Everything's Coming Up Jay Sep 11, 2008 | More

It may take a few months for a rose plant to grow, but you may have to wait three years for a Bronco quarterback to flourish under Coach Mike Shanahan.   But, this week’s Broncos game showed that the wait is often worthwhile, and the results are just as breathtaking.

Two weeks ago, I posted in the forums about trading Carson Palmer for Brandon Jacobs, because I believed that my “backup” Jay Cutler would become a Top 5 quarterback by the end of the season.   Most laughed at my suggestion.   Who’s chuckling now?  Cutler began the season with such an exclamation point, his many doubters should be re-evaluating their original assessment.  

Fellow sharks, please do not mistake my giddiness for boasting.   I just can’t contain my enthusiasm that Jay Cutler bloomed on national television before my very eyes.

Admittedly, it’s still a little premature to serve crow to the Cutler doubters who scoffed at the possibility of such enormous growth this season.   Even after sowing the seeds with an amazing first game, becoming a Top 5 quarterback in the National Football League will not be a stroll in the park.   However, with most of this season’s studs beginning with uninspiring performances, my skills as a fantasy football Nostradamus are looking uncanny.

For example, Peyton Manning looked lost on Sunday night without his amigo center, Jeff Saturday.   Carson Palmer looked dreadful with a banged up offense that could get worse before it gets better.   And, do you hear that sound?   That’s the sound of Tom the Terrific’s season coming to screeching halt. (We’ll miss you Tom!)   

Even though wily fantasy sharks anticipated some of the performances described above, I was guessing my man-crush would have wait until Week 2 to blossom.   Even I, the president of Cutler’s unofficial, non-existent fan club, waivered over playing my backup, Matt Hasselbeck, instead Cutler in one league.   After all, the Bronco’s top weapon, Brandon Marshall would be out this past week serving a suspension, and what chance did Jay Cutler have to start of his season with a bang while facing the Raiders’ big, bad secondary?   Fortunately, I stuck with Jay in spite of these potential thorns.   Cutler threw two touchdowns for a hair under 300 yards.   The Broncos crushed the Raiders 41-14. Further, it seems that Coach Shanahan has been taking notes from Coach Bellicheck, opting to still throw the ball late in the 4^th quarter with an insurmountable lead.   Who would have thought?    

While we are on the topic of Mike Shanahan, every fantasy shark knows that when it comes to guessing the running back “flavor of the week,” the coach has a tendency to drive fantasy fanatics crazy. However, in the area of grooming quarterbacks, he has a rich history of nurturing them into arm slinging monsters.   In 1987, John Elway throws for 3,198 yards and 19 touchdowns and won the league MVP during a strike shortened season.   In 1994, Steve Young had the best QB rating and passing completion of his career.   Heck, in 200 even Brian Griese had a career year receiving an invitation to the Pro Bowl.   What do these quarterbacks all have in common?   Yep.   They all thrived starting in Year 3 under the guide of Coach Shanahan.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you if the trend continues this season.   With a deadly weapon in Brandon Marshall, a burgeoning rookie named Eddie Royal, and Coach Shanahan’s impressive track record with quarterbacks, expect fantasy sharks who can get their hands on Jay Cutler to come out of the season “smelling like roses.”