Tuesday Morning Quarterback

Posted Nov 28, 2006 by Darin Shaw

Updated Nov 28, 2006 at 10:58 AM

The Quarterback Carousel is spinning.  In Denver, Jake Plummer has been sent to the pine in favor of rookie Jay Cutler.  Given that the Broncos are still deeply entrenched in the AFC Playoff mix, this move will either make Head Coach Mike Shanahan look like a genius… or a fool.  We’ll know in a couple of weeks.  Let me give you the real scoop: It’s all about Shanahan.  The Broncos Coach has a bit of a Jerry Jones complex, ala ‘My system works with anyone’.  He has prided himself on being able to turn any back into a 1000 yard performer, then kicking them to the curb for his next project.  This is the same thing, but at QB.  ‘Look, we’re back in the playoff hunt with the Arizona castoff… now let me show you that I can do it with a rookie’.  Questions continue to abound around Rex Grossman in Chicago.  When he’s good, he’s really good.  When he’s bad, he’s worse than bad.  What to do?  Here’s a clue for you as you evaluate Rex: Who have his good games come against?  Who have his bad games been against?  Keep that in mind as Rex and the Bears ride this 2 game lead over the rest of the NFC towards the playoffs.  Somebody warm up Brian Griese.  In Atlanta, Michael Vick showed the fans some love as he left the field Sunday.  That little move cost him a few thousand dollars for – get this: “Violating the Leagues Obscene Gesture Policy”.  I find it hysterical that the NFL has an Obscene Gesture Policy in the first place.  Be sure that this is not the biggest fine Michael faces.  His endorsements with name brands will take a significant hit. 

How about the Preacher telling you to watch Browns WR Braylon Edwards?  By now you’ve seen his sideline T.O. impression Sunday.  I give him a 10.  Here’s what he said to the press yesterday as he was asked if the Browns might discipline him: “It’s not like I shot a bird at somebody in the stands or something.”  Give the man a diamond studded earring!

Buc Bits: Reports have surfaced that the Bucs made a contract offer to QB Chris Simms.  I applaud the move.  People want to evaluate Chris on the first three games of this year, where he was woeful.  Be reminded, the entire team was woeful in that stretch.  If we’ve learned anything this season, the team we saw the first three weeks is the team we’ve seen since Chris has been gone.  Remember that we had the game won in which Chris lost his spleen – and largely due to Chris’ grit.  Remember that in 10 games last year he compiled a 61% completion percentage and hit on more than 20 completions of more than 20 yards.  How would this season look had Chris not been hurt?  Dare I say, far better.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: (Good) Cowboys QB Tony Romo.  Not for his play, but because he has taken the spotlight completely off T.O.  When’s the last time you heard from T.O.?  The week Romo took over.  You go, Tony!  (Bad) Cowboys PK Mike Vanderjagt.  So bad, in fact, that he’s gone.  Martin Gramatica found a ride for the remainder of the year.  (Ugly) The Giants’ giant collapse against the Titans Sunday.  How do you give up 24 points in the final 9 minutes of a game?  To Tennessee? 

My Hero of the Week: Texans back-up QB Sage Rosenfels.  Sage rumbled downfield to make a tackle on a missed field goal that was being returned.

My Goat of the Week: Texans back-up QB Sage Rosenfels.  He was injured on that play and is gone for the season.  Silly quarterback, special teams is for real football players.

See ya Thursday!