There is no on-ramp for Jay Cutler to ease his way into action. He didn’t play the occasional series like Tennessee’s Vince Young, or work his way gradually into more playing time like a vast array of players at other positions; he’ll make his first start, take his first snap and throw his first pass in quick succession, perhaps even on the same play if the Broncos call for a game-opening pass.
To at least one Bronco who’s been there, advancing through those opening moments is crucial.
“(My) first feeling as a rookie (was) getting that first play out of the way,” defensive end Kenard Lang said.
After Lang did that nine years ago, though, he settled down. He expects Cutler to do likewise.
From a superb preseason to a place in the starting 11 to a Sunday sideline spot in sweats. Running back Mike Bell wasn’t the only rookie to experience that kind of start to his NFL career, as Tony Scheffler, a starter in three of Denver’s first five games, found himself out of the mix in Week 10.
In August, he was prolific. Playing frequently with the first team, he