Of Quarterbacks and Kings
New York, NY
So the first full week of preseason football is in the books, and it’s time to take a look around and assess the quarterback situation around the league. More than any season since I can remember, QBs were all over the news, so let’s start with the ones that garnered the most headlines.
Kyle Orton
Mr. Black was really pulling for Kyle Orton, but reviews out of Broncoland were lukewarm at best. In mini-camps and training camp rumors were that Chris Simms was pushing Orton hard and at times looked much better. Coach Babyface was quick to squelch those rumors and give Orton his full blessing leading up to the first preseason game against the Niners.
Three interceptions later, Josh McDaniels might want to reconsider his blessing. After Simms easily outplayed Orton in week one, McDaniels was quick to give more verbal support for Orton, but it will be really difficult to defend him if the turnovers keep piling up and Simms looks sharp again. You have to wonder if Coach Babyface wants to stick with Orton only because he demanded a QB in return. Obviously it will look like he misjudged talent if Simms, who was already on the roster, gets the nod to start.
Still, Mr. Black gives it another week before Simms gets a start, and is looking for him to be named starter before week one. Nothing will hurt McDaniels more than an 0-3 start, especially against marshmallows like the Browns, Bengals and Raiders.
Jay Cutler
Jay “Supercuts” Cutler also had a rough start. He had some trouble handling the blitz and threw a few turnovers of his own. Unlike most other professionals he was quick to deflect some blame onto his receivers:
"Devin is more of a go-get it guy, he is not really a back shoulder or jump up and get it [guy],'' Cutler said. "You learn from it. We made some mistakes. It's the first preseason game. Luckily enough, we have some time to correct them and keep going."
- Jay Cutler
The Windy City spin machine quickly went into damage control, explaining that Jay wasn’t throwing Devin Hester under the bus, but actually was explaining it was his fault for throwing the wrong pass. Ummm, riiiiiiiiiight.
This seems to be the Cutler M.O. in Chicago. He’ll attack a person or group with negative comments (ie, Denver’s fans, Devin Hester) and once he realizes he’s spoken out of turn, backpedals and the spin begins. Personally, I can’t wait to see how he spins his first three interception game when he’s forced to play without all the weapons he had in Denver, or his first 38 – 35 loss, when he pops off about how “the defense let this one slip away.” At the end of the day, he’s just an immature kid that can’t deal with being a leader. How will he deal with a season where he isn’t mentored by a head coach?
Either way, it will be fun to watch since right now it’s still a love affair between the Bears faithful and their strong-armed (but poorly shorn) quarterback. When this one blows up, it will be spectacular.
Peyton Manning
The hits keep coming, as Peyton Manning had roughly 5 yards passing in his first preseason game. Peyton is a notoriously slow starter, and has often voiced his disdain for preseason football, so I’d expect another great year. Especially with little bro making more money.
Brett Favre
And finally, Brett Favre has again decided to play football. Like a child who won’t let go of a toy, Brett clings to the glory days and still thinks he can be competitive. Unlike last year, though, fans are wise to his ploy and are calling him out as a has-been who just wanted to duck training camp.
More to come over the course of the NFL season, including the headline “Heartbreaking loss for Vikings as Favre throws four INTs.”
Be posting again soon.
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