the    sides

Matt Davis is doing cartwheels today. The Rook gets a shot at leading the Broncos.

Of course, neither Jake nor Jay can tackle.

Neither can catch.

Neither can block.

Which if the Broncos really want to succeed in the postseason, they are going to have to do a lot more of things.

Jake hasn’t exactly tore it up. Shanahan didn’t need him to. Shanahan didn’t need him turning the ball over either, which Jake has done alot this year. I’m not a Plummer apologist, but I’ll say a couple of things on his behalf.

First, he’s a stand-up guy. He’s taking responsibility for losses that weren’t his fault. That’s what leaders do. He told the media that given his performance, his given Mike plenty of reasons to change to Cutler. He’s not thrown his teammates - namely his receivers and lineman - under the bus. That’s a good sign.

Second, the team loves him. Griese didn’t have that. Plummer does. Every guy on the roster likes Jake. Does that make the decision harder to swallow? Probably but Shanahan has created an atmosphere here that the team is everything, winning is everything. Guys come to Denver to win and have a chance at a Super Bowl. Everyone knows that the best player plays - regardless of salary.

Third, Jake’s a 10-year vet. He knows that 1) Denver is still in the playoff hunt, 2) injuries are a part of the game, 3) he still has a huge role in helping Denver succeed, and 4) life after football is alot longer than life IN football - therefore he is not going to be burning any bridges.

Kansas City has a similiar situation with Damon Huard and Trent Green. Two guys who could start on a NFL team, only one of them can so the other one has a decision to make - either be part of the problem or part of the solution. Damon should be starting but he’s a good apple. So he’ll keep being ready for the next time Trent gets beat up (and he will).

I have a hunch Jake will act the same way - at least this season. This offseason should be interesting, though.