...of life as we know it in Denver? With Mike Shanahan at head coach, Denver has only ever had one losing season in 12 years. That was the first year with Brian Griese taking over as the starting quarterback. With that in mind, Denver is currently 7-4, slotted as a wild card club, desperately trying to reach the pinnacle and topple San Diego in the AFC West. All while this is going on, they are tied with Kansas City (7-4), but are currently at a disadvantage division record-wise.
Jake Plummer has had his fair share of problems this season. He has 12 interceptions compared to 11 touchdowns, fumbled the ball 7 times, and has only thrown for more than 250 yards once this

season. Yet, Denver is 40-19 with Jake Plummer as the starting quarterback, (2006 is the fourth season). Denver was only 34-30 in the four years where Brian Griese was the starting signal caller. As for John Elway's first four years as the starter in Denver, the Broncos were 44-20. Compare that to Plummer's first four seasons. Pretty unique, wouldn't you say?
So, what is the problem in Denver?
Why is Jay Cutler taking over at quarterback?
The problem is not necessarily the quarterback, Jake Plummer, it starts with the system. Denver can no longer produce a running attack in which where any average running back can succeed. Those days are long gone. You will not see Denver produce any Olandis Gary's or Reuben Droughns' any time soon. The offensive line is not as punishing as it was, say just 2 years ago.
I have to question whether or not left tackle Erik Pears is fit for this system. Jake Plummer struggled immensely from pressure out of the left side. Sure, most quarterbacks do suffer from blind side pressure, that's common sense, but it seemed that the pressure was more often and denser from that side of the line.
Tight ends have always been key in this systematic structure as well. Shannon Sharpe, Dwayne Carswell, and Jeb Putzier highlight the tight end position over 11 of the past 12 years in Denver. Sharpe was a good blocker, but an even better playmaker. Carswell was an outstanding blocker but a below average receiver. Putzier was an all-around student that was solid in every facet as he learned under Sharpe and Carswell. You can't undermine the importance of the tight end in the zone blocking scheme used in Denver.
Denver is still a top ten rushing team, due in part to Plummer's struggles. But, Jay Cutler can be expected to struggle just like Jake Plummer has all year. His arm strength may be top notch but it takes more of a game management style to succeed in this system for anyone not named John Elway.
If Denver was in the NFC, they would be 9-2 or 10-1, right now, there would be

no quarrels over benching Jake Plummer, and the uncertainty, yes the uncertainty, would not be there.
Ah, yes, uncertainty usually marks the beginning of the end. Just ask Dallas after Troy Aikman retired. Just ask Jeff Fisher when Tennessee had to start dumping players as cap casualties. Shoot, just ask Green Bay fans in a year or two once Brett Favre retires.
The uncertainty is drowning the Denver front office. The ownership is still looking for someone to play up to John Elway's level. That is what is eating away at this franchise. It took 9 starting quarterbacks to replace Aikman in Dallas. So far, Denver is working on their third since Elway. Why?
Denver is a playoff team and if Jay Cutler falters just a little bit, every writer in the sports world will be questioning this and bringing more heat onto Denver and Mike Shanahan. The process may take a couple years or so, but this may truly be the beginning of the end for Denver. They need to pray that Jay Cutler is the real deal or else they will be forced to eat a fist full of dollars and watch as a proven winner sits on the bench.
Oh, and for those that say Plummer can't win the big game. Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Peyton Manning, and Donovan McNabb "can't" win the big game either. That's not such a bad class to be a part of. If a quarterback is known to not win the big games, that is where the 21 other players on the field need to step up.
I liked Jay Cutler when I was preparing to cover the NFL Draft for LiveWire last year. I just do not know how successful he will be in the NFL. Making such a call is a crap shoot. He has the tools to do so, but will John Elway's success haunt him into mediocrity?