Jim Plunkett: Remembering the Comeback Career

Jim Plunkett entered the NFL as a first-round draft pick of the New England Patriots in 1971, and he faced high expectations coming out of Stanford University.

Plunkett was awarded the Heisman Trophy after his senior season in 1970, as he became the first college player to account for over 7,000 yards of total offense He also led the Cardinals to their first Rose Bowl appearance in almost 20 years, beating heavily favored Ohio State University.

Plunkett lived up to expectations his first year with the Patriots. The team improved from a dismal 2-12 record to a 6-8 record as Plunkett threw for 19 touchdowns and 2,158 yards. He was subsequently awarded rookie of the year.

Over the next three years, however, Plunkett’s career decayed. He threw only 40 touchdowns compared to 64 interceptions and was sacked 97 times. The Patriots record during this span was 15-27 with no playoff appearances.

This lack of progress led the Patriots to draft the legendary Steve Grogan in 1975. Plunkett was on a short leash, eventually being relegated to backup quarterback after week five.

The following season Plunkett was traded to San Francisco, where he played with the 49ers for the next two seasons. His performance was mediocre, managing a record of just 11 wins and 15 losses.

After Plunkett’s release from San Francisco, he joined the Oakland Raiders prior to the 1978 season.

Plunkett was signed strictly as a backup. In his first two years in Oakland, he threw a total of only 15 passes.

Entering the 1980 season, Plunkett was closing in on 33 years of age. His career seemed reduced to being a perennial backup. He appeared to be a big disappointment given the high expectations early in his career.

In 1980, however, destiny offered Plunkett a chance to prove he was a top-notch NFL quarterback. After Dan Pastorini was injured during game five, Plunkett was handed the starting quarterback job.

A rejuvenated Plunkett led the Raiders to a wild-card playoff berth. Three victories later, the Raiders were facing the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XV.

Plunkett threw for 264 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Raiders to a 27-10 victory. Plunkett earned Super Bowl MVP honors, and lead the Raiders to becoming the first wild-card team to ever win a Super Bowl.

Plunkett suffered an injury plagued season in 1981, and the following year the Raiders moved the franchise to Los Angeles.

In a new city, Plunkett continued to play well in leading the Raiders to the playoffs in a strike shortened 1982 season. After losing in the second round of the playoffs, however, the Raiders decided to change quarterbacks the following year.

Once again, Plunkett appeared to be on the down side of his career as he was demoted to back up quarterback Marc Wilson.

After Wilson got injured, however, Plunkett once again had a chance to prove he was not too old for success.

Plunkett played like a young athlete in leading the Raiders to six wins in their last seven regular season games, and then taking the team all the way to Super Bowl XVIII to face the Washington Redskins.

At the age of 36, Plunkett led the domination of the Redskins. He threw for 172 yards and a touchdown in a 38-9 Super Bowl victory.

Plunkett spent the rest of his career with the Raiders as a backup. His 17 year career finally ended after a bad shoulder forced him to retire after the 1987 season, at the age of 40.

Perhaps Jim Plunkett would be remembered more favorably if he had retired after his second Super Bowl victory. However, his tenacious desire to play football kept him on the field for several more years, as he continually tried to make contributions despite his age.

It was this desire, however, that propelled Plunkett to make two comebacks in his roller-coaster career. He proved to many fans and athletes that with hard work and the proper motivation, age can be overcome in the NFL to achieve success.

Where Will The Broncos Send Cutler?

Now that the Denver Broncos have stated they intend to trade disgruntled quarterback Jay Cutler, the question becomes one thing. Where is he going?

The 49ers, Lions, Bears, Jets and Buccaneers are all obvious suitors.  Others like the Seahawks and Browns could also factor in.

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The key is, which team has the most to offer the Broncos in terms of picks or players?

The Lions have reportedly offered the No. 1 pick in the Draft, but the Broncos were unwilling to take the salary.

My first theory was for the Broncos to send Cutler to San Francisco for Alex Smith and their pick (I think Coach McDaniels can work with Smith, like he did with Cassell), but I’m not sure that Denver would want the salary of Smith and the tenth overall pick; plus the demand on Smith is not exactly high.

Another possibility would be Cleveland, which could send Brady Quinn and their first rounder for Cutler.

The Bears, Jets and Bucs would have to make extraordinary offers in order to acquire Cutler: Multiple picks and probably players.  The Bucs and Bears would probably have to pull a Gruden-type of trade for Cutler (two first rounders, two second rounders).

The Jets could send CB Dwight Lowery, S Eric Smith, DE Kenyon Colemen, LB Vernon Gholston and their first-rounder for Cutler.  If I were Pat Bowlen, that’s what I’d want — boatload of defensive-players (2 starters, 2 backups) with a draft pick to boot.  The Broncos could probably acquire Alex Smith from the Niners either way for a 3rd round pick.

Lowery, Smith and Coleman started in 2008 while Smith will now compete with Jim Leonhard, and Coleman will compete with Marques Douglas and the Jets acquired CB Lito Sheppard to play behind Lowery.  Meanwhile Gholston would add another pass-rush prospect to the mix for Denver with Elvis Dumervil and Jarvis Moss, and could potentially allow DJ Williams to play inside linebacker.

By the way, I’m a Raider fan so there’s nothing I would like more than for the Broncos to be the new NFL punchline.  But speaking as an observer of NFL clubs not based in Oakland — that is what I would do in Denver’s situation.

With Jay Cutler On the Way Out, What Are Denver’s Options?

It’s official. Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler has officially been placed on the trading block, as Broncos owner Pat Bowlen has now gotten to the point of frustration.

“Numerous attempts to contact Jay Cutler in the last 10 days, both by Head Coach Josh McDaniels and myself, have been unsuccessful.

“A conversation with his agent earlier today clearly communicated and confirmed to us that Jay no longer has any desire to play for the Denver Broncos. We will begin discussions with other teams in an effort to accommodate his request to be traded.”

It would appear Cutler has handled this as poorly as possible, but he is still in high demand for teams in need of a quarterback. The Jets, Bears, 49ers, Buccaneers, Lions, Jaguars, Browns, and Redskins are all rumored to be interested in the Pro Bowl quarterback.

Despite the fact that Cutler has handled this poorly, and spectators feel that the Broncos have lost leverage, they really have not.

Cutler is still under contract with the team, and whoever wants to pursue him is going to have to break the bank, and likely involve a third team.

As of now, the team that would appear to have the most interest is the New York Jets, who could offer a large package of draft picks to the Broncos.

John Clayton of ESPN said in a recent interview with fellow ESPN co-worker Ari Horing, that there is a “good chance” Brady Quinn winds up in Denver somehow. Quinn has the obvious connection to the McBelicheck system, and is a young gunslinger.

Here is a proposed trade that is pure speculation on my part, but could be realistic:

Denver trades Cutler to the Jets for a their first round pick (No. 17 overall), second round pick (No. 52 overall), and a conditional draft pick in 2010 based on Cutler’s performance in 2009. 

Denver then would trade the second-round pick acquired in the trade to Cleveland for quarterback Brady Quinn.

Cleveland could then move on with Derek Anderson as their quarterback, the Jets would get their franchise man, and Denver would get a young signal caller as well as two high draft picks to continue building their defense.

Personally, I feel that this new development has provided me with some closure, and I finally feel able to move on from this situation.  Cutler is no longer welcome at Dove Valley. 

I speculated early on in this process that Quinn would be the best option for the Broncos, and it could turn out that he wears a new shade of orange in 2009 and beyond. 

Peters and Bills Miles Apart On Contract

Want to know what the best part about playing armchair GM is? 

No matter how preposterous a deal I come up with, there’s no worries of retribution. There are no fans threatening to boycott games, no players or agents screaming at me for a new contract, and no owner questioning my every move.

It’s pure bliss.

So I figured that I’d weigh in on the Jason Peters debacle that has been brewing in Buffalo even before last season began.

For those of you who don’t know, Peters is the Buffalo Bills starting left tackle, and two time Pro Bowler.  Not bad for an undrafted tight end who was signed by the Bills in 2004.

After winning the right tackle job in 2005 from all-time bust Mike Williams, Peters was rewarded with a new contract, five years, $15 million.  Midway through the 2006 season, Peters was shifted to left tackle, where he’s been the starter ever since.

Prior to the 2008 season, Peters lamented about his current contract, refusing to participate in any of the offseason workouts, mandatory minicamps, and the entire preseason.  He finally showed up the day before the season opener, and that was only after receiving assurances from the Bills that they would discuss a new contract.  For his stubbornness, Peters was fined $600,000.

Despite a sub-par season, Peters was selected to his second straight Pro Bowl.  However a knee injury kept him from making the trip to Hawaii.

Well here it is, 2009 and Peters is a no-show at the voluntary offseason conditioning program—again.

It’s believed that Peters wants to be the highest paid left tackle in football, something higher than the $11 million the Carolina Panthers gave Jordan Gross back in February. 

Peters current contract has two years remaining on it, and will pay him a total of $7.2 million.

Since nothing seems to be getting accomplished at One Bills Drive, I figured I’d better step up and try to resolve this impasse.

First we need to explore our options.  The Bills could just pay him what he wants.  Left tackles like Peters are invaluable, and since it seems like Trent Edwards’ bones are made of soft crystal, the best available protection of his blind side should be a priority.  However, the Bills are a small market team, usually spending well under the cap, and not prone to overspend on one player like that—no matter how important he may be.

A trade would be another, more viable option.  A premiere left tackle like Peters would fetch a first round pick for sure, and in the process get rid of the headache known as his contract demands.

If the Bills were to trade Peters, they would still have good, usable options for the left tackle spot.  Langston Walker, the Bills best overall lineman last year, could swing over to left tackle from his right tackle spot.  The Bills could then use a draft pick on a big offensive lineman to fill the void at right tackle. 

Or they could try and sign a veteran like Orlando Pace to a one-year contract, draft a tackle in the first round, and let Pace groom the young stud for the 2010 season.

Finally, the Bills could just let Peters sit and rot on the bench.  True, he’d still be collecting just over $3 million to ride the pines, but it would send a message to Peters, and the rest of the team.

Like millions of others in this country, in this economy, just be happy you have a job.  Take the contract you signed for and honor it.  Period.

Very unlikely the Bills would do this, although it’d be nice to see a team stand up to the demands of a player for a change.

So there you are Buffalo—I’ve laid out options, and in my opinion, the second one seems best.  Trade him.  I’ll even find you a trading partner.

Buffalo meet Philly.  Philly meet Buffalo.

The Eagles seem like the most ideal team to make a deal with.  Philadelphia has a need at left tackle with the departure of Tra Thomas, AND they own not one, but two first round picks.

On behalf of myself and many other Buffalo Bills fans, do something already.  Whatever, just do it so the team, and the fans can move on.

Jay Cutler’s Other Possible Suitors

In my previous article entitled, “Gang Green Countdown: Why Jay Cutler Should Go to the the New York Jets,” I analyzed why New York should (and possibly will) trade for the embattled former Broncos quarterback.

Then I got to thinking: What if the Jets miss the ball here and decide to stick with Kellen Clemens or Brett Ratliff?

Here’s a list of other potential targets for Jay Cutler.

Detroit Lions

Cutler’s arm makes Calvin Johnson that much more dangerous and makes the Lions’ first choice in the draft a no brainer: a left tackle. 

He would be playing in an easier division with almost no pressure on his shoulders.

Cleveland Browns

What a way for Eric Mangini to stick it to the Jets.

He steals the quarterback that New York pleads for and brings him to Cleveland in a good offense with Braylon Edwards.

The downside is that he would be in the same division as the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers and defensive-minded Ravens who will be foaming at the mouth to knock his head off.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

While the Bucs are known more for their offense, Cutler under center would give them credibility in a mediocre division.

San Francisco 49ers

His cocky attitude may not fly with head coach Mike Singletary, but he can certainly take San Francisco to their first postseason since 2003 in arguably the weakest division in the NFL.

Chicago Bears

Cutler could also burn the Lions for a division rival and give them a true franchise quarterback with the opportunity to build a legitimate receiving corps around him.

Minnesota Vikings

Another division rival who is a quarterback away from being an NFC title contender for the next decade.

Armed with a suffocating defense, putting Cutler in the same offense as Adrian Peterson forces defensive coordinators to respect BOTH the run as well as the pass which could open things up for Bernard Berrian.

Sensing a possible NFC North theme here?

Whoever signs Jay Cutler immediately shifts the balance of power in that division.

If the Jets do not sign Cutler, look for one of these teams to pick him up.

Jay Cutler Officially On the Trade Block

So I was just checking my rumor sites and saw a brand new post taken from the Denver Broncos official website. The subject of the post? 

Chicago Bears Meet With Orlando Pace, Ken Lucas

Wouldn’t this be an ironic way to fix a secondary: free agent corner Ken Lucas visited Halas Hall on Monday.

Lucas is best known for getting beaten up by teammate Steve Smith in a preseason fight last August.

The Bears secondary has been known to get beaten by just about any receiver the last few years.

On Monday, Lucas and veteran offensive tackle Orlando Pace visited with the Bears. Pace, coming off three seasons plagued by injuries, had been a Hall of Fame left tackle in St. Louis for 12 seasons.

He would likely compete with former Cleveland Brown Kevin Shaffer and former Carolina Panther Frank Omiyale on the right side, with last year’s top pick Chris Williams presumably starting at left tackle.

Lucas, on the other hand, is just 30 years old and had a decent year after getting his nose rearranged by Smith. He recorded 60 tackles and two interceptions in 2008.

At six feet tall and 200 pounds, the Bears would hope Lucas could provide a physical presence in the their secondary they aren’t confident Nathan Vasher or Corey Graham can opposite Charles Tillman.

Cutler Is Available: Make Your Move Jets!

Broncos finally announced the news I have been waiting for, Cutler Is officially on the Trade Block!

What happened? Cutler officialy ignored his way out of Denver. He ignored all calls and text and the Broncos say the have had enough.

Here are some Pros and Cons of Cutler:

Pros

• You are getting a Franchise Quarterback and he is only 25!
• This guy has an absolute rocket for an arm, which Jets fans have not seen in a while from Brett Favre and Chad Pennington.
• This guy already has started two and a half seasons (37 games) which is more experience then all the QB’s on the Jets rosters combined.

Cons

• Well after this experience many Jets fans are questioning his attitude and whether he is going to be a cancer like T.O.
• Chemistry might be a problem with Cutler. Kerry Rhodes already said he will not be excited if Cutler comes to the Jets. Saying things like “Me and Jay just don’t get along too well right now,” also going on to say “You can be confident, but when you’re too confident for your own self, that can be a little tough,”
• To give alot you have to get alot, and The Jets do not have a sure starting QB so they probably will have to give there 17th draft pick and one of the QB’s already on the roster, possibly more.
• His accuracy is not so great but if Brett Favre can go 9-7 with the Jets, I think this won’t be a huge problem.

Here is my analysis on whether Jets should try to trade for Cutler.

Here is an equation of my thoughts, sorry people who suck at math.

Rex Ryan+New Pickups+Current Roster(x)=Superbowl

I have done the equation out and x actually is equal to Cutler.

Basically this a sign from god (another apology to atheists) saying “Here is your Franchise QB Jets! Come and Get Him!!”

Now on a serious note. If either Payton or Eli Manning was for trade, you would try to trade for him, correct? What about Roethlisberger?

Why is this? because they all have great talent and they are someone you can build your team around.

These players do not come around often so….

 MAKE YOUR MOVE JETS AND GET JAY CUTLER!!! 

Jay Cutler Could Soon Become An Ex-Bronco

Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen announced on Tuesday that the team will entertain offers and and try to trade disgruntled quarterback Jay Cutler. This comes after a month of angst between Cutler and new head coach Josh McDaniels which stems from an attempted trade for Matt Cassell to take over as Denver’s quarterback

Cutler missed the team’s offseason workout program—and was subsequently fined $100,000 —and has not been able to be reached in ten days, according to Bowlen.

A likely trade partner could be the Cleveland Browns, who have two quarterbacks that other teams would want in Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson. A three-way deal could also happen with Cutler coming to Cleveland and Quinn and Anderson both leaving the Browns.

Gang Green Countdown: Why Jay Cutler Should End Up With the Jets

At 8:45 p.m. EST, Jay Cutler officially became the Christmas present the New York Jets have been praying for since 1998.

The 25-year-old Pro Bowler was officially put on the trading block tonight, and the most logical choice of destination should be in New York with the Jets.

This move would put a cap on an explosive off-season making the AFC East the must-watch division in 2009.

It will also add another name to a monster New York sports off-season as the Yankees and Mets spent in excess of $500 million in new free agents (Sabathia, Burnett, Teixeira, F. Rodriguez, Putz).

Cutler would give the Jets instant title contention and make them the biggest threat to the New England Patriots return to the postseason, and give them a star to rival that of Tom Brady.

Already armed with a physical offensive line, a two-headed monster at running back, and a star in the making at tight end in Dustin Keller; the Jets need a young, brash, Namath-style quarterback to complete what could be a perennial contender.

Phones at WFAN Radio in New York are already exploding with Jets fans pleading with Woody Johnson and Mike Tannenbaum to grab Cutler.

The question now becomes, what will it take for the Jets to bring Cutler to New York?

Some say they should sacrifice their first-round pick and another player in a packaged deal.

Other fans ridiculously claim they should pull a 1999 New Orleans Saints, and trade the entire draft for Cutler.

Whatever the case may be, Mike Tannenbaum had better be on the phone with Pat Bowlen trying to bring the NFL’s most prized free agent to its most marketable city.

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