Mr. Bowlen: Please Read, Don't Trade Jay Cutler

Mr. Bowlen,

As a longtime fan and coach, I think I can give you the resolution you need as the owner of the Denver Broncos.

Obviously, this whole Jay Cutler rift with the Broncos organization has gotten way out of control. It’s gotten that way for a number of reasons, but in the end, it impacts the direction of this organization, not just now, or for the next couple of years, but well into the future of this organization.

I think the Denver Broncos did the right thing in issuing a statement that the team will not trade Jay Cutler.

In trying to maintain a status-quo about the organization, it makes sense to back coach McDaniels as the new coach.

What doesn’t make sense is the over-emphasis of Josh McDaniels' new systems,  particularly on the offensive side of the ball. It doesn’t make sense for Josh to not consider input from Jay Cutler regarding offensive schemes and plans of attack.

The ultimate mustard on this dog situation is that there really should be an additional liaison or mentor coach who can help Josh have a more open mind.

It’s important to keep the offensive output from last season in mind, as unrefined as it was; they still managed to be the No. 2 offense, with a myriad of issues primarily revolving around the run game.

Josh wants more of a spread offense that can attack specific zones of the field to methodically move the ball. Jay can do that, but he can do so much more than that.

Yes, the chemistry at the moment is toxic to the organization, but the one thing that would alleviate that right now is you.

Mr. Bowlen, you have been the best owner in football for a reason. I truly believe that, but the thing you really have to take to heart right this very moment, is that you could be on the verge of setting this franchise back a decade or more if you trade Jay Cutler.

Jay is about to come into his own as a complete quarterback. 

The threat of many season ticket holders even thinking of dumping their tickets over this should tell you this city has a passion for Jay as a Denver Bronco. To a man, Jay Cutler needs fine tuning, but he has the ability to be the next Hall-of-Fame quarterback to come out of Denver.

His off-the-field issues are well documented; that is well in mind. He is mature enough to know that he has been played by his new head coach intentionally and not consulted in the least.

That is a red flag warning that is not in the best interest of the organization. If Josh had his way at this moment he would hope that things revolve around the coach rather than what’s best moving forward for the regional fan base, the quarterback, or the owner.

I like Josh as a coach; I have no doubt that he could be a great coach.

Even now, at this moment in time, you have to admit that he has tunnel vision. It impairs his ability to not only see Jay’s potential, but what he can bring into the fold in other areas, such as schemes.

The one move that would force the two of them to work this all out is in your hands, and I firmly believe that this is a very rare exception.

You should sign Jay Cutler to an extension as the Broncos' quarterback. 

This would keep Jay in Denver where he belongs.

This would force Josh and Jay to work together.

Moreover, it would extend your commitment to the fan base that you care more about winning now than in the future.  

The thing Josh really needs is mentoring from other coaches and you as the owner.  Josh’s system is the Patriot system, but even in New England it is documented that some of the flaws remain. 

Moreover, there is a great deal of film on this system, and teams have been catching on and making it harder on that organization.

Consider the fact that the Jets (a common opponent for the Broncos and Pats last season), with Brett Favre, won in Foxborough last season; they put the Pat’s out of the game early and often.  Moreover, as good an offense as they had, they also missed the playoffs in much the same way the Broncos did.

I really don’t think Jay has a problem being one of the guys.  I don’t think he really wants to take all the credit as the QB. He’s done a lot in the community to give back based on what he has had to deal with and learn about in fighting diabetes.

Don’t write Jay off as being shallow or a disappointment. He hasn’t been the winner yet, but he will be, mark it in stone.

What Jay needs is exactly what Josh McDaniels needs. They both need just a little mentoring, a little, not a lot, and it could be fairly painless. It might be like having a senior coach on board who Josh can bounce things off. 

You can provide that to a point, but I do think it might be a need for you to hire a senior coach who can help iron out this relationship a little more.

I speak as a writer, a fan, a coach, and a player. This whole thing is fixable, Mr. Bowlen; you can fix this, and I have faith in you. I have personally been just as disappointed in Josh and Jay and their reactions to this situation, but I believe this is a fixable situation.

Signing Jay Cutler to an extension will more or less ditch the press and the trade talks, and bring back a beacon of hope to the team moving forward.

It will show that you, as the owner, are in control, that this organization is moving forward, and that this issue is fixed.

Quite literally, if Josh cannot or will not coach Jay he should resign immediately.

If Josh cannot or will not accept some input on the offensive system, he should resign immediately or be terminated.

At the end of the day Mr. Bowlen, you will make the final call.

You can still do the right thing for the team, save face, and right the organization as well.

I have faith in your abilities and ambitions to win, just utilize your authority as the owner and make the right move going forward.

Best Regards,

Chaz Mattson

Denver Broncos Fan since 1970

Coach since 1985

Writer since 1988