You've gotta feel bad for Jake Plummer of the Broncos. He had a phenomenal year, but one bad game in the playoffs was all it took for the fans to turn on him and the team to draft eventual replacement Jay Cutler, who according to this article may start by 2008. Are they giving up on Jake the Snake too soon, or will Cutler finally be the one to lead this team back to the promised land?
The NFL Draft was undoubtedly a disappointment to Denver Broncos Pro Bowl quarterback Jake Plummer, as he was forced to watch the organization move up four picks in the first round to select former Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler. Since Cutler was picked 11th overall, he will likely be the team's starter by the beginning of the 2008 season at the latest right? Not if Plummer has anything to do with it.
Surprisingly, the formerly mistake-prone Plummer led the Broncos to an astounding 13-3 regular season record last season, while tossing 18 touchdowns compared to just seven interceptions. In fact, it was Plummer's economical decisionmaking skills that were among the Broncos' chief reasons for making it all the way to the AFC Championship Game. Even though the Broncos were blown out in that game by the Pittsburgh Steelers , their year still far exceeded preseason expectations.
Despite all Plummer did for the organization in 2005, Broncos GM Ted Sundquist and head coach Mike Shanahan believed Cutler was too promising to pass on. They were so bent on acquiring a quarterback in the draft's first round that they tried to move all the way up to No. 8, the Buffalo Bills' pick, and select former USC Heisman winner Matt Leinart. Since the Bills refused to budge from their pick, the Broncos were stuck with their second option, Cutler.
Now that Cutler is in the fold, Plummer can ill-afford to get off to a rough start next season. The Broncos, who many peg as a Super Bowl contender, have high expectations for 2006, especially at the quarterback position. Plummer needs to duplicate or better his season from last year in order to maintain the starting position until at least 2007.
The Broncos' plan is believed by many to include Cutler at quarterback in '08, after sitting for two years behind Plummer. However, since Plummer is only 31, he may have an opportunity to lock the position down for at least a few more years, much like Drew Brees attempted to do in San Diego. Although Brees was excellent for two straight years with the Chargers, they elected not to re-sign him this offseason, handing the job over to 2004 first-round pick Philip Rivers. It worked out great anyway for Brees, as he signed a 6-year, $60 million contract with the New Orleans Saints .
There may not be a Brees-esque contract in Plummer's future, but there may be plenty of bright things still on "The Snake's" horizon. After all, the veteran finally came of age last season, and many of the all-time great NFL quarterbacks have experienced great success into their mid to late 30's. Perhaps Plummer can go to another team in a couple years and duplicate the Green Bay Packers ' Brett Favre in terms of longevity, while the Broncos attempt to make Cutler into their next John Elway.
Surprisingly, the formerly mistake-prone Plummer led the Broncos to an astounding 13-3 regular season record last season, while tossing 18 touchdowns compared to just seven interceptions. In fact, it was Plummer's economical decisionmaking skills that were among the Broncos' chief reasons for making it all the way to the AFC Championship Game. Even though the Broncos were blown out in that game by the Pittsburgh Steelers , their year still far exceeded preseason expectations.
Despite all Plummer did for the organization in 2005, Broncos GM Ted Sundquist and head coach Mike Shanahan believed Cutler was too promising to pass on. They were so bent on acquiring a quarterback in the draft's first round that they tried to move all the way up to No. 8, the Buffalo Bills' pick, and select former USC Heisman winner Matt Leinart. Since the Bills refused to budge from their pick, the Broncos were stuck with their second option, Cutler.
Now that Cutler is in the fold, Plummer can ill-afford to get off to a rough start next season. The Broncos, who many peg as a Super Bowl contender, have high expectations for 2006, especially at the quarterback position. Plummer needs to duplicate or better his season from last year in order to maintain the starting position until at least 2007.
The Broncos' plan is believed by many to include Cutler at quarterback in '08, after sitting for two years behind Plummer. However, since Plummer is only 31, he may have an opportunity to lock the position down for at least a few more years, much like Drew Brees attempted to do in San Diego. Although Brees was excellent for two straight years with the Chargers, they elected not to re-sign him this offseason, handing the job over to 2004 first-round pick Philip Rivers. It worked out great anyway for Brees, as he signed a 6-year, $60 million contract with the New Orleans Saints .
There may not be a Brees-esque contract in Plummer's future, but there may be plenty of bright things still on "The Snake's" horizon. After all, the veteran finally came of age last season, and many of the all-time great NFL quarterbacks have experienced great success into their mid to late 30's. Perhaps Plummer can go to another team in a couple years and duplicate the Green Bay Packers ' Brett Favre in terms of longevity, while the Broncos attempt to make Cutler into their next John Elway.
