Vs. Arizona Cardinals (W 29-23)
The Broncos are now undefeated, all-time, on retractable grass fields. In only the second game ever played in Arizona's new Cardinals Stadium, Jay Cutler and Matt Leinart were the big news. Both rookies turned in a good showing and teased fantasy geeks. Both will probably spend the season as backup QB's. Unless Jake Plummer breaks his clavicle or "Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Woo" decides he doesn't like Kurt Warner anymore. The second case might be worth noting, as in five seasons Warner's gone from being the NFL's next Joe Montana to being the NFL's next Steve DeBerg.

Cutler made his first mistake- an interception that was returned for a TD by Arizona's Robert Tate. An inevitable bubble deflation after Cutler's first pass of the night went for 84 yards and a touchdown to David Kircus. Kircus, a former Subway employee, appears to have the inside track on being the Donkies' third receiver and free weekly fast-food commercial. Enjoy catching those passes while you can, Davey. The Broncos #3 WR annually takes an amortè oath and disappears once the regular season starts.

One position that's always prominent in Denver is the runningback spot. Cedric Cobbs finished the pre-season as the leading rusher in the NFL. Cobbs has definitely played himself onto the roster. Whether it's as the starter or not is still unknown. Tatum Bell turned in another decent performance, while Mike Bell had some inflated stats. Mike Bell re-entered the game in the fourth quarter and failed to score on a breakaway run. He showed no peripheral vision and was unable to swerve and evade his pursuer. Sure, he got about 40 yards out of the scamper, but you couldn't help thinking that a top-level back would've been in the endzone.

Ron Dayne once again didn't play. Dayne renegotiated his contract in the offseason and his new pricetag might exlude him from the final roster. If the team decides to carry four runningbacks, Dayne's in. A better option might be to carry three: Tatum Bell, Cedric Cobbs and Ron Dayne. Discard Mike Bell. It might have seemed strange to see the "starter" Mike Bell late in the fourth. But Mike Shanahan did the same thing two years ago with "starting TE" Byron Chamberlain. Chamberlain found himself on the waiver wire three days later.

Shanahan also hinted at his quarterback plans during a quick post-game interview. Shanahan praised Bradlee Van Pelt, but mentioned that it'd be possible to "bring someone back" in case of injury. Identical to previous seasons, where Shanahan went with only two QB's on the opening day roster, but later in the season brought back guys like Jarious Jackson or Danny Kanell. Shanahan's comments would indicate that he feels Van Pelt will still be available if he's cut. That might backfire, as Van Pelt's athletic ability might have another team snatch him up. Van Pelt was only 2-of-5 (including a short TD pass to fellow CSU Ram Cecil Sapp), but showed his trademark scrambling ability and racked up 23 yards. Forget Mike Bell, keep Van Pelt as an extra runningback. That'd solve some of the roster congestion, too.

Aside from the runningback controversy, the Broncos final cuts will involve the back-up slots. Will someone like Darius Watts be retained over someone like Domenik Hixon? Here's a shocker: Jake Plummer, Champ Bailey and Al Wilson will make the team again. Of course, most of you clowns are more concerned about who will replace Renee Herlocker as line captain on your strokability chart. It's about 10 days until the preseason fluff will float away and we can finally concenrtate on the real meaty issues: like wins, losses, standings and crappy sarcastic jokes.

But don't forget... LIVE coverage begins on the NFL Network this Thanksgiving.

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