Passing Fancy

In the wake of the era that was Jay Cutler as a Bronco, the locals have been driven to one of two forms of entertainment.

The first involves barstools, a collection of fans that have either retired from professional service or are close to making that transition, a collection of Silver Bullets, and a thorough round of pissing and moaning about the horror that has been Josh McDaniels. Those that have watched this team through names like Charley Johnson and Craig Morton are quick to point the finger at the inexperience protégé turned head coach in placing blame for a team that appears to be on the decline (or as those naysayers have taken to calling him, Grey Hoody Jr.). They speak of his lack of age and what they believe to be a lack of integrity, fearing he has banished the only player that could have saved him from his own ego and stupidity as the freshman of the NFL’s ’09 class.

The second is a bit more optimistic. They attempt to bend the influence of these events towards a view of positive results. The trade sending Jay Cutler to Chicago was a deal sending an eventual malcontent to pastures less green and allowing the Broncos to avoid an unforeseen disaster. The arrival of Kyle Orton could resemble the diamond they just tripped over in the rough, and if not, the Broncos are sure to draft a rising young arm that will grow under the same guidance that brought Tom Brady and Matt Cassel to bloom. Chris Simms plays the role of wild card and the offensive line serves as the crutch that gives the entire squad legs. They believe McDaniels may have made mistakes, but sometimes things need to get worse before they can get better.

They hold three views in common:

1) The Broncos have suffered as a result of these events.
2) The game resembles a business now more than ever.
3) The fate of the world lies in the hands of the offense.

It would be hard to argue with the #1 and #2… but failures to move past the damage done by the last few weeks are the reason #3 has entered the picture, and this is where both groups need a hand.

After all, this team possessed Jay Cutler and the league’s 2nd-ranked offense led by the league’s 3rd-ranked passing squad last season and failed to make the playoffs. When the defense gives up 28 points per game, that will happen.

Welcome this realization and review McDaniels’ work in attempts to improve that scenario (hiring Mike Nolan, dropping Dre Bly, signing Brian Dawkins and Andra Davis) and you might not be so quick to embrace #1, #2, or #3. Or, let go of the past and the passing fancy of those worries and realize this one undeniable truth.

Winning can cure the woes for them all.

Tags: Andra Davis, Brian Dawkins, Chris Simms, Denver Broncos, Dre Bly, Jay Cutler, Josh McDaniels, Kyle Orton, Matt Cassel, Mike Nolan, NFL Draft, Tom Brady