Broncos' Rookies Play Well in Loss, Look to Rebound at Quinn-Led Browns

The Denver Broncos couldn't get anything going against the Dolphins until it was too late.

Jay Cutler played one of the worst games of his career.  He threw three interceptions and seemed erratic at times when throwing the ball, completing only 26-of-47 passes.

To add injury to insult, Denver lost its second-best defensive player D.J. Williams to a knee ligament sprain and placed running backs Michael Pittman and Andre Hall on injured reserve.

Despite the fact that Denver is playing its worst ball of the season collectively, their rookie class has played extremely well.

Led by Pro Bowl-caliber tackle Ryan Clady (0 sacks allowed in eight contests) and Eddie Royal (46 catches, three touchdowns) the Broncos feature arguably the best rookie class of 2008 so far. 

Clady and Royal are potential Pro Bowlers, cornerback Jack Williams has played well in limited action, fullback Peyton Hillis has been excellent as a receiver, Brett Kern is a serviceable punter, and running back Ryan Torain has been compared to Terrell Davis.

Denver, however, will need more than just production out of its rookies on Thursday night against the Browns.  If Denver is to win that game, Jay Cutler needs to drop his attitude and ego and play some ball. 

The Broncos' defense gets a bit of a break by playing against Cleveland quarterback Brady Quinn, who does not have an NFL start to his name. 

Rookie Running Back Ryan Torain figures to get a lot of carries in the absence of Hall and Pittman, as well as Selvin Young who may be able to contribute after serving some injury time of his own.  Look for Denver to either sign one of its former backs (free agents Tatum Bell, Mike Bell, Ron Dayne, Mike Anderson) or former Houston back Vernand Morency who was in for a workout earlier this season.

Denver is on a downslide, but they still lead the terrible AFC West by one game, and a win against the Browns is just what the doctor ordered.