Broncos compete but lacking firepower

Jay Cutler was back in Denver but the return hardly mattered as it was but a preseason game. The former Broncos' quarterback started slow but had a solid evening (15-21, 144 yards, 1 TD) in a 27-17 Bears' win but the reason for the evening was to see how and if the Broncos would progress.

Kyle Orton was accurate (12-16) but hardly special. Rookie Tom Brandstater showed glimpses of potential (8-12, 110 yards) even though he threw an interception. Fellow rookie Kenny McKinley, a wideout from South Carolina and a Steve Spurrier favorite, grabbed four balls for 75 yards. That's the good news. The bad news is the Broncos struggled to run the ball and were penalty plagued.

And a not-so-irrelevant fact is that Denver is now 0-3.

This is not a situation of the team looking at a lot of players and getting ready for the season. This is a team lacking in explosive talent with running back Knowshon Moreno out with an injury and receiver Brandon Marshall struggling with maturity.

Marshall is going to be a cancer if not traded yet his value is at an all-time low.

Moreno needs to get and stay healthy.

Martin signed and Cutler talking drivel

Ingle Martin has been signed by the Broncos to play some quarterback, maybe, in the preseason. Forget spending the time researching Martin because the odds are astronomical he sticks with the team. Anyone signed in late August isn't too desirable. Martin, to be fair, and we do want to be fair, could see a lot of pieces come into play (injuries) to get a longer stay in Denver but right now, his appearance will be a lot more about getting some snaps in practice and a game to show the Broncos and other teams he has the goods to get a call later on this season if the need (again, injuries) arise.

Jay Cutler is downplaying his nasty feelings toward coach Josh McDaniels and the Broncos but don't believe a word he's saying -- he's so happy to be out of Denver and away from McDaniels. While Cutler has the talent to be a star for many years his attitude will likely doom him from achieving superstardom. His arrogance will need a come-uppance, which will come with time and experience, before Cutler thrives as a teammate and winner.

Honestly, the Broncos got a solid return in trading Cutler to the Bears but it's still highly questionable what they've done so far with the draft picks.