Thoughts on Cutler, Etc.
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
Thoughts on Cutler, Etc.
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
I thought somebody had jumped the gun on April Fool's Day, when the e-mail from the Broncos showed up around 9 p.m. Tuesday. They haven't been able to get in touch with Jay Cutler for 10 days, so he's out of there? Like that? They know they can get enough value in a trade to jump off that cliff?
It's one thing to privately conclude the relationship has gone so far south that you need to start listening to proposals. But when you declare your intention to trade your talented young quarterback ... you have to then trade your talented young quarterback. There's no way back.
This has been one of the strangest sagas I've seen that didn't involve T.O. I just can't believe that new coach Josh McDaniels' brief flirtation with the idea of bringing in Matt Cassel, the QB he coached last year in New England, got Cutler so riled he wants to roll the dice on his career. Denver is not a sad-sack franchise. Pat Bowlen is a solid owner, the offensive weapons around Cutler are first-rate, the new coach is well-regarded. Because they kicked around the idea of trading him, Cutler now wants to start over with, say, the Jets or the Browns? Huh?
You might notice that in all the internet speculation swirling over a possible Cutler destination, you don't see the Eagles mentioned. (I'm talking about news sites, not fan speculation sites.) That's as it should be. The Eagles haven't given any indication they're of a mind to trade Donovan McNabb (yet), they still like Kevin Kolb as a successor, and maybe most important, they have other key needs they need to address with the resources they'd have to spend to make such a deal.
I think that last point also holds true when it comes to rumors about a trade for Carolina DE Julius Peppers, though media reports from the Charlotte area keep listing the Eagles as likely suitors. One of those reports cited, as part of its rationale, that the Birds once signed Jevon Kearse (which is hardly the same thing as trading significant assets for him). Yeah, and that turned out so well. I'm sure that means the Eagles should be in the discussion everytime a high-profile 30-something D-lineman is on the block. Right?
A closing thought: If I were Jamaal Jackson, I'd show up for minicamp in really good shape. The Eagles just re-signed Nick Cole, who will either start at guard or push Jackson for the center job. And whenever you see anything written about a center who's highly rated going into the April 25-26 draft, the Eagles are among the teams that attended his pro day, asked him in for a visit, or have otherwise expressed interest.
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For our earlier post on the Eagles' offseason schedule, click here
Comment removed.
I think the number one reason the Eagles aren't even considered in any Cutler deal (and IMO they shouldn't anyway) is that Andy Reid never admits he's made a mistake. Therefore whether it's later this year, next year, in two years, etc. Kevin Kolb WILL be the next QB for the Eagles- If max jean-gilles stayed healthy last season, Nick Cole would have replaced Jackson after the Ravens loss.— gulls3012
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- lonewolf, I assume you'd have great things to say about McNabb if he was unable to win one of the team's final four games with a playoff spot on the line.— owumd
- Wonder what dawkins thinks about this turn of events? Can u say 4 wins?— Onlineps2beast
- Jay Cutler is Jeff George part 2 He is a guy who has great physical skills, great numbers and nothing to show for it when the chips are down. Is that not the sole reason people want to chase McNabb out? How would McNabb be treated if his team was 8-5, needing one win for a playoff spot and closing out the season 0-3 vs beatable opponents and throwing 2TDs and 4 ints. Cutler has done nothing in this league, has a bad attitude and is a pouty little girl. Once again, is this not the complaints about number 5???— rvb2321
- let's not forget that Jamaal Jackson played very well up until this year. I believe his brother (or another close family member, i think) was murdered at the beginning of this past season. Go easy on the guy, as i can't imagine how it didnt affect his ENTIRE season. I think he'll retain his spot.— ag
- I agree with all of you---this is, indeed, a no brainer, but the one with no brains and too much pride and arrogance will never go for it. You don't need to "sure up" nearly as many offensive weapons in the upcoming draft if you have a superstar strong and accurate passer. Mediocre talent has a way of looking above average when there's a quality QB delivering the ball (see Gafney/Brady). The key to any teams Super Bowl aspirations starts and ends with its QB.— mg418
- Interesting. Remember when Jamaal was THE center that everybody gushed about? What in the world happened? He was supposed to be SO committed to everything that he was given a contract extension and a very healthy raise. Those things are not handed out on whims. Can somebody tell me why his performance (dedication? strength? attitude? perseverance?) has evidently deteriorated that he was/is going to be replaced as soon as someone capable (not GREAT mind you) comes along? Was it due to an injury that he has played through and not reported? I just don't understand. And therein lies Andy's main difficulty with the public. We don't like the chicken-feed he sprays at us on most occasions. We like to UNDERSTAND what is going on with our Iggles. We all know we can't have any input on anything the team does. But we really would like to KNOW what is happening and why.— TBear
- our drama queen for denver's crybaby anyday! a no brainer!— jwatson
- Kolb stinks. Why is he being groomed as a successor. Roll the dice, deal the Campbell's soup baby and bring in someone that knows the QB position.— Big Ragu
- Cutler is a baby and a brat.....We had that here once....He has never won anything....Leave him alone....and the new Denver coach tried to get a guy who he had coached and who understood his system....(Rember Andy brought in a guy to ease the transition until Donny was ready...) It is a good idea....WE have our own problems with a beancounter making football decisons, no qualtity left tackle, no backup to share the duties at running back, no tight end, no safety's , no number one wide receiver, no complimentary defensive end....chasing a baby will not solve any of those problems.......— nuggett
- To anyone who thinks Cutler would be a good trade for us. It's obvious he needs constant hand holding and to be to how great he is on a regular basis. Does that sound like Andy Reid or the Philly fans to anyone? Give me a break he would be demanding a trade after his first interception here or by the 3rd preseason game at the latest.— Viewkeeper
- I dont understand why some eagles fans keep telling the eagles to get this trade done, it is never going to happen your just wasting your time and energy by talking about cutler, there has been no mention of the eagles and cutler its all just fan talk and clowns on wip and 950 who fuel the spectulation. And considering that philly fans are obssesed with heart and leadership and that rocky blue collar personality in their players I don't know why they would want cutler, he is more think skinned then mcnabb— smiggs13
