states.
The kicker traveled down to Florida to enjoy time with his three brothers and the nice weather “instead of freezing out here” he said with a laugh.
“I hung out with the family back in Florida,” Prater said. “That’s pretty much it. I’ve been lifting weights, trying to stay in shape, but I took a little time off.”
One of his favorite things to do in his time off is go fishing, so he made up for lost time on the water by reeling them in with his brothers. A self-proclaimed “home body,” Prater isn’t one to do a lot of traveling. He’d rather just kick back with his family and enjoy spending time with them.
But just because he may have spent a lot of time on a boat doesn’t mean he lost touch with football completely. In fact, he had a chance to talk on the phone with a couple of guys who will play a major role in his kicking duties — special teams coordinator Mike Priefer and longsnapper Lonie Paxton.
“Coach Priefer called me a few times, and it was really nice of him to do that. We’ve stayed in touch,” Prater said. “The new longsnapper Lonie Paxton called me. It was good to hear from him, and I’m looking forward to working with these new guys.”
He has not, however, had a chance to speak with Head Coach Josh McDaniels yet, though he hopes he may be able to do so today before things get started next week.
Either way, he’s excited about getting the team back together in Dove Valley for the workouts to begin building for the 2009 season.
“I’m looking forward to these workouts, getting to see everybody,” Prater said. “Everybody’s out of town, so I’ve been bored out of my mind. But I love working out, so it will be good to get back here with the guys.”
As for Stokley, spending time with his family was the best part of the offseason as well. He traveled back to Louisiana to kick back and relax with his wife and kids.
“I’ve really enjoyed the offseason. I’ve had a lot of time to relax, play golf and hang out with the family,” Stokley said. “I pretty much just went down to Louisiana and hung out down there. I didn’t do too much. That’s always really nice. I think it’s key to kind of rejuvenate yourself. Once you come back here, you’re ready to work and concentrate on football. But that time is good to just get away from everything and get your focus back.”
Like Prater, he has had a chance to speak with some of his coaches. He hasn’t yet started digging into the new offense that McDaniels will be implementing though. But he’s excited about getting to work on it and all the new things the Broncos will be doing in 2009.
As for the workouts set to begin Monday, the 11-year veteran has a slightly different take. When asked if he’s looking forward to the start of the conditioning program, he shook his head and smiled.
“Not very much at all,” he said with a laugh. “That first week is always really tough. You get really sore, so I’m not really looking forward to that part too much. After that first week, you get into a good routine and get the soreness out, but you’ve got to start somewhere.”
Mostly he’s just looking forward to spending time with his teammates again.
“Being around all the guys is the best. Starting off fresh, new and everybody has that same goal. We’ll be working hard to reach that goal, and that’s what it’s all about.”
– Adam Zinser, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: 2009, Adam Zinser, Brandon Stokley, Josh McDaniels, Lonie Paxton, Matt Prater, Mike Priefer, Offseason
Maybe would could give him some of the money we spent on the long snapper.
LEFT TOWN MY BACK
any link?
LETTER TO JAY – Jay are you serious bro. what are you thinking do you really want to be traded to a crappy team. Everyone in the league is laughing at you, i know Bus is telling you half the league wants you and they do but there still laughing at you to. No grown man acts like this what are you Chad Johnson. Grow up and be a man and let it go, your fans and team mates need you and thats all that matters. When your on the field this is your team and not the coaches. You have a new coach who wants to have a little power trip so let him have it everyone knows your the leader so start acting like it. Do you really want to play for Detroit the arm pit of the league team. I can see it now you making a ton of money but have a loosing record every year and go through 4 more coaching changes before your career is over. Dont think shanny is coming to detroit to save you even he isnt that stupid. And when its all said and done and you look back at your career all will have been was a good qb on a crappy team and nothing to show for it. You might be able to cry your way out of denver but dont think for one second Pat going to trade you to a team you want to play for you do this and he will send you to detroit or cleveland and everyone will continue to laugh and make fun of you. This has gone on long enough its time to act like an adult and professional. I hated that shanny got fired and i hated that mcdaniels tried to trade you but now your the one being the baby and im starting to wonder if your even worth it. I hope im wrong because you are a great qb and the broncos need you so please chill and let all this just go away. If you dont at least give it a chance you will never know what it could of been.
i dont believe anything vic says
HERE’S THE LINK LYNCH4PREZ http://cbs4denver.com/broncos/cutler.nfl.broncos.2.958850.html
i’m sick of you fare weather fans some of you act like two year old kids calling the coach names. saying the organization is garbage. i love this team and i will cheer for them no matter what happense. why don’t you guys that have all the answers go down to the Broncos office and ask to be the Head coach or the Gm. the fact is MCD is hear to stay. I’m NOT SAYING I AGREE WITH ALL HIS DECISIONS. But but who am to be calling him names. who are any of us to be. you all act like gm but the basic truth is we are only people with computers spitting out opinions. because if we were any more than that we be on the field not here on our computer.
CBS4Denver:Jay Cutler cut off all talks with the Broncos and has left Denver.He also asked to be traded….So…I guess thats that….
“CBS4 has learned that disgruntled Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler is no longer in Denver and is done negotiating with the team. Cutler will not be attending Monday’s voluntary team workout. Sources tell CBS4 he has told the Broncos to trade him. ”
Sounds bad to me i dont know whether to believe it or not becuase the media are a bunch of lying and untrustful people. Who knows?…………….Just got to wait and see i guess
Krieger: Spat headed for bad ending
Despite public assurances to the contrary from Dove Valley, it’s looking more and more likely that the Broncos’ melodrama with their starting quarterback will end badly.
Even if Cutler shows up for the offseason conditioning program Monday, it may be too little too late. Short of a complete Cutler mea culpa, which seems unlikely, this thing may have reached the point of no return.
Putting one of his area homes on the market may or may not even be relevant. I’m told his parents had been staying there while Cutler, when in town, spent most of his time at another place of his in LoDo.
More significant is Cutler’s loss of his closest ally at Broncos headquarters. When he failed to return owner Pat Bowlen’s phone calls in the midst of his standoff with new coach Josh McDaniels, I’m told Bowlen was apoplectic.
If McDaniels’ refusal to come clean about shopping Cutler in trade talks was the eye-opener for the quarterback, Cutler’s failure to return his phone calls may have done the trick for Bowlen.
Hardly noticed amid all the hubbub was that McDaniels signed free agent Chris Simms to a two-year, $6 million contract that could go considerably higher based on incentive clauses that will reward him for significant playing time.
Even without the incentives, that’s a lot of money to pay someone to hold a clipboard, especially on a team with so many holes to fill and limited money with which to fill them.
You have to wonder why Simms, who bolted Tampa over the lack of opportunity to compete for the starting job, would sign so quickly with a team that gave him no chance to start, which would have been the presumption in Denver up until two weeks ago.
So I have to admit that my earlier assumption may have been dead wrong. I thought even a young coach as apparently sure of himself as McDaniels wouldn’t be counting on Simms to start after throwing two NFL passes since 2006.
But assuming Sage Rosenfels wins the starting job in Minnesota, the only quarterbacks I know of making more than Simms to play backup are Vince Young, Matt Leinart and Alex Smith, all of whom signed contracts anticipating they would be starters.
Young and Leinart, Cutler’s 2006 draft classmates, have since been supplanted by aging veterans who were supposed to be backups — Kerry Collins and Kurt Warner. It wouldn’t make sense for McDaniels to knock down Cutler’s trade value by following suit, but it does suggest that trading Cutler remains a real possibility.
The power of the Broncos to shape the thinking of their fans remains as strong as ever. Cutler had very few critics in these parts when Broncos management stood behind him. Now, less than three months after his main sponsor was fired, his critics are everywhere. Talk-show hosts who have never met him feel free to call him a baby on the air with no response from the Broncos. That kind of fissure is hard to repair.
It must have been quite a surprise for Cutler to learn he was just another employee, like you or me, and should act like one. Over the past three years, whenever he didn’t comb his hair or wear a tie, someone was quick to point out he held the most high-profile job in Colorado, more prominent than even the governor’s.
So which is it? Does he have a job that requires a commitment above and beyond the call, or is he just another working stiff?
True story: Last year, the Rev. Leon Kelly told kids in his Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives program he would have to cancel the summer session for lack of money. Cutler heard about it, wrote a check and the session was restored.
At Christmas, Kelly wanted to do something a little extra for the kids he’s trying to keep out of gangs — a party with food and favors. Cutler wrote another check, then showed up to sign autographs. His parents helped set up the tree.
Never said a word or put out a press release either time. In fact, he let teammate Brandon Marshall get the attention for helping Open Door — Marshall gave most of his days off to the program last year — rather than draw attention to himself.
In the wake of the gang-related murder of former Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams, Kelly’s was a cause close to the Broncos’ hearts. This is what Cutler thought commitment meant. He thought the feeling was mutual. When McDaniels took over, he learned it wasn’t. Grow up, he’s told now. It’s a business. Don’t be a baby.
So now he knows. And if he’s going, he’s ready.
This article by Dave Kreiger in the Denver Post got me thinking.
trade him for leinart. i love jay but hes gone to far
From what I see going on, the new head coach is really missing the point. Yes Jay mishandled the initial information, but a man in charge possessing a spine would have contacted the individual involved and would have been completely up front instead of letting the media do the dirty work. We all know that when the media is left to make the interpretations, things can become quite buggered up in the end. I for one am not ready to embrace the new coach until he demonstrates that he has the interests of the team, owner and most importantly, the fans at heart. How many of you have been a fan longer than Elway was a QB? How many have outlasted Coach Shanny? How many have been a fan longer than Bowens has owned the team? My cheeks warmed those seats in the days of the ole wooden east stands, so don’t tell me about fair weather fans. I think in the smallest of measures, they owe the fans a complete explanation of what to expect out of this situation. To date, they have lacked the backbone and loyalty to the fans to honestly address the situation. We are the ones who ultimately pay all of their salaries and they have left us to hash it out amongst ourselves in this forum. We have funded this team since its inception and I for one expect better treatment, especially from a newbie coach and owner trying to garner our support. I follow no cause blindly and without question. There comes a point when I say enough. I have always loved my Broncos and will into the future, but when the organization begins to act as if they are above the fans, then I am no longer interested in participating. You folks have an outstanding, airborne day. Aloha.
The only person on here that must have watched the same 08 season I did is thatdude807. Cutler is not coachable and that is not a winning format for McD to work with. Argue his quarterback coaching history and play calling…Tom Brady/Matt Cassel and super bowl championships. Cutler is over rated. He rarely pump fakes and stares down receivers which leads to batted balls and interceptions. He also likes to hold the ball low and waits a little too long on his throws so he can show us all how hard he can throw. He could defiantly get better at leading his receivers on the run. He also is a hot head…and stubborn baby. Have some faith Bronco fans he is the last bad seed that needs to leave for this team to become great. All we need is a QB who is coachable and believes in the system… even if Cutler is the greatest he does not believe in this coach or system so he will attract negative attention. Look it is already happening and it is the freaking offseason!!! My point is this is our year Bronco fans!! No tears here I say see ya and don’t let the door Knob hit ya!!
I’m freaking out here… I’m seriously scared…
If Cutler gets traded the Broncos take another step backwards, from what was seemingly a team bound to great things, then the Shanahan firing, to this junk.. if he is not the QB next year for this team will not win more than 6 games, and it will be that year for a few years. I dont see where the trust in a rookie head coach is coming from.. a 32 yr old coach at that, in my opinion he’s a cancer for the organization
I was backing this punk at first but now this has become real tiresome! These overpriced spoiled brats need to get over their selves! I regret ever even buying a #6 jersey…
hey that 8-8 seasons startin to look good compared to wat i expect next year. u ruined our O our trust and u hardly fixed the D it better be a dang impressive season if u trade him
Well cutler i think you have worn out your welcome and i think that you should act like a bigger man and ditch your agent!!!! This is just another brett farve story and i think someone should go hunt down cook and lock him away somewhere!!!! Trade cutler to the browns for Brady Quinn QB, Charles Rogers DT, and a second rounder. Atleast brady quinn tries hard, and wants to win and has a fire lit under his ass!!! Cutler thanks for being suck a bitch and i hope you descide to stay if not well bring on brady quinn!!!
Not a way to win the hearts of Denver and Bronco fans (including numerous co-fans of Denver like my bro for an example) McD… Whatever happens, I’ll always be a Bronco Fan… but since the Bronco Staff likes to look at things in a literall sense and know that Football (ENTERTAINMENT… IS ON TV FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSE) is “just business”… Denver will most likely lose a lot of fans for this… Yes, those probably aren’t real fans, but they are supporters… so they’ll be losing supporters and Support from their fans…
Is football business… or is it entertainment?… Where is the fun in football with all of this crap… Jay… please stay… I know you’re never gonna read this nor ever have… but i’m hoping you radomly do… STAY!…
gosh, i’m sick to my stomache… I have lots of HW to do, but can’t focus… Thanks McD and Bowlen…(sarcasm)
Ha – LOL. you guys have no clue. Just promise me this when we are 6-0 to start the season you guys stay off the band wagon! I state it now I believe in this Coach and this team and I believe we are better without Cutler. In fact, without Cutler we will make out best run since 98!!
we have a tough ass schedule next year, chargers, giants, cowboys, patriots, colts, steelers, ravens, chargers, eagles, redskins, and browns if they get cutler not going to be fun!!! 7-9 without cutler, 10-6 with cutler
Does anyone think that this is all just a big joke?… and soon McD, Bowlen, and Jay will come out and say “Just Kidding!”… “we pulled a joke on ya”…. NO?… didn’t think so either… but I wish it was…
I don’t regret buying an JAY CUTER Jersey… best thing I had ever got…
broncolessinseattle- Wow… I didn’t believe in fortune tellers till now (sarcasm)… Where do you get that idea… Who would be our QB?…. What good has this Invisible QB done?… At least Cutler has proven to Carry and ENTIRE TEAM (offensivley and Deffensivley)… Just like he did in Vandy (“took and bunch of future doctors and lawyers and had them compete agains Florida”-John Lynch) he has done w/ Denver… Taking a no name weak D that gave him no support and literally a pass only O (no good RBs can’t run can ya?)… and made this team compete… Thank you JAY!
Damn! And to think that men never watch soap opras… What is this? As the Broncos turn?
Women have soap operas… Men have sports… True Men have offseason…
no, this ia ALL MY CHILDREN BY PAT BOWLEN
Remember, the ones running this operation want us all to just smile and nod…smile and nod. Cheer loudly.
Well it seems that Chris Simms is our starter at QB now…
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3983805
this sucks…
“I certainly went back there, expecting I’d be there [Monday] but not now,” Cutler said. “It’s not mandatory. I’ll attend every mandatory mini-camp and training camp but that’s it. Really, it’s best for me to move on. As coach said, he needs every eye in the meeting room to be on him and not me.” As McDaniels pointed out, Cutler had a completely different expectation when he left their private meeting on Saturday. Cutler said: “You know, even after the meeting, I hung around town, kind of expecting him to call me and say, ‘Hey, let’s just me and you get away and have lunch or a cup of coffee’ and mend things, but that didn’t happen. So, I get it, really, it’s a business. I’m disappointed beause I love being a Bronco but I think it’s run its course.” Cutler denied recent reports that he had asked to be traded when the Broncos fired offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates.
Quotes from cutler: seems to be conflicting with the first reports that he asked to be traded dosent it???
Seriously… let this be a new T.V. series called “We fooled our fans”… and we’re just the 1st victims….. AAAAHHHH!!!… please no nono ononononnoononn Jay… McD… Bowlen…. Keep everthing as is…
Broncosforlife, you’re absolutely right. There have probably been numerous contradictions throughout this whole process. This is in all honesty a dead time for the NFL and in order to keep my attention somewhat fixated on the NFL from March Madness, Bill Williamson, the biggest sap who ever lived, is milking this for all it’s worth.
Im behind this team no matter what but getting rid of Jay DOES NOT make this team better
Last season I went to the week 3 game against New Orleans (which we won by the way), after the game Brandon Marshall and Jay Cutler came out from the tunnel. I watched Brandon Marshall stay 45 min. signing autographs including my Marshall jersey. He made sure he did not miss a fan. This came one week after a record game high for receptions… not to mention the 50 yard td catch he had that game. Meanwhile the brat from Vanderbilt did not disappoint. Showing his true colors for his fans he signed about 3 autographs before throwing his hands up raising his voice in frustration saying “c’mon guys,” angered because the fans were pushing their way up for an autograph. He then turned and walked off and left as fans screamed out “Cutler!!” I’ll never forget the look on the guys face as he said…”he took my sharpie, and just signed Jay! Yep just Jay – then the brat stopped in the middle of it, threw his hands up, pouted and left. We deserve better as Bronco fans! I commend you Marshall and your appreciation is important to the relationship between players, fans and the NFL. To Cutler I say do as you do best…stop in the middle, throw your hands up, pout and LEAVE!!!!
your right BRONCOBAILEY99. We are better with Cutler and Shanahan not making the playoffs like we have been. Good thing your not the G.M. And when did Chris Simms turn invisible. Like I said go on on rock that Cutler jersey next year. You will look good in a lions jersey!!
After reading the espn article it appears to me that McDaniels is playing the “I am in charge power play.”
Franchise quarterback down the drain what a joke.
All he had to do is say Jay you are our guy and lets move on. Instead its
listen kid I am the boss and take it or leave it.
if, what the report said that jay looked bowlen in the eyes and told him to trade him is true, than pat should. but i would not, i would keep him. he is under contract and can not go anywhere. i would let him set on the bench for a game or games. maybe (without his agent around) jay will see that he is wanted by all, and that includes the coach. If that don’t work than he could be traded any time, the draft comes every year.
but for real, jay came into denver this weekend wanting OUT. HE is the one that put his houses on the market, not the coach, nor the GM. after that, then HE went and told the owner to “trade me” for the 2nd or the 3rd time (if you beleive he said it after shanny was let go and before Mac got here). you would think that the STUPID COACH would get the message. but no, not that dumb *&$&* . i think you see where i am going.
if pat can eat the money from shanny then he can eat the money from cutler. keep him under contract and keep him in denver.
i said it weeks ago “The only one to gain anything out of this is his agent” now it is looking more and more like it is true.
lay off the defence, they have nothing to do with this.
this is crazy simms sucks…..cutler will be traded and right when I hear the news I will delete my membership and not ever cheer another nfl team I will be watching college where it is honest and true not a lot of rich ppl playing and having a pissing contest….pat bowlen messed this team up bad while rubbing the back of a ne castaway……what are the castaways records for all the guys that left ne?????????????like 10-30……not really stats just to show a point that mcd isn’t everything
cutler had been trying to sell his house…read the article all the way if you read it right you could tell that mcd wasnt wanting jay as the qb and he ruined the relationship in the first place….later hope the broncos go 0-16 and realize mcd was a neverwillbe coach not every decent oc is a good head coach
guy u know what really pisses me off!!! that i’m sure that rivers the qb 4 the chargers is laughing at this whole thing… cuz we all know jay doesnt like him… i dont hear about T.O in the bills or the draft or how stallworth ran ova a man… or about the missing nfl player… i have to read and hear this sh*t… i cant believe this… we are going to have a New QB!!
Here is a second shot at the ESPN article that backs up the statement that Jay Cutler has requested a trade: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3983805
Making up your own mind in this “he said she said” cavalcade will be difficult enough and in all sincerity I’m too tired to think about it right now but one thing of interest that I drew from the article were the quotes made by both Cutler and Cook who both said that they felt that the result of the meeting would be “handshakes and a few laughs.” even though they were interviewed for the piece at different times. Caned responses always make me sweat.
Whether I agree with how Cutler or the Broncos are handling this is mute at this time. I do, however believe that two things are true that have not been hit upon yet. 1. McDaniel’s involvement with the Patriots has given him a “win at any cost” attitude. Yes I’m talking about spygate. He left the Patriots with this mind set and Bowlen was fully aware of it when he hired him. 2. McDaniel’s intended to trade Jay Cutler for Matt Cassel when he left the Patriots which is why the Patriots franchise tagged him. It is also the reason that they gave him away to Kansas City for practically nothing. I believe that the head coach of the Patriots sent his former general manager and former offensive coordinator out into the world with the understanding that if one couldn’t get the deal for Cassel done then the other would. In the life of an investigator you quickly learn that there are no coincidences and the likely hood that the two primary recipients of the Cassel trade would be Denver of K.C. are unfathomable. This is the shape of things to come in Denver via the mind set of new head coach McDaniel’s. We may not like it but we better get used to it. On a side note please understand that Denver has no intentions of trading Cutler now and will do everything in their power to make him out as the problem in this equation. Unfortunately I don’t think that Cook is giving him the best advice. After following up on the great blog work by monodono, I fully believe that the posturing leading up to the meeting this weekend by Cutlers camp was based on Cook trying to exploit the obvious mistake by the Broncos front office. Unfortunately the Broncos have the upper hand in this situation now and Cook better figure that out in one hell of a hurry because the reality of the situation is this; the Broncos can sit Cutler for the rest of the year and simply say that Jay was unwilling to give his team a fighting chance to win. Cutler can say anything he wants to but ultimately the Broncos can counter by saying; ” did we trade Jay Cutler? No we didn’t just like we said we wouldn’t and if he really wanted to play all he needed to do was show up for camp just like everyone else on this teams roster.” Let us all hope that Jay kicks his agent in the ass and tells the press, “I’ll play because I won’t let my teammates or the fans in Denver down and if the brain trust for the Broncos wants to trade me at the end of this year so be it. I’m going to make it as hard for them as possible to do so.” Are McDaniel’s and Xanders wrong for getting the Broncos into this mess? Yes! Are they going to fix this problem? No! Will Jay Cutler have to fix it? Yes! Is that fair? No! Does this happen often in life? Yes Jay it does. Just try being married! Good night Denver fans and here’s to dreaming about a Broncos universe where Jay and McDaniel’s are holding the Lombardi Trophy together and saying to each other as tears roll down their faces “Yeah! This makes everything better between us!”
Good night all!
Break their will to compete,
Mike in San Diego
what the hell is going on. this new coach is a bum!!! he is trying to run 2 of our best 3 offencive players. its not that hard to say sorry and pach things up with cutler. now i read he is shopping shef’ round because he doesnt fit Mc’s “system. which i guess my be right, i mean what kind of a team need a good blocking, great catching and running, leading TE.
Mc seems to be an arrigant looser who is trying to get rid of anyone who has more respect than him.
Bus Crook is tearing the Fans from The TEAM, This Is What He Does For A Living just ask Green Bay Fans. If Jay doesn’t want to be a Bronco Then I don’t Want Jay to be a Bronco. ala C Portis…..
It has Begun just like I said it would. Jay says He loves the city of Denver bla bla bla then leaves… ala Andreas Galarraga
I think Bus Crook wants Cutler to go to Detriot to play with one of Bus Crooks clients Calvin Johnson so He can get another pay day there if Johnson makes the pro bowl. Who incidently held out for a 6yr contract worth up to $64 million, with $27.2 million in guaranteed money, making Johnson the highest-paid player in Lions history and the highest-paid receiver (in guaranteed money) in the NFL.
How about we ask Minnesota Fans about Randy Moss and Bus Crook, or
Tennessee Fans about McNair and Bus Crook (anybody remmember trade talks between Baltimore?)
Bottom line is Bus Crook is just doing what He does best separate The Fans From The TEAM to give Him leverage in contract negotiations. Some Fans can leave as well, if they don’t want to be Broncos Fan’s then I don’t want them to be Broncos Fan’s.
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
archangel77, Nice post.
this seems like a lost cause. something doesnt smell right. Monodono, I think you hit it right on the spot. Like I mentioned before, Bus Cook is ruining team chemistry, and as you said it for the sake of his clients. I never knew Calvin Johnson was his client too. You could be on to something.
Cutler is acting irrational. Gosh, this is not how I pictured a “new beginning” for the team.
just heard that cutler will be dealt by weeks end. does anyone else feel like crying? I LOVE THIS TEAM. But this off season and this new coach are giving me physical pains in my stomach. I am so saddened by this whole situation.
I think that McDaniels is putting together a great team. He knows how to win and as much as i hate to say this, that may have to be without Jay Cutler.
OK so Jay doesn’t want to stay in Denver. What do you do with him? Who do you trade him for? This is were the Broncos need to be smart. Get a lot for him. I don’t think you should settle for a future draft pick either. You need a proven performer. A leader and I can’t think of many available, at least at this stage in the season.
I say tell Jay too bad, you playing until your contract is up. Deal with it.
When McDaniels was hired, I was hoping for a coach capable of implementing a system, that corrects flaws of the past but at the same time, optimizes the strengths of the core players. Most of us view D and ST as areas in need of improvement with only a small number of players worth building around. I support the switch to a 3-4 defense, although the 2008 players are not well suited for the system. We are especially thin on the DL, even with the recently acquired FAs.
However, I don’t buy into tearing the offense apart. OL and WR/TE played well. Cutlers stats were not great, but coming from behind causes mistakes.
The attempt to trade Cutler for Cassell instills doubt in the qualification of the new coach. He grew up in the Patriots system. Apparently, he is insecure with other offensive strategies which limits his flexibility. He tries to mold a team to fit the only way to play he is aware of. Even if he keeps Cutler, he will probably not optimally use his strength, but restrict him to a “Cassell-role”. If Cutler gets this impression, I understand his feeling underappreciated.
If he gets traded, I predict a top ten draft pick next year for a 5-11 season, the end McDaniels headcoaching career shortly after and a playoff drought for years to come. Too bad, this kid-coach is not able to adjust what he learned in Boston to the good things he took over in Denver.
Cutler wants Out????????? Man this is bad, I have a open question is it to early to fire Mcdaniels?
hotsizzle:
One option I have heard that makes sense is with Clevland to try and get Brady Quinn. He played college in the same system as McDaniel’s under Charlie Weiss at Notre Dame. I would assume Denver would also get a draft pick or two to go with.
Who knows at this point. There are so many rumors, for all we know Jay may show up today to training camp.