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**RoyWilliams** · 09-19-2006, 11:47 AM

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200....ap/index.html

Quote:

Jake Plummer got the collar but not the hook.

Mike Shanahan said Monday there's no way he's turning the offense over to rookie Jay Cutler even though the coach "dialed down" his offense in Denver's 9-6 overtime win against Kansas City on Sunday after Plummer's four-turnover performance the week before.

Frustrated fans, however, can holler for Cutler, the first-round draft pick from Vanderbilt. Shanahan is sticking by his 10-year veteran who is coming off a career year and is 34-15 as his starter.

Shanahan said he wouldn't even entertain thoughts of giving Cutler a series here and there.

"No. Same thing happened last year and it is going to happen (again)," Shanahan said.

"But Jake has won a lot of games and just because we start out a little slow, like we did last year, doesn't mean it is the end of the world."

Shanahan said it's always easy to blame the man under center but it's usually misdirected criticism.

"Everyone looks at the quarterback and thinks it is totally his fault and that is never true. You have to put a lot of that responsibility on the coaches and the supporting cast," Shanahan said. "People forget very quickly about the tough games that John Elway had here. It is just the nature of the profession."

Maybe it shouldn't be so surprising the Broncos are sputtering on offense with longtime coordinator Gary Kubiak now coaching in Houston. But Shanahan said he's not so sure there's an adjustment period going on.

"Since I'm involved with that, it's the same thing as before," Shanahan said. "It's always tough to lose coaches, especially great coaches like Gary. But I think Mike (Heimerdinger) has done a great job. I'm still involved. Rick Dennison, our offensive line coach, is here. Bobby Turner is here."

MattP · 09-19-2006, 12:58 PM

I think were missing Gary Kubiak a lot more than everyone expected. Also not having the big back that we had with Mike Anderson to make strong blocks and fight for the tough yards sure isn't helping much either.

**RoyWilliams** · 09-19-2006, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattP

I think were missing Gary Kubiak a lot more than everyone expected. Also not having the big back that we had with Mike Anderson to make strong blocks and fight for the tough yards sure isn't helping much either.

My thoughts exactly.

**P-Rez25** · 09-19-2006, 04:18 PM

we will see how long he stays with Plummer. i say Cutler starting by week 10.

MattP · 09-19-2006, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-Rez25

we will see how long he stays with Plummer. i say Cutler starting by week 10.

I think people are expecting too much of Jay too soon. Aside from Dan Marino and Big Ben how many rookie quaterbacks have had success in their first year? Jay will be a great qb but not yet. Rod Smith said it best

"The guy took us to the AFC Championship game last year, we had a bad day and you want to get rid of him? Jay Cutler is going to be a great football player. But right now he has to wait his turn."

**bigboy** · 09-19-2006, 09:22 PM

I don't think it's Kubiak as much as it is Jake and preasure. Jake knows they got Cutler waiting in the wings and that is added preasure everyday. This isn't a surprise to me and it wouldn't be a shock if he was a back up by midseason. Either way IMO this is Shanny's last year...

**RoyWilliams** · 09-19-2006, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattP

I think people are expecting too much of Jay too soon. Aside from Dan Marino and Big Ben how many rookie quaterbacks have had success in their first year? Jay will be a great qb but not yet. Rod Smith said it best

Ben should be thankful he was given one of the easiest jobs in the world.