BY FRANK SCHWAB
THE GAZETTE
DENVER -- The first three preseason games didn’t include many highlights for the Denver Broncos starters, but quarterback Jay Cutler leading an efficient 2-minute drill Saturday qualified as one.
Cutler’s preseason is likely over since coach Mike Shanahan typically sits his starters in the preseason finale. Cutler has rather ordinary statistics through five quarters, having completed 17 of 31 passes for 197 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.
But Cutler looked good in the second quarter against Cleveland, especially on the final drive of the half. The Broncos took over at their 20-yard line with 1:55 to go. In seven plays, Denver scored as Cutler hit fullback Kyle Johnson for a 2-yard touchdown with 33 seconds to go.
“To be able to end on a note like that was good,” Cutler said.
Cutler completed all four passes on the drive, including a pair to Brandon Marshall for 31 yards on the first two plays. He also scrambled for 6 yards, which turned into a 21-yard gain after Cleveland was called for unnecessary roughness at the end of the play. Cutler hit Johnson on a bootleg play for the touchdown.
Last season Cutler was dynamic in the preseason, with 561 yards and four touchdowns. But he usually was playing against backups as the second-string quarterback, and didn’t have as much pressure on him.
“Jay’s done a pretty good job,” Shanahan said. “I’m pleased with how he’s handled himself. We have a lot of work to do, we’re not there yet, but I’m pleased with the way he has handled himself, the way he has played.”
Cutler said there are some things he and the offense need to correct. Even though the starters are unlikely to play in Thursday’s game against Arizona, he said the last two weeks of practice should be enough time.
“I feel good,” Cutler said. “There’s still some stuff to clean up.”
Until Saturday’s game, the Broncos hadn’t had all of their starting receivers healthy at the same time. Brandon Marshall was out most of the first two weeks of training camp because of a quadriceps injury. Tight end Tony Scheffler also missed the start of camp because of a foot injury. Marshall and Scheffler returned to practice, but Brandon Stokley went out because of a quadriceps injury. They all played Saturday.
Cutler didn’t have much time this preseason to work with all of his receivers, but he didn’t think that would be a problem.
“A lot of them have been in and out,” Cutler “We did a lot of stuff this summer though so I have a good feel for them.”
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