Head Coach Josh McDaniels sat down with NFL Network for a one-on-one interview. The interview can be viewed in its entirety below.
Below are excerpts from the interview.
Scott Hanson: What’s the latest on the Jay Cutler situation?
Josh McDaniels: We’re working through that. Jay and I will have an opportunity to talk more as we go here. I know it’s been a very public issue and this is something that I think happens more than people realize. We have a relationship, nobody knows where it stands right now, but it’s going to get better. It will continue to get better, I believe that. I think it’s something that both parties have to work toward a solid resolution. We have a good nucleus of players there that are looking forward to seeing him back at the facility and working with him. It will get to that point at some point in the near future.
Hanson: Do you see him as the quarterback of the Denver Broncos?
McDaniels: Yes. He’s our quarterback.
Hanson: Present-tense…
McDaniels: He’s our quarterback. Period.
Hanson: Future-tense? He will be your quarterback?
McDaniels: He’s our quarterback. We can’t predict the future. He’s our quarterback, we want him to be our quarterback, we made that very clear to him and we hope he feels the same way.
Hanson: (Cutler) has asked for a trade and he says he wants to leave. He’s still under contract with Denver, so is the door open in your mind for him to still be the (Broncos’) quarterback?
McDaniels: Sure. Absolutely. He’s under contract as you mentioned and we’ve made it clear that we want him to be back here (in Denver) and lead our football team.
Hanson: But your job is to make the football team as good as it can be, and that sometimes includes changing personnel. Is that still on the table? A trade?
McDaniels: Every decision we make is based on trying to do what’s best for the football team in order for us to win and improve. That’s always going to be the way that this job is. This was just a very highly-publicized situation that was brought to the forefront. (Cutler) is obviously one of our better players, our best players. He’s a good leader and we’re looking forward to having him back here with us.
Hanson: You really feel that the relationship is not irreparable?
McDaniels: I absolutely feel that it is not irreparable.
Hanson: Is it a lack of communication? Have you been able to put your finger on what’s gone wrong so far?
McDaniels: It’s just a situation that came up. I think there are some things out there that are not necessarily true, and there are some other things that are definitely true. We have to work through those things are make sure that the lines of communication stay open. I think that’s the biggest thing, in terms of getting over any kind of an issue that a player may have with an organization or a coach. It’s the same thing that (the organization) has to do when there is an issue with a player. We want to come directly to (the player) and work through it and communicate to find a common ground that we can start going forward and working toward a good resolution.
Hanson: What’s not true? You stated that there were some things (in the situation with Cutler) that were not true. We can clear that up right now.
McDaniels: There are just things that I think have been out there that make for good stories. Was there something that occurred right at the beginning of free agency? Sure, there was. There were conversations and that’s really where it kind of ends. There wasn’t anything that came across (Pat) Bowlen’s desk, there wasn’t anything that we were trying to push hard to get through. It never even got to (Bowlen). Conversations were had and we’ve never denied that, but at the same time it’s our job to look at every opportunity that we can to see if it’s something that could improve our football team and that’s what we were doing.
Hanson: You have talked to (Cutler) since then. There are reports of a conference call and a face-to-face meeting. Can you confirm that?
McDaniels: Yes, we have.
Hanson: Do you feel that Cutler understands where you and the franchise are coming from right now?
McDaniels: I hope so. We haven’t held anything back. I think the big thing is that we need to continue to communicate and I’d love to have the opportunity to continue to meet with Cutler face-to-face. I think that’s the best type of communication at this point to try to work toward a resolution.
For more on the conversation with McDaniels and today’s other news from the NFL Annual Meeting, tune into NFL Total Access tonight at 5:00 p.m. MDT, on NFL Network.
Tags: Josh McDaniels
Finally some good news let’s hope Cutler will be receptive to meeting with Coach McDaniels.
PLEASE Make this right and keep our QB.
Wow, I’m really at a loss here as to what to believe. I have a feeling that a lot has gone on behind closed doors that we are even unaware of, and things that have been said that’s really got Jay wanting to get out of dodge.
All I know is we can’t afford to have a QB playing next season who is not dedicated to making this this best team possible. I truly believe Cutler has the potential to become an elite QB in this league and lead Denver to a championship, but a QB’s attitude can be a major stumbling block along the way. If he’s not willing to suck it up and play hard for this team, then I say see ya and good luck!
But I do hope that doesn’t happen. The chemistry he’s built with BMarsh, Royal and Scheff has the potential to be the most threatening offense in the league next year…and with some improvements on D, it will make them that much better.
In all honesty though, this is all a smokescreen until draft day where Cutler’s worth will be at it’s highest…..and he’ll be dealt….and we’re right back trying to restack the building blocks.
Put the Lip Balm on McD, its tip to start kissing some ass.
McD manned up, now lets see Cutler swallow his pride and do the same. From the beginning I sided with Cutler in the debate of who was right and who was wrong, but that perception gradually changed to knowing that they were both wrong, but now we see one side is trying to fix the problem, now its time Jay shows his hand.
I truly feel that if Josh can get Cutler in his office and talk to him face to face without the presence of Bus Cook, they will get this problem resolve cause Josh could really stress that he wants him here as our QB and so does everyone else. Also as camp begins and they work together, Jay will develop trust with Josh and then by the time the season starts and Jay see.s that the system works,and they start winning games together, 2010 is the year of AFC championship no less. Thats word!
Very true, Jay is still a leader on this team. There are plenty of players on the team who have that close relationship with Jay and rely on their chemistry on the field. I’m hoping Jay can meet in the middle with McD and realize there is a potential to win a championship in Denver. Hopefully solidifying a long future with the Broncos.
denverbro89! I totally agree.
I was PO’d when I started hearing the rumors too. Then all of a sudden it get’s to this point of “OK…enough is enough”. Jay we all here want ya but you’re starting to take this tantrum thing to levels my 3 year won’t even do.
Mac has clearly said let’s move forward together. Jay you don’t want to? fine! but stop being such a disstraction about it. OK we get it, you were upset, feelings hurt…….geeez get back to work will ya
ROYAL, SHEFF, STOKES, BMARSH…..COME ON MAN! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!
Come on Jay! Be my QB! COME ON BABY! YOU CAN DO IT
GO GET EM’ JAY!
Nice PR, say nothing responses just as I figured. Bunch of crap !!
The Denver Broncos will host the New York Giants on Thanksgiving evening.
Source: NFL.com http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80f68006&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true and DenverBroncos.com also has a story.
THANK THE ALL MIGHTY LORD OF THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now lets move on.
Time for Jay to walk the walk.
This is just a somescreen to keep other teams occupied till after draft day so that broncos can pick up all the good players because everybody is waiting to see what happens with cutler so they be hesitant to sign big check players that leave denver to pick up the best. I think this a plan cooked up by McD and Cutler. They will Play this game to keep other teams form making big move so denver can cap on those sorry teams waithing for cutler.
Smart men McD and Cutler
Go Broncos.
killerkod: Jay is already an elite QB and has the potential to be better
monodono: what do you have against Cutler??
I see MCD making a little effort here BUT HE SHOULD!! This was all his fault and needs to do more to fix this problem. I will lose all faith in this organization (which I have rooted for and had season tickets for 20 years now). We finally have a qb that we can win a championship with and if we lose him, the Broncos will lose me as a die hard fan…I will still be a fan but it will never be teh same. I do not understand why MCD and Bowlen are willing to trade Jay or would ever think of it. They are setting themselves up for failure. If they trade Jay and then we go 5-11 next year, these fans will run Bowlen and MCD out of town. They won’t even be able to go go out in public. If they keep, jay fans will give them more room to grow. Why put extra pressure on yourself by trading our fracnshise QB..DO NO TRADE JAY…PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I want this all to be done and OVER. I like Cutler a lot and want him in Denver. Im hoping some people drop there season tickets over this so I move up on the wait list Im down to 4 years but hey this could help my cause. Stay in Denver Cutler and you could wind up being one of the best QB’s to play the game in this offense. We have the same pices as the Patriots did. Royal is just like Wes Welker but a lot younger and he broke the receptions record wjile Moss and Brady did their thing with all the TD’s. Stay Cutler Please!!
Well I for one am grateful that we’ve finally been given something official to know where this thing is at so far… kinda. McD really worked his way around answering those questions but I have to agree on some things. I too believe the whole situation will get better. That’s all us fans can do and just hope and pray that a compromise can be made (without Cook’s infamous and nonsense inputs).
So this right here is what I’ve been looking for. A way for McD to come forward and PUBLICLY say Cutler is our QB and that he’s the one we want to continue leading this team. Now, its time for Cutler to come forward and take that opportunity. He’s WANTED here and we NEED him.
Jay - this is one plea from a diehard Bronco lovin’ girl that absolutely adores you… STAY IN DENVER!!! This is where you belong and Lord knows we need that arm of yours. We will have a killer team this season with you leading this team and some power now on defense.
Imagine the possibilities.
Imagine what we could do as a TEAM.
Imagine how we could destroy these other teams we have to face this next season given the incredibly tough schedule we have.
Imagine how TOTALLY AWESOME it would be to be apart of this franchise when we host the Giants Thanksgiving Day!!! Oh mylanta - my heart is pounding!!! Its only March and I am so pumped up for this… we could work wonders with the players we’ve got, that includes you Jay!
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ‘09!!!!
I hope we can get BJ Raji in the draft. He is a Albert Haynesworth type player who we could use in this great new 34 defense. I also wouldnt mind us taking a look at getting Roy Williams who the Cowboys released. We would have the best safety combo in the league. Andra Davis is gonna be a lot better than people think. He is a pretty good linebacker
I agree with you clutcch734. Bowlen has really dissapointed me in this whole ordeal and I am beginnging to wonder who is worse, him or that SUPER old AL Davis from the super sorry raiders. He is not being very smart considering Jay’s abilities and potential. He can lead us to mulitple championships in the next 15 years and he is only gonna cost us 1.035 million this year. We need to lock him up and make him a franchise offer to kep him here
This I fine funny. The reason I find it funny is the coach has been saying the same thing for the last few weeks - only this time we can see it on video.
He’s continued to say that he wants Cutler as the QB. He also stated that when the trade talks came across his way to begin with, he had to listen to see if it was worth his while.
Who wouldn’t? The only problem here is the media. That one little trade talk got leaked. Cutler being emotional as he is took it the wrong way.
Obviously the coached weighed his options, but in the end he chose NOT to trade Cutler. That is the bottom line.
Jay knowing what Cassell was going for, while out performing his current contract and setting records last year, becoming a Pro Bowl QB thought of it as a slap in the face. Why shouldn’t he? I would be ticked knowing what Cassell was being offered for compared to Jay’s compensation. I would want a trade too!
Even though money will buy anyone in this league, Jay also knows that great teams win championships.
Through college, he was never on a championship team… in fact the team he was on stunk. Jay found himself to be a champion, even without a national title.
It’s time our beloved gun slinger learns the taste of winning a championship!
With Cutler at its reigns, this team is capable of winning a World Championship!
GO BRONCOS!!!
PLEASE KEEP JAY CUTLER!!!!!!! Josh you seem like you have the potential of being a good head coach in the NFL but i can tell you this if we lose Cutler I know many Broncos fans who will be upset incuding me WE NEED JAY CUTLER in the end I have faith that we will all laugh about this!!!
lynch4prez: I disagree. He’s on the cusp of being an elite QB but he really hasn’t earned that distinction quite yet. Elite QB’s don’t choke down the stretch 2 years in a row. He’s got all the tools, he just needs to make smarter decisions and win the important games.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not dogging the guy….in fact I’m a huge fan and he’s the best QB Denver has had since Elway. I do hope he sticks in Denver cause we need a QB with his abilities to take this team to the next level.
Killerkod:
I actually agree with both of you. I think physically Jay is elite. He is very gifted. Very talented. And can win any game…. however, if a defense can’t stop the opposing offense… it basically comes down to whoever scores last. I think in many games Jay just ran out of time.
Mentally, I think this is where he is on the cusp, he still has a few more years to grow up a little bit more.
Jay knows how to read a defense, and his abilities shows he can pick them apart. He knows to only do what the defense allows him to do. And in a pinch he also knows that if you throw one up there and give your a receiver a chance to make a play, big things can happen.
Jay is just not good with the business aspect. That all comes in time. Some quicker than others. You just have to pick yourself back up and continue on.
So its time for Jay to pick himself up - and get to practice already!!!
Wait a minute. I get it. I get it now! April 1st is right around the corner. Could this whole thing just be an elaborate April Fools joke cooked up by Micky D and Jay C… working together?!
It all makes sense. The coach asks the Eddie Royal and the boys not to say anything about “The Cutler situation” as they talked with the press. Meanwhile, Cutler is in the back room studying film and beginning to master the the new offensive scheme.
Ok, Ok, Ok, Ha Ha Ha. You got us. Now, we’re on to us. You don’t have to continue with this charade any longer Coach… Coach? Jay?
It’s all a joke, right? Coach? Jay? Hello?
I’m really glad that McDaniels has been putting up an effort to keep Cutler on. McDaniels has been working to clean things up and I hope Cutler does his part too. I really hope Jay changes his mind and decides to stay. He really is the great quarter-back the team deserves and I’d hate to see him go so soon.
i just cant believe you guys actually believe anything mcdaniels says no coach cares what the public thinks they only care about wins and loses and this story is just to get the press off mcdaniels back i will believe when jay walks onto the field opening day
For once I feel that McDaniels is actually trying to repair the relationship is is now trying to move forward and do the right things with Cutler!!! Hey Jay, the ball is in your court now!!! Lets get in there and come together and lets win a Super Bowl!!!!
DENVER BRONCOS 2009
theindianw - That is a very think conspiracy theory, just WAY out there!
KING GOZ - We don’t need Roy Williams, he just can’t cover worth a crap. Hill is much better plus we have B-Dawk! Jason Taylor maybe but he’s not been too good the past few years. I think McD has done a great job improving our D through FA so far.
I also think that this thing with Cutler has gotten blown way out. Even Belichick said recently that nothing about a trade ever came from Denver, only talk. There never was an offer made of any kind! It’s really a bit ridiculous and we just don’t know what is going through Jay’s head.
It’s time to turn the lights out on this soap opera and exit stage left. Jay is under contract so there is no reason the Broncos should trade Cutler because it doesn’t help the team to do that. Jay needs to man up and lead his team.
If he wants more money? He’s worth it so pay him and let’s go win our division. All the crap coming out of K.C., Oakland and San Diego makes me want to strap up and crack some heads!
With Jay as our QB, McD’s record setting offense, Royal, B-Marsh and all our other weapons, plus a much improved D, I have no doubts we can stomp our AFC West rivals and take the division and silence their mouths.
NO TRADE NO WAY!!!
remember killerkod, defence was ranked 29th in the league, you cant put the team missing the playoffs squarely on Jay, if the defence got itself out of the 20’s the Broncos are easily in the playoffs and a team to be feared.. think about how many more points the offence would have scored if the defence was able to stay off the field an extra 6 minutes a game
It’s great to hear this latest response from Coach McDaniels. Thank you for sharing with us fans that have been on pins and needles with this situation.
This is a start and i hope its a start in the right direction to getting Jay back on board. I think Mcdaniels just needs to suck up his pride and tell jay he messed up and it will never happen again. Then over time he can work on getting jay’s trust back and once that happens the sky is the limit. We have a tuff schedule this year and we need Jay to lead us and im praying that this will all work out. go broncos
lynch4prez - Very excellent point that many people over look.
D-FENCE (spelled defenSe) wins championships. Why? Have you ever thought about why people say that?
It’s because playing defenSe is actually much more difficult than playing offense? The receivers know where they are running too. The DB’s have to react and respond in milliseconds or they are toasted for 6. Same thing with linebackers and the D-line. The O-line and the RB’s know where they are going and what their assignments are. DefenSe is all about reading, reacting and responding.
And how many times have you seen a guy in perfect position only to miss the tackle? Well, after he’s reacted in a millisecond he then has to actually make the play, and if you’ve never played, tackling is the hardest thing to do in football.
NO team or QB, not even Elway, Manning, Montana or any of them would have done any better than Cutler did the last few years with our totally pathetic defenSe.
I see that changing big time this year with new players,especially Dawkins, and a new coach. Nolan and McD will have a much better plan than we’ve had for many years.
NO TRADE NO WAY!!!
all im going to say is that im glad weve finally heard something from the coach himself and not the media Be ready for 09 football fans cause the broncos r comin!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I totally agree the D was the biggest let down of all last year. They were terrible and I know Cutler always had the midset that HE had to win the games cause the D couldn’t do it……that’s a tough position to be in.
But when you only score 10 against the Raiders, 10 against Carolina, 7 against the patriots, 19 at KC…….these were really bad games where Cutler was not an elite QB. That loss against Oakland was the killer! He was great at times last year, and looked like a rookie at times too. He just needs a little more consistency…which will come I’m certain.
That being said, he’s still a stud and putting a consistent decent running back behind him will really give him a ton of more options and keep defenses off balance. I’m really hoping this is his year to shine and I really hoping it’s in a Broncos uniform.
I feel a little better after watching McDaniels interview, but still guarded until after the draft
I do feel a little better myself…a LITTLE…not completely sold that he is gonna be our QB, until after draft day, and he’s still donning orange and blue….I still feel that too many bridges were burnt…and let’s not forget Jay’s wonderful agent, Bus(ter) Cook…who knows what all he’s trying to fill J’s head with…I just hope that Coach McD and Jay can meet face-to-face WITHOUT ANYONE ELSE and meet in the middle.
jay needs to ditch the short-bus…
who are you guys to say bus cook is at fault he answers to cutler he might of got all the damn media all over it but thats about it, if your the agent of one of the greatest quarterbacks ever then you gotta be doing something right so lets wait before we point fingers
Well 15themarshall, I don’t trust the man what with all the Favre-drama last year….and let’s not forget Steve McNair….who was the head catalyst on why they left…you’d have to be naive to believe that he was not a MAJOR part in all of it…Jay’s only makin slightly over a mil here in Denver…if he goes somewhere else, you don’t think his contract will be re-structered? And who stands to gain more when Jay gets many more millions of dollars? I’m not sayin that J’s unhappy w/his current contract, by no means…but he’s an agent…and what are agents after?…yup, you guessed it…more $$.
I agree with monodono…I was with Jay on this all the way…Now is time for him to get back…Walk to Walk now Jay….
Go Broncos.
killerkod,
our Defense gave up 41 against NE, 35 against OAK
LOL…I’m sorry Brazil but I’ve got a question for ya….doo yooo theeenk the Deeeenver Broncos will do a good yob next yeeer? LMAO
This is a good start to hopefully getting Jay back and productive for us. Josh just make sure that you are as sincere as you were in this interview,with Jay. If you do I think Jay would be more receptive to that. GO BRONCOS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok, here we go again. I said it last week when Deon Sanders made his statement. Jay, Man up go to work and lead your team. Coach McDaniels has extended his hand, I suggest you take it and burry the hatchet. There are more people at stake here than yourself. You have a group of guys in the locker room who want you to lead the team, you have fans that adore you and worship the ground you walk on.
So your feelings are hurt. I have news for you, it won’t be the last time. You have to develop thick skin and take things in stride. Man up son, for that which does not kill us makes us stronger. Jay, be a man, you have an obligation, lead your team to V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!!!!!!!! Put all the childish crap behind ya. Hope to See Cutler in a Broncos uniform in 2009. Cutler come out of hiding, face your fans and tell us your side.
Jay is the f’ing man….i love his game…but!!! BUT!!! the Broncos are bigger then jay…..for real cuz when ELway retired…i thought it was never going to be the same..but the love was still there..its broncos first…Jay ur the man and all but if u think its so bad here…take ur ass to detroit, CLEV, OR NEWYORK jETS…and see how much fun it is….
PLus how many deep balls did jay overthrow this year that would have went for touchdowns easy. about seven…He is a 5,000 yard guy in the future…but he isnt going to win anything with being so thin skinned…i mean, i blame PAt cuz he let this get way outta hand…please help the broncos football gods..cuz were screwed if jay leaves….
for one thats all he wants is money his back up makes more then him and the team was willing to pay matt cassel 14 million jay needs a contract extension is all and all the drama is done say your the man here is a 7 year 100 million dollar deal go throw for 5000 yards and lead the broncos into the playoffs
The first game I watched at Mile High was in 1981. Craig Morten was the QB. I was not a Morten fan, I was a Bronco fan. I watched #7 make opposing fans scream in agony so many times, I’ve lost count– I was never an Elway fan, I was a Bronco fan. I cheered as #27 made bone-crushing hits to blind-sighted tight ends– I was never an Atwater fan, I was a Bronco fan. I laughed as #84 sprinted into the end zone with the ball and stopped to kiss Thunder the Horse on the nose– I was not a Sharpe fan, I was a Bronco fan. I’ve marveled how #87 could get up after taking yet another hammering blow– I was not an Eddie fan, I was a Bronco fan. I’ve watched 2 #80’s play the game with leadership and class– I am neither a Haven Moses fan, nor a Rod Smith fan, I am a Bronco fan. I’ve been so proud that my coach was considered one of the best of all time– I was not a Shannahan fan, I am a Bronco fan.
Jay Cutler is a great young football talent. As long as he wears the orange and blue, I will cheer for him. If he leaves, I will cheer for whoever is our QB. I have faith. I trust, I am and will always be a Bronco fan. Work it out fellas, or don’t- I don’t care anymore. I’m only thinking about putting on my Broncos hat, socks, boxer shorts, t-shirt, hoodie, glasses, and sweat pants– I’m getting ready for opening day!
LMAO Brazil4…dude take it easy bro….did u see what u typed earlier?? “Now is time for him to get back…Walk to Walk now Jay….” I ain’t here to argue, but when u type something like that, you leave the door wide open partner. Funny how your grammar was dead on, on your last comment. Even funnier that you wanna fight over me making fun of the way you talk. LOL What do u do when people tell u the “yo momma” jokes?
JAY CUTLER (BRONCOS) ARE 12-1 WHEN OUR DEFENSE HOLDS THE OPPOSING TEAM BELOW 21 POINTS.
My friends, this is what happens when print journalists break stories. The Boston Globe (obviously making a pact with the devil ERRRR Bill Belichick) was the impetus of this “news.” Obviously, nothing got to Mr. Bowlen’s desk so everyone who accused him of meddling should be ashamed of themselves. Yes, there will be a meeting where Mickey D and Cutler are present (Bus A-Hole Cook should NOT be invited under any circumstances) and this will get resolved. If you hear crying, it’s the sniveling sounds of San Diego Sparkler, Oakland Faider and Kansas City Queef fans realizing that the Broncos are about to seize control of the AFC West. GO BRONCOS!!! Come on Jay, step up to the plate. Two of my little nephews have Cutler jerseys, we need you to be the leader we know you can be!
I bet you anything that McD told Cutler not to come to the workouts because it would be a distraction to other players. That being said, the Broncos know Jay is their best option and Jay won’t give up the fines that are involved with skipping mini-camps in mid-April. So I guarentee you Cutler will be in the Blue and Orange this season and after we wipe the floor with opposing defenses all year long, and finally put Rivers in his place, Cutler and McD will be asking for a marriage license.