Notes From Lombardi: Where To Next?

FROM MICHAEL LOMBARDI:

Where Jay Cutler will end up has been a continuing theme throughout the day.  Our own Matt Bowen gave an excellent account of all the teams that might be, and should be, involved.  This afternoon, I’d like to focus on the same theme but in a slightly different way. 

One thing to keep in mind, as I mentioned in the Diner this morning, is whom coach Josh McDaniels might want as his new quarterback.  Searching the landscape, I believe that Mark Sanchez could be his target, which I wrote this morning.  He resembles Matt Cassel in style and substance and has the smarts, the arm, the toughness and the decision-making ability to run the Patriots/Broncos offense.  McDaniels must have a target, and for me Sanchez fits the profile he would want in his quarterback. 

In one of my favorite movies, “The Godfather,” they use the term “going to the mattress,” which means there will be no end in sight until the business at hand is resolved.  Therefore, in the Jay Cutler Sweepstakes, some teams will be willing to “go to the mattress.” 

THE MATTRESS TEAMS...

New York Jets: The Jets fell in love with Brett Favre’s arm last year, and even their biggest fans (yes, that’s you, Yahoo Dave) feel they need a quarterback to keep competing with the Patriots and Dolphins.  The Jets had some interest in Cutler back in the draft, but clearly not enough to draft him at four when they selected D’Brickashaw Ferguson.  The Jets have a huge need, but they have very few assets to make them an attractive trading partner – and they don’t have a quarterback on the roster who would be to McDaniels’ liking.  The key to being able to make a trade for Cutler will center on who has the best way for McDaniels to get his “guy.”  Unless the Jets are willing to overpay, I can’t imagine they have enough ammunition to get a deal done.  However, it’s early, and the Jets have been willing to overpay before, so anything’s possible.  In addition, one thinks that history of trading for an established quarterback if he’s great is that you cannot overpay. 

Cleveland Browns: I know that everyone in Cleveland is in love with Brady Quinn, and Notre Dame coach Charlie Weiss has been solidly behind him, which may appeal to McDaniels.  Weiss can speak from authority on Quinn’s ability to run the Patriots’ offense -- if McDaniels trusts Weiss and his evaluation.  George Allen, the former Redskins coach had a great saying: “Evaluate the evaluator,” but that’s what we don’t know.  What does McDaniel think of Weiss’ evaluation of Quinn?  One thing that’s certain is that new Browns coach Eric Mangini is not sold on Quinn and is not convinced that he’s the Browns’ quarterback of the future -- a future that Mangini has been given the authority to control.  I think the reason the Browns have an advantage in this race is because they hold a very high pick that would allow McDaniels to get what he wants.  Mangini loved the big arm of Brett Favre last year, and he knows Cutler can make the same throws in the same style.  

Washington Redskins:  We all know that when Dan Snyder wants something, he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.  He’s a determined owner, and cost is never an issue, which would appeal to the Broncos.  The ‘Skins might believe in Jason Campbell as their quarterback today, but this is a risky belief at best.  Trading for Cutler would bring them a legitimate player, one who can transform the ‘Skins into Super Bowl contenders. Vinny Cerrato has a great relationship with former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan, and I’m confident they’ve discussed Cutler in detail.  The ‘Skins are like the Jets, limited in assets to trade, and I don’t believe Campbell is someone McDaniels would want to build his team around.  However, the determination of Snyder is not to be overlooked, and the fact the Broncos would not have to play against Cutler very often makes Washington a viable option. 

Chicago Bears: For me, this is a no-brainer for the Bears.  They need a signature player, and they need a franchise player who can rejuvenate their offense and breathe life into the team.  But it’s not the Bears’ style to go to the mattress. It’s risky and it might backfire, but in reality, what options do they have?  I like Kyle Orton -- I really do -- but he has to be handled carefully, and the system defines his talents.  The Bears must be bold and understand that all the players on their team are instantly better once they improve the quarterback position.  It’s like having a playmaking point guard in basketball; he makes the other players much better.  If they continue down this path, the Bears will be a good team. But they’ll never be great team until they fix the QB situation. 

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