Wednesday Notes: More Issues Between Cutler, Broncos; Stafford Visits Lions

by Sean Yuille on Mar 11, 2009 12:24 PM EDT in Detroit Lions Notes

Apparently the Jay Cutler-Broncos saga has gotten worse following a conference call between the quarterback and the team. The call was supposed to resolve any remaining issues between the two parties, but that doesn't sound like it happened. A Broncos source refuted this report, but really what we should be watching for is if Cutler shows up to the offseason conditioning program on Monday. If he skips it, then that will be a sign that he isn't content with playing in Denver and will likely request to be traded. I mention this obviously because the Lions are in need of a quarterback and already tried to trade for Cutler once before. Expect Martin Mayhew to phone the Broncos ASAP if this situation continues to get worse between Cutler and Denver.
While on the subject of Cutler, I have to ask, what did he ever do to Mel Kiper? Yesterday in Kiper's "Tuesday with Mel" piece, he not only went after Cutler, but he absolutely tore him apart. He even said that Matt Cassel is a much better QB.

"[Cutler] throws one pass, he's a Hall of Famer," Kiper says. "I've seen the media put him in the Hall of Fame. I had to run to the bathroom quick. It was making me ill. I've been hearing this overhype.

"This guy was overhyped at the combine, he was overhyped at Senior Bowl week, he's been overhyped before he was drafted. The media, they love Jay Cutler. Jay Cutler can do no wrong. I've been saying he's overrated since day one. Everyone's been pounding their chests saying, 'Oh, I love Jay Cutler, I'm a genius.' They have egg on their face now."
Where in the hell is all of this hate coming from both for Cutler and the media that supposedly love him so much? It just seems so out of left field. Then again, it starts to make perfect sense once you go back to 2006 and look at Kiper's rankings. He had Matt Leinart (Vince Young, too, I believe) ahead of Cutler in his rankings and was never a big fan of Cutler. Now that Cutler clearly is a better QB than Leinart, it is becoming obvious that Kiper is trying to cover his own ass by hating on Cutler.

I used to like Kiper, but this guy seriously is becoming a bigger jackass by the day. He isn't a talent evaluator but a person with an enormous hidden agenda. I understand a person trying to make themself look good, especially with draft rankings being so hit and miss, but give it up, Kiper. You have been consistently wrong in the past and are becoming quite bitter over it. Get over yourself.
Speaking of getting things wrong, if ESPN's formula for measuring college performance proves to be accurate again this year, Kiper will be incorrect in having Matthew Stafford as the #1 overall pick. I say that because ESPN's formula, which has been very accurate in identifying busts, predicts that Stafford will be a bust. This is just another indication that taking Stafford with the top overall pick would be a huge mistake.
Stafford visited the Lions on Tuesday and will privately work out with the team at a later date. Jim Schwartz said that the team has already watched every throw he's made in the last two years, but correctly pointed out that watching someone on tape and in person are two very different things.
Because the Lions are going to hold a private workout with Stafford, Schwartz probably isn't going to attend Georgia's pro day next week.
Schwartz thinks Aaron Curry can play both OLB in a 3-4 defense and ILB in a 4-3.
Schwartz was asked about Jordon Dizon yesterday and said something that is very telling (in my opinion, at least).

On whether the Lions view Jordon Dizon as a starting outside linebacker: "The answer is ... we need to keep acquiring players.''
I'm guessing Schwartz would have said the same thing if asked about other players, but reading between the lines, it doesn't seem like Dizon is anything more than a backup.
According to Schwartz, Anthony Henry's play will determine if he lines up at cornerback or safety.
The topic of Thanksgiving games is not on the agenda for the NFL's annual meeting later this month. That means that there will be no planned discussion about taking the game away from the Lions, which is great news.
Tight end L.J. Smith is reportedly going to sign with the Falcons. (HT: Highlight Reel)
Former Lions cornerback Leigh Bodden signed with the Patriots.
The Rams released offensive tackle Orlando Pace.
LaDainian Tomlinson is going to stay with the Chargers after restructuring his contract.

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Comments

Cutler!

Oh please oh please oh please!

Yes!

Please!

Make it happen!

. . . man, the suspense is killing me. I know it’s a pipe dream, but they keep dragging this out! Either they need to bury the hatchet or buy him a plane ticket to the Motor City.

Oh, and THANK YOU for the link to the ESPN article on Stafford, that puts down in numbers what I’ve “hunched” all along.

Peace
Ty

http://thelionsinwinter.blogspot.com

by ty@thelionsinwinter on Mar 11, 2009 12:59 PM EDT reply actions

Hey you posted the link i sent you

Now I just hope that Schwartz sees it too.

by JohnWayne506th on Mar 11, 2009 1:46 PM EDT reply actions

Even if the lions aren't going to draft Stafford

they will make it look they will probably even go into contract talks, if other teams think they won’t draft him they won’t trade up.

by msivits on Mar 11, 2009 2:10 PM EDT reply actions

How that we have that formula

How does everyone feel about trading up from 1.20 to snag Sanchez?

by wumanchu01 on Mar 11, 2009 2:26 PM EDT reply actions

I say call denver now,trade for cutler give them whatever they want cause hes better than anything in the draft and get what we need out of the rest of the draft and free agency,like OL trai essex,WR tory holt or someone like him-Amani toomer,Bobby engrham who can draw coverage and catch first downs-yes beef up the line add a complimentary reciever for johnson and johnson,keep defenses honest and open the run game-what are you waiting for coach——may the schwartz be with you!!!!!!!!

by WAYNIEMAN on Mar 11, 2009 4:12 PM EDT reply actions

Mel Kiper

Gets payed to be right 50% of the time, if that. He’s an idiot. Put Cutler on the Patriots team from last year. Cutler threw for more yards on an 8 and 8 team, only a few more picks, and just as many TD’s. I don’t understand how he can say Cassel is a better QB, we saw him on a team that nearly went 19-0 the previous year. If he can get the Cheifs to 8 and 8 this season then I’ll admit Kiper is right.

by ImPuLsE on Mar 11, 2009 5:20 PM EDT reply actions

2 StrongSide Linebackers Schwartz?

Interesting, I am just wondering where Ernie Sims fits into all of this?
Can anyone provide me with suggestions?

by BtotheLT on Mar 11, 2009 7:49 PM EDT reply actions

ERNIES A STARTER PERIOD!!!!!AND I agree msivits we do need to keep a poker face,but do whatever it takes.If we got curry the 2 together may play middle and strong side depending whether it was run or pass,it would be blessing to have both and i look forward to seeing it,I think if were winning neither would have a problem if there starting

by WAYNIEMAN on Mar 11, 2009 8:36 PM EDT reply actions