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Published on 08/30/2009 at Sun Aug 30 22:22.
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Cutler Solid in Mile High Return, Broncos Fall to Bears 27-17

Posted Sun Aug 30th by

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) scrambles out of the pocket to avoid the rush of Denver Broncos' Elvis Dumervil (92) during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game in Denver on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski )

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) scrambles out of the pocket to avoid the rush of Denver Broncos' Elvis Dumervil (92) during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game in Denver on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

Fans hoping for a Jay Cutler goose egg were disappointed Sunday night, as the former Denver Broncos quarterback finished his starting duties in the second quarter with a 98-yard touchdown drive that put the game out of the reach. The Chicago Bears went on to win 27-17 in Week 3 NFL Preseason action.

Of greater concern to the Broncos are the injuries they suffered Sunday. Right guard Chris Kuper, who did not allow a sack in 2008, left the game in the first quarter with what looked like a serious knee injury. Quarterback Kyle Orton also left the game with a finger injury, although his appears less serious. Safety Josh Barrett also left the game, while several other players were nicked up for a few plays at a time.

And while Cutler and the Bears will make all the headlines, the Broncos’ starters didn’t play poorly.

Well, most of them, anyway.

Orton was underrated, playing very well and going 12/16 for 94 yards. He completed passes to seven different receivers en route to a solid 89.5 passer rating. The offensive line, on the other hand, played horribly, and were called for penalties that brought back big Denver plays several times. They had protection problems and troubles in run blocking, but give the Bears credit – their defensive line gave them all they could handle.

Denver Broncos quarterback Tom Brandstater passes during an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears in Denver on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009. The Bears won 27-17. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Denver Broncos quarterback Tom Brandstater passes during an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears in Denver on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009. The Bears won 27-17. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

The Broncos defense was equally aggressive, not allowing a first down until the Bears’ third possession late in the third quarter. Elvis Dumervil was everywhere, and while not tallying a sack, the team’s pass-rushing outside linebacker was impossible to keep back consistently. During one first quarter Chicago drive, Bears OT Orlando Pace got away with an outrageous hold on Doom in the end zone that should have been called for a safety. (No – seriously. I don’t usual cry about holding non-calls, but Pace held Dumervil for a solid three seconds, in plain sight, two yards from Cutler. The refs either ignored it or weren’t doing their job.) Dumervil was nearly there several other times, constantly getting in Cutler’s grill and even getting called for a late hit in the second quarter.

Safety Brian Dawkins made his Broncos debut tonight and played very well, making aggressive plays and finishing second on the team with six tackles (five solo) and tied for first with two passes defensed. Cornerback Andre Goodman, who got beat twice for touchdowns in Seattle last week, also made his presence known, breaking up a deep Cutler pass and being consistently aggressive in his tackles and coverage.

Because of the Orton injury and Chris Simms‘ ankle injury last week, the fans got their first extended look at rookie QB Tom Brandstater. Brandstater played the entire second half and had several eye-popping plays. He threw a bomb to Brandon Lloyd that might have been a touchdown if McDaniels had thrown the challenge flag, and another deeper pass a few possessions later to rookie WR Kenny McKinley. Like any rookie, he struggled as well, throwing a few knuckleballs as well as a pick that left him with a passer rating in the 60’s, but had Brandstater’s big plays gone to the end zone (both were close) he would have had a much more impressive outing statistically. He passed the eyeball test regardless.

The Broncos play the Arizona Cardinals this Thursday to finish the preseason, then prepare to kickoff the regular season in Cincinatti two Sundays from now, September 13th.

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  • http://www.darktryst.com broncofan209

    has a team ever gone 0-4 in preseason and then 0-16 in the regular season?

  • fuqqer

    What this boils down to me is…McD needs a new career. Maybe a used car salesman?

    McD is a mistake, I still love the Broncos, but I don’t need to embrace this mistake of a coach.

    McD has shown a lack of ability to control the locker room (Marshall, Cutler). He’s shown a lack of integrity by lying to the media, Cutler, and Broncofans. McD’s play calling is less creative than my kitchen sink sponge.

    Ooof, what I wouldn’t give to be a Lions fan right now.

  • merc22

    This game is a wake up call to the players, GET YOUR $hit together!

  • broncosNM

    I agree that Orton didnt look bad but he still looks very unsettled in the pocket- A LOT. He gets jitter feet and doesnt set which causes some sloppy throws ( one that comes to mind is when he missed high to scheffler who was wide open over the middle). With Orton leaving the game due to his finger… I could definitely see kevin O’Connell come in since he knows the system. The Defense looked great to me… We got pressure and at times pushed the O line and had penetration. Dawkins presence was felt immediately and often. The 98 yard drive by the bears sucked but we were getting after the QB and swarming the ball… Giving up 10 pts (not putting the hester return and TD on the defense) in the first half is not too shabby. I dont like royal returning punts… he is way too crucial to our offense. Im really concerned about Kuper! That is a HUGE blow and would be a f*cking shame to lose him for the year. This game obviously didnt go exactly how i would have liked but i wasnt disappointed either. The defense is making strides but the offense needs to get in the end zone. Starting week 1 the run game will need to be more of a factor… that will be the easiest way to help the QB play and red zone troubles. Gotta be able to get some first downs on the ground. I still have confidence that we can move the ball on offense but we cant waste so many drives. Gotta get more points on the board.

  • http://www.webmdreviews.com Robert

    lol @ fuggers lack of actual football knowledge and how the preseason works.

    Broncofan209 the answer to your question is no. The only team to go 0 – 16 in the modern era is the Lions who were actually very impressive in the pre-season with a sweet record of 4 – 0.

    What would be scary is if McD was calling plays like he will in the regular season. The last thing you want is a new coach with a new playbook going into game 1 with a crap load of tape for the opposing team to watch. Same on defense.

    There will also be a lot of blitz packages nobody has seen before which should give us all a lot of hope because we have got consistent pressure on the QB in basically straight up 1 on 1 play in all 3 games.

  • CJ

    Kevin O’Connell just got cut i say we sign him immediately! he had lots of potential but looked horrible… its rumored that its only because he is out of Mcdanials system. We need him on this roster.

    If Kyle Orton is hurt week one i would feel better with Kevin O’Connell on the roster

  • kerry

    anyone but me gonna NOT sugarcoat what just happened? ORTON SUCKS! ok. ORTON FREAKING SUCKS!! does nobody see this. all this “oh he wasnt bad” “Oh it is just preseason” is such bullshit! my god people call like it is. he sucks!! he has always sucked! alot of dink and dunk shit that doesnt result in points being scored. and talk about lack of discipline on the O-line. i thought McDaniels was all about discipline yet our O-line was terrible tonight.

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    The o-line was about 100x more to blame for the offense’s struggles than Kyle Orton. Period.

    Hard to march down the field on two 1st and 20’s and a few 2nd and 15’s.

  • Bryan

    I liked what I saw tonight. Just seemed like we drew a flag every offensive series. 10 penalties-86 yards..That makes a huge difference. Maybe some of you should blame that on McD too!

    Other than that, I was pleased. Get our penalties down and get our injured guys healthy and we’ll be alright.

  • Kent R. Sawatzky

    My thoughts- The Oline looked atrocious at times, very sloppy, If Kuypers ankle is broken that will hurt. The offense in general looked mediocre and rarely good. Very choppy but it will take all season for all the players to get on the same page. Orton looked sharp on the short stuff but it seems to me McD is holding back showing everything. Buckhalter looked pretty good before he got nicked and as usual Hillis was a beast. McD has to play this guy a ton. No real standout in the receivers but again I don’t think we saw everything. Gaffney’s finger and Marshall’s crap are hurting the offense right now but I believe that the whole offense isn’t ready to run all the plays offensively. More will come out as the year goes on. It will be a painful process to get this complicated offense going. 1st team Defense looked great to me! Very aggressive and alot of gang tackling and hard hits. Looks like people are starting to trust each other something I think the offense is still trying to find. But they still aren’t making turnovers. I can’t believe how poor the defense has been at this for the last three years and this preseason. Dumervil was awesome! This guy is a freakin’ beast. Dawkins looked pretty sharp after being off for a couple of weeks. The cast obviously affectd his tackling. He will be the leader on this defense and that is a good thing. I also likes the play of D.J Williams although this guy needs to be a more consistent tackler. Andre Goodman looked pretty good with a lot of playmaking going on. The D-line was so, so but they did get pressure early but seemed to lose some steam later in the first half. Except for Hester’s long return I thought the special teams actually looked somewhat respectable. Kern and Colquitt looked really good. It will be nice to see guys actually place punts along the sidelines and inside the 20’s. Two young guys that stood out for me were Brandstater who had some real nice plays and McD seemed to open up some things with him in there. Saw some of the deep stuff that he doesn’t seem to do with Orton. Th other was Kenny McKinley, he is young but seems to have that playmaking ability with his speed that this team really needs. In the end I saw some improvement especially on defense but the offense definitely needs some work.

  • FresBronco

    I agree, the penalties killed us.

  • MIAbronco

    CJ, I just saw it too on espn. O’connell will be a bronco within the next 48 hours. you know i also made the call on the brandstater pick up months before the draft. I just have this gift

  • broncoNM

    MIA- I actually hope your right… i wouldnt mind getting another QB that knows the system. PFT is speculating that KC might beat us to O Connell. KC is ahead of us on waivers and with cassel going down they may add O Connell.

  • roshon2411

    Well, that was the game I kind of of expected. Good and bad things. But nothing to make me more hopeful for the upcoming season.

    Offensive MVP: Kenny Mckinley
    Defensive MVP: Elvis Dumervil

    QB’s – Orton again wasn’t very impressive. He does have a comp. % of around 67% but again no threat to go down the field. We saw tonight with all the penalties if Denver is in long down situations alot this year, could be a long season. I was really impressed with Brandstater. He was atrocious all camp and preseason but he seemed to make a big leap tonight. Not a starter yet but again good strides.

    RB’s – Buckhalter was impressive, think he’ll be opening day starter. Hillis still showed he should be the starter. Walker wasn’t bad except for the fumble.

    WR’s – With Marshall Gaffney out, I think McKinley can be the #2 receiver on this team. Royal again, will be the guy this year, just wish we could get a couple long ones to him. Stockley’s not having the precence in this offense that I was expecting. Lloyd had a really nice grab, thought he got the ball across the line.

    TE’s – Still not much activity but a couple grabs for Sheff, and Quinn had a nice catch as well.

    OL – Think this was their(starters) worst game in awhile. Though not a horrible game, alot of penalty’s. Hope Kuper’s injury is not serious but didn’t look good.

    DL – Seemed to get some pressure and hold their own. Forte only had 21 yards on 9 carries. A. Peterson did light up the 2nd team though. I think that shows our lack of depthi n the position. Chris Baker is a beast and showed he can put some lineman on their heels.

    LB’s – Dumervil made Pace look old and think he has been the best Defensive player this preseason. D-Will again was good, think he might have a Pro Bowl year. Ayers and Andra Davis weren’t really a factor.

    DB’s – Bailey doesn’t look to be at full speed but I think he’ll get there by the first week. Goodman has a solid game, good to see after last week. Dawkins defnitely added another dimension to the D. Can’t wait for him to get to full strength. I know it’s early but Alphonso Smith doesn’ look close to being worth 1st rd pick.

    ST’s – Solid but gave up the big play to Hester, changed the game real quick. Prater actually hit a FG under 40 yards. Both punters looked great. I think they both were over 50+ per punt with couple inside the 20’s. Hillis looked good at KR. He’s not going to break one but he goes hard and gets every yard he can. But seems like an injury waiting to happen with him back there. Smith again hasn’t been impressive as a returner.

    Watching Cutler and watching Orton, Cutler obvious had the better night, not surprising. But watching Brandstater tonight and Simms in week one. The play calling is completely different when Orton’s in. Orton’s seems to be holding McD’s offense back. Don’t know much about O’Connell but I think he’d be worth trying out. 1 touchdown by the first team in 3 preseason games and no turnovers by the defense. 0-3 in the preseason isn’t devastating but not brewing any confidence either.

  • Katch22

    I’m happy with the D so far. First couple of game in a new 3-4 and it looks like it’s starting to come together. I’m still wondering who is going to get the axe here in the next couple of days…………

  • fuqqer

    My lack of football knlowledge still doesn’t change the fact that the Broncos chalked up another in the loss column instead of the win column.

    Al Michaels and Chris Collinsworth put it well last night, you don’t send QBs such a Cutler packing, because they are rare opportunities. Would there be any chance of this situation under Shanny? No. So I still say McDeaniels is like the college frat boy who’s dad just gave him a Ferrari to get around school. An arrogant putz who doesn’t know what he had until he crashed said Ferrari (Broncos) into bits and pieces.

    With my lack of football knowledge, I could be wrong, but the numbers aren’t lying yet. Care to take a wager on the win-loss record Robert?

  • http://www.broncotalk.net Jonathan Douglas

    I was surprised to find myself shouting and yelling support for Chicago over Denver last night. Maybe it was the overly hostile crowd, that made Cutler’s team seem like the underdogs (I’m a sucker for the underdog), but whatever it was I have to admit I’m in full-on fan-crisis.

    I’ve LOVED the Broncos for more than twenty years. I am fanatical and passionate about them. But for some reason this preseason I’m just not ‘feeling’ it.

    It’s not a coach or a QB or a long-snapper. It’s something intangible. And it’s something I hope as the regular season starts that will come back and allow me enjoy this team like I always have.

    The alternative is just to depressing to think about. :(

  • http://www.search-this.com mark

    Boy where do we point the finger? I think we’ll just call this season an upper extremity problem…

  • Boisebroncoguy

    Jonathan: I definitely get what you are feeling. I have been a Bronco fan for 35+ years. I don’t think I could ever change teams, but, for the first time ever I am not excited about the start of a football season. I hope it is just the pre-season blues, but I don’t know. I DO know that I am furious we let our QB go! Collinsworth was right, there is no way you let that guy get out of town.

  • http://WillieBoy William Hall

    I don’t about the rest of you but, I keep that sickening feeling in my gut LIKE WHEN TERREL WAS CARRIED FROM THE FIELD straight down.

  • Waylon

    The sky is falling! The sky is falling! 0-3 in the pre-season! Worst team in the history of the NFL.

    Wow Jonathan Douglas…. not feeling it, huh? Sounds like you’ve got BM syndrome. Don’t worry about it. Maybe you can just root for the bears for a little while until the broncos start winning some games. I’m sure you can just jump back on the bandwagon around mid-season if the broncos are any good. No shame in that.

  • Waylon

    The sky is falling! 0-3 in the pre-season! Worst team in the history of the NFL.

    Wow Jonathan Douglas…. not feeling it, huh? Sounds like you’ve got BM syndrome. Don’t worry about it. Maybe you can just root for the bears for a little while until the broncos start winning some games. I’m sure you can just jump back on the bandwagon around mid-season if the broncos are any good. No shame in that.

  • scottey

    Kerry,
    Go back to bed, roll over and cheer up man. He isn’t that bad. Seriously you need to chill, you will have a coronary at too young an age. (unless of course your in your 60’s then at that point, have 911 on speed dial!)
    Find something you like on the team and focus on that, let me help.
    1. Doom
    2. Hillis
    3. moreno
    4. ANYTHING OTHER THAN THIS SICK OBSESSION WITH ORTON!

    Have a nice, better, day.

  • http://broncotalk.net Joe

    Hahah Mark, funny stuff.
    On a more serious note, I agree with Kerry. Orton sucks. And yes, we had to start multiple drives with first and twenty and second and fifteen. I get that. But how many times did Orton tried to throw deep? Zero? What? He doesn’t have the arm strength to? Bummer. Orton straight up sucks. He didn’t lead us on a 98 yard touchdown drive, and if you recall, it was third and long for Jay and he completes for sixteen yards and more. But Orton got us a field goal. That’s not bad if you want to ask the other team to please stick to field goals. What this all comes down to is that Orton’s lack-of-talent ass should be on that bears team, and Cutler should still be with us. Maybe that 98 yard TD drive could have gone for us if he was on our team. And I’m getting fed up with McDaniels. We have all been pacient with him, waiting to see what he can do. Yes he can still end up being a great coach, but from what I saw last night, the only thing I can continually agree on about him is that he is still McDumbass. You know he went home and cried himself to sleep knowing that Jay could have been his QB. And I think its funny how he wouldn’t answer any questions about McJayGate last week leading to this game, and how he would get so aggrevated when those questions came up. He knows he messed up, like an idiot. So why can we suspend Marshall and keep him on the team but we had to pull the trigger on Jay so fast? I would rather see Marshall’s ass go than Jay. And after last nights game, I am sure that everyone would agree with that. And than McDumbass also traded away our first round pick next year, SO IF WE GO 0-16 WE STILL PICK WHERE CHICAGO LANDS IN THE DRAFT. And since they have a franchise quarterback now, we will pick late.Wow, Imagine having Jay with us now at Cinci, with all the additions we have. Moreno on offense, and we have a whole new defense. With Jay+Moreno=Wins. But not for this team. Orton+anyone=Losses. But what do we do now for quarterback? I dont care if its preseason or not, one more game where Orton doesn’t do shit for us and I’m completely giving up on him. Yes this is preseason, and it doesn’t count. But what makes everyone think that in the regular season Orton will be better? And there are no other QB’s to get now……none….And we wont be drafting one next year because we will be picking in the late twenties. Wow, Bowlen and McDaniels are doing so much for this organization this year. I bet Shannahan is laughing his ass of right now. He builds the second best offense in the league, and than McDumbass destroys it in one season, but more importantly, in one trade. Its obvious that we need Chicago to suck this year for our draft pick, but whatever. I hope they go to the SuperBowl. Let’s watch our X-PROBOWL, FRANCHISE QB get a ring. Than next time we see Jay in Denver in 2010, or whatever, he can wear it has he flips on McDaniels and Bowlen. That will make our stupid coach and owner cry. Were in for a LOOOONG season.

  • Isaiah Kyler

    Alright … so they lost 3 straight games in the preseason … All of you who are thinking the Broncos are going no where by what you see in the preseason … think of Detroit last year 4-0 baby! Oh Wait they lost all 16 games.

    In reality, the Broncos are going to have a tough road ahead, but regardless of what you see in the preseason it does not mean the Broncos are going to finish at the bottom of their division. Remember the Raiders and the Chiefs are there to soften the blow!

  • http://broncotalk.net Joe

    And the only reason why Jay Cutler was booed last night is because everyone at Invesco Field were trying not cry. Everyone wishes we still had him. So instead of booing McDumbass, we booed Jay. It’s not Jay’s fault he is a Bear now. Denver DID NOT HAVE TO trade him. Everyone just took their anger out on Jay last night, because he got to leave town and were stuck with a dumbass for a coach, and I don’t even know whats going on with Bowlen. I bet he felt pretty damn stupid last night watching his X-PROBOWL, FRANCHISE QB destroy our team on that 98 yard drive.

  • http://broncotalk.net Joe

    For the record, I am not a Bears fan, nor will be. But I am a Jay Cutler fan, and want to see him succeed still. I am still/ always will be a die-hard Bronco fan, but man, this some bullshit thats been going on with Denver lately.

  • http://www.search-this.com mark

    Some of you guys need to settle down; get yourselves a few bottles of Jack McDaniels and relax. It’s going to be a long season, get used to it. So we messed up the Cutler trade, big deal, we still have Marshall. What? Shit…

  • J

    Joe why don’t you take Jonathan and both of you can pack your bags and move to Chicago! What a bunch of cry babies and traitors! No wonder you LOVE Cutler you are just like him!

    I’d rather have one or to REBUILDING seasons that eventually will lead uu back to the SB than have Shany and Cutler go 8-8 every year and not even smell the playoffs when your beloved Cutler CHOCKES AGAIN!

  • NM Bronc

    I am glad Kerry said it, because we are all thinking it….Orton sucks! This offense feels just like Plummer in Shanny’s system, dialed down. And do not give me it’s the pre-season BS, because Tom went deep and opened things up. The entire first half I went back and forth between falling asleep when the Off was on the field and getting a little excited about the Def. Nolan was the best decision McD has thus far!

    Thoughts on D: The line got pressure. Doom and Baker looked really good. Having Dawkins is like having Atwater back. Goodman looked better and Woodyard did what he always does, make tackles. Smith and Ayers have a lot of work to do! Perhaps Smith more than Ayers, since we passed up a likely top 10 pick for him.

    Thoughts on Off: Hillis and Bucky (with Darius as the backup) look like the answer until we get Moreno back. O-line had an off night, but will be fine. McKinley had a solid night and Sheff will help ease the loss of Jabber and the 4 year old. I am really hoping that Jackson and Quinn can develop into “Marshall’ types (on the field).

    I realize it wasn’t perfect and it was against secnd tier players, but I really liked what I saw out of Brandstater. The fact that he actually can throw a ball longer than 10 yards, got me seriously pumped up. With the right QB, this team could make a real push toward the end of this season and into the 2010 season. I say let Tom play, because Orton is clearly NOT the anwer.

  • J

    Joe why don’t you take Jonathan and both of you can pack your bags and move to Chicago! What a bunch of cry babies and traitors! No wonder you LOVE Cutler you are just like him!

    I’d rather have one or two REBUILDING seasons that eventually will lead uu back to the SB than have Shany and Cutler go 8-8 every year and not even smell the playoffs when your beloved Cutler CHOCKES AGAIN!

  • L_Cee

    Piling on here… just crazy to think that in a league utterly obsessed with the QB position, when every other second on sporting news is obsessed with the return of Farve and Vick… that we let the best young QB in the game walk away from us. AND on top of that, we the Broncos who were some of the weakest teams to ever successively dominate the AFC and make the Super Bowl year after year almost exclusively on the shoulders of the most important player and car dealer on the field… oh, yeah, Josh that was mostly before your time. The feeling I get when I see the broncos on TV now is the same as I get when I see my e-wife… the feeling I get when I see babyJosh is about the same as when I see the dude she was boneing mixed with the ex-mother-in-law, mixed with tequila rage. I wish Jay would have gunned one right in his stomach instead of throwing that TD pass…

  • http://broncotalk.net Joe

    How are we and Cutler traitors? I said I am still a die-hard Bronco fan and always will be. But Orton sucks, and you know it. And wanting our x-franchise quarterback to succeed makes me a traitor? And how is Jay a traitor? HE DIDN”T TRADE HIMSELF. If anything, McDaniels and Bowlen are the traitors for FU***** us over as fans. And as you said J, a rebuilding season or two that would lead us to a SB would be great, now wouldnt it? But DO YOU HONESTLY SEE ORTON REBUILDING THIS TEAM INTO A SB CONTENDER? He sucks, you wish you had Jay back, and were in for a long ass season. And yes, seeing Jay flip off McDaniel’s and Bowlen in 2011 when we play them in the regular season with a superbowl ring would not disapoint me at all. He could still be with us. And J, and everyone else, what would everyone think if Denver traded ELWAY when Reeves wanted to? Would ELWAY fans still be traitors if they still wanted to see him succeed? But the point is that Elway was never traded, and look what happened? Two superbowl rings. We had a similar situation here, but our dumbass coach and owner actually traded our QB. I dont see two superbowls coming our direction any time soon.
    How about we trade Clady, Doom, Marshall, Dawkins, and Moreno for shits and giggles as well?
    And I feel bad for Dawkins. He came here because he nknew that we had the new two offense in the league. Thats why he came here. He figured that if he can help get this defense on track, we could do some things. But when he gets here, we trade away the main part of our offense. If he saw that conming i bet money he would have never signed with us.

  • http://www.search-this.com mark

    Hey come on, I mean the guy wouldn’t return a phone call, what are we supposed to do?

  • alm034

    I’m willing to accept a few lean years in order get better and get past 8-8 seasons. Also, anyone else relieved to not be picking up any more Travis Henrys or Maurice Claretts in name of finding SOMETHING that wins a playoff game?

  • alm034

    Oh, also see Todd Sauerbraun and David Kircus.

  • Steeplebomb

    Wow. Well Joe, you certainly have your mind made up on this season. Why even play the games at this point? We aren’t even done with the preseason and you’re already throwing around 0-16. Even Jamie Dukes doesn’t think this team will go 0-16.

    You say you’ve been patient with McDaniels but we’re not even out of the preseason yet and you’re condemning him as some degenerate retard. You said that Chicago will win now because they have a franchise QB. Last time I checked, WE had that franchise QB and it didn’t magically deliver us to the hallowed halls of winningness. You said Kyle Orton doesn’t win anywhere… He was 21-12 at Chicago.

    I’m not saying that we’re going to be great. In fact, I think 6-10 is a real possibility. But you know what? I also think we have a chance of going 8-8 or 9-7, and given how weak the AFC west is looking, that may be enough. Who knows? Its stupid to think of three preseason games as a representative sample for how the season will unfold. Chill.

  • roshon2411

    I hate to say it, but Collinsworth was right. Denver should have done the same thing they’re doing to Marshall with Cutler. This trade is going to haunt this franchise for the next few years and McDaniels for the rest of his coaching career.

    Cutler performed so well last night, even Trent Dilfer had nothing but good things to say.

    Hope we can get some stud QB in next years draft b/c Orton’s is clearly not the answer.

  • http://www.broncotalk.net Jonathan Douglas

    I truly don’t want to get into a debate over who’s the bigger Denver fan. That’s really foolish and nothing is ever gained by that.

    I will say, that winning or losing has NOTHING to do with my lack of passion for this year’s team. Nor does the fact that we have new faces in many areas.

    What I’m trying to explain is that I feel the ‘magic’ of mile high just doesn’t seem to be there this year. It’s a personal feeling, so it could just be me, but I just don’t feel the ‘passion’ or ‘personality’ of the team right now.

    I guess I just noticed it more when compared to Chicago’s team last night. Because their team seems inspired. Their players are excited and you can feel that.

    The broncos on the other hand seem lost.

    They need a leader that can ignite their passion and excitement and get them going. Like a come back from their new QB or a perfectly timed interception by Champ. Something that will give the team that spark and excitement back.

    I can’t wait for that… Because I hate to see our team emotionally floundering right now.

    Hope that helps explain what I was talking about.

    Jonathan

  • http://www.webmdreviews.com Robert

    Fugger pre-season means squat. Like I said, last year the Lions were quite impressive on their way to a 4 – 0 record in the pre-season.

    Everyone who is upset is talking like we were going to make the playoffs or win the superbowl this year if only Shannahan stayed. It is just silly. We will be lucky to win 8 games this year with our schedule. If Cutler was still here we would still be lucky to win 8 games this year with our schedule.

    The fact is that this team is already better than last years team. The defense is improved and the offense is certainly not worse. You can’t really get worse than a team that was ranked in the bottom 10 in redzone td’s and a team that had a qb who was ranked in the bottom 15 inside of both sides of the 20.

    You want to make a wager I am fine with that. I will bet you that we win a playoff game within the next 3 years. That is 1 more playoff win than we have had since 1999. NINETINENINETY NINE.

    Anyone who wants to badmouth their own Bronco’s team because it is going through an organizational change from a team that was no more successful than the Chiefs, Raiders or Lions (also no playoff wins in the last 10 years) isn’t a true fan. Go find another bandwagon to jump on.

  • J

    Cutler wanted out from the get go! That what makes him a traitor. Elway did not request a trade like baby Cutler. No we are not going to trade Clady, Doom, Marshall, Dawkins, and Moreno cause they actually want to play for the Broncos like Elway did but unlike Cutler. Every one on this site NEEDS TO MOVE ON jeez cutler plays for the bears and that is than he bitched and moaned until Bowlen traded him STOP blaming McD for it! IT WAS ALL CUTLER!

  • http://www.webmdreviews.com Robert

    Actually I have to take that back. The Raiders are more successful than the Broncos as they have won in the playoffs in the last 10 years. Maybe you should be a Raider fan.

  • http://broncotalk.net Joe

    J

    A player can bitch and moan ALL THEY WANT. But the trading process starts with the coach and ends with the owner. Why in the hell would you even take calls about offers for Cutler? He was the one spot who should have been set and stone. Why would you want Matt Cassel instead? Are you kidding me? McDumbass started the whole thing. The trade was ultimatley Bowlens decision, but it started with McDumbass. They could have handled the Cutler situation like they are doing the Marshall one.
    And who the hell said anything about Shannahan? He was a great coach, yes, but I never said I wanted him back. New blood is good. But I would rather see McDumbass out there with a franchise QB rather than a unathletic, soft-armed Orton. The NE system does have success, obviously. But who is their QB? Tom Brady= FRANCHISE. CUTLER=FRANCHISE. ORTON just plain out sucks ass!!
    And J, how do you know that those other plays wanna play for the team? You just dont see them bitching and moaning. They know that Denver is a sinking ship right now and it’s only gonna get worse before it gets better. And I dont see it getting better anytime soon with Orton and the helm.

  • alm034

    The sign of an educated mind is the ability to consider an idea without having to accept it. If you don’t at least listen to offers, then you can not say that you are exploring every POSSIBLE means of making your football team better and, thus, you are not doing your job as a head coach. That’s why you take the call.

  • Rob Bronco

    My God I can’t believe people are still holding on to the past. Cutler is gone. LET IT GO. The team needs to look forward to resolve some of its issues. Everyone knows that Orton/Simms are not the answer. But we’re going to have to deal with it until we can position ourselves better. Stop crying because we lost. So what? Analyze the good and the bad and stop moaning that “we never should have traded Cutler!”. I’m sick of hearing it. He’s gone – move on.

    I think McDaniels strategy of short dump passes is the real issue here. It’s great to toss those in every now and then, but if we get a penalty (which we had a ton of yesterday), then it’s very difficult to overcome those yards. Orton was throwing behind receivers a lot as well. I think they’ll see that when they look at film today. He just needs to adjust to having faster, more agile receivers.

    I could care less about preseason game #4. I say rest all of the starters and get everyone healthy and on track for Cincy.

  • broncoNM

    Damn guys!… Is this preseason? Whats our regular season record? Some of you guys have quite the hang over from yesterdays game. No one would deny that this is going to be a tough season… but its still WAY too early to bring back ‘the sky is falling’ talk. This team and Orton did not look that bad… if the defense continues to improve and our offense can continue to put together long, clock controlling drives we will be in every game this year. We are gonna be in a lot of close games this year and it’ll be a great season to watch bronco football. Kyle had a great point and I agree that flags will kill this offense this entire year… Orton will have trouble constantly trying to get out of 1st & 20 holes. I agree that this team does have some concerns but i cant believe all the over dramatic comments for a preseason game.

  • http://ttmt.com T-Money

    Can we put it to bed please?

    Yes, Cutler is gone. Yes, the bears are going to be good and were going to get screwed out of a good 1st round pick.

    But the game is over. The reunion is over. Can we just get over it and actually talk about the season?

  • http://www.search-this.com mark

    So this is what it feels like to be a Raiders fan, who knew…

  • Andpark

    I think lots of people forget Orton has a 1 year contract, Orton is not the solution for this team. He is our guy THIS year. I think maybe, MAYBE maybe he could resign but guys everyone is talking like we traded Cutler for Orton that is absolutely not the case. Orton is a band aide that will play okay this year. Preseason people chill.

  • roshon2411

    alm034,

    Your right. The team and coach have to explore every possible means of making the football team better. But taking a call about Cassel for Cutler in no way is considered to be a way of making the team better. Bad rookie coach mistake. If they were calling and said they would trade Tom Brady for Cutler yes you take the call and explore. But Cassel, really? Should McDaniels discuss a trade such as Eddie Royal for Ted Ginn?

    0-3 doesn’t mean much in the preseason, but 13 pts in 6 1/2 quarters by the first team isn’t a good sign. Been outscored 55-16 in the first half, and are minus 8 in the turnover department.

    I think McDaniels is giving Rich Rodriguez a run for the worst start as a head coach, with a new team. At least McDaniels hasn’t had a 3 win season, at least not yet.

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