As microphones, cameras, notepads and television audiences awaited the words and expressions of the comeback hero, Jay Cutler nonchalantly dropped the name John Elway.
No media member had dared bring up the Duke, out of fairness to the kid. Then Cutler did it.
Imagine that. Brian Griese and Jake Plummer, the immediate successors to Hall of Famer Elway as the Broncos' quarterback, didn't shy from the legend's shadow so much as they approached it on tiptoes.
After the Broncos' season-opening victory at Buffalo, Cutler greeted the expectations left by Elway with a strong bearhug.
"He didn't go anywhere," Cutler said. "You guys are going to compare us whether we shy away from him or not. Until we win the Super Bowl, people here are going to throw out John Elway's name. So we might as well embrace it. He's the greatest quarterback who ever played. Why not appreciate it?"
This direct approach may well provide a window into why Cutler is so effective when the Broncos are down and the game is late. Elway was the greatest comeback quarterback in NFL history and has the unofficial record to prove it. His 47 fourth-quarter or overtime game- saving or game-winning drives remain the comeback standard.
Rest of the story:
The Denver Post - Cutler embracing the legend of No. 7
Cutler embracing the legend of No. 7
Cutler embracing the legend of No. 7
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