Improvement by Broncos QB Cutler overshadowed by disappointing record

ENGLEWOOD - Jay Cutler wearily came to the podium Wednesday for his last midweek press conference this season.

He limped in on a sore left knee that limited him in practice, although he said he will play Sunday. Because Cutler has been entrenched as the Denver Broncos’ starting quarterback since five games remained last season, it’s easy to forget this is his first 16-game season.

The grind hasn’t been easy.

“It’s a long season, you know,” he said. “Last year I got to sit and watch a little bit, and this year obviously will be my first” full season since college.

“It’s long, mentally and physically, and it can get to you.”

This season hasn’t been easy for many Broncos. They didn’t plan on losing nine of their first 15 games, and coach Mike Shanahan admitted the season has been tough.

“It’s the hardest season I’ve had since I’ve been coaching, there’s no question about that,” he said.

Shanahan had a 6-10 season in 1999, his only losing year in Denver, but said this one was worse.

“We’re a better football team this year than we were in 1999,” Shanahan said.

Cutler has been a bright spot, although it’s hard to reflect on that with one game left in a disappointing season. The losing obscures some of the good things Cutler has done. Most players aren’t judged by individual won-loss records, but quarterbacks are. Cutler’s career mark as a starter is 8-12, and he said the losing season has bothered him.

“I’m a competitor — obviously I like to win,” he said. “That’s why you go out there and do it. It’s tough, especially these last three or four games.”

Cutler has 18 touchdowns, a 63-percent completion mark — which would be the fifth-best season in team history — and 3,251 passing yards.

Cutler also has 14 interceptions and four lost fumbles. Cutler said he wants to eliminate some errors in the future.

“Just consistency — I think that’s the mark of a good quarterback,” he said. “Game in and game out doing your job, eliminating turnovers and winning ballgames.”

Cutler might be showing the effects of the long year. He completed a season-worst 43.8 percent of his passes Monday against San Diego and had a shouting match with some Chargers players, including quarterback Philip Rivers, after Denver was stopped on downs in the

fourth quarter.

The knee injury is the latest obstacle to overcome. Cutler was sacked four times against San Diego and was limping after the game. He said the injury is not serious and expects to be able to practice today.

Despite the disappointment of the season, Cutler said he felt good about the future, especially players such as receiver Brandon Marshall and tight end Tony Scheffler.

“Offensively, I feel pretty good,” Cutler said. “Obviously our win-loss record is a little disappointing, but we have done some stuff this year, stuff that we can build off of for next year.”

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