After last season, it is fair to say Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler is not a huge fan of San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers.

However, I think, if you asked Cutler, he would tell you he respects the toughness of the San Diego signal caller--it's just the yapping coming from Philip's mouth that annoys Cutler. Even so, just six days after having surgery on his knee, he played in the AFC Championship Game. To me, that type of courage, won over the locker room and his teammates. So, in a way, the quarterback known for talking did his talking on the football field.

As for Cutler, he wasn't known for talking big...that is, until yesterday. He publicly was critical of Brandon Marshall and his latest run of trouble. He went as far as to say that he had been up in Coach Mike Shanahan's office with Marshall and had heard him say that each occurence of trouble would be his last.

That feeling of remorse isn't unusual, but the idea that Cutler would publicly bring up what were thought to be private discussions between him, his favorite receiver, and his head coach was honest and refreshing. Marshall is a good guy, though, watching his press conference the other day, made him seem like he understands the microscope he is under, though it just doesn't particularly matter that much to him.

Most of the conversation about Cutler today will probably center on his remarks about Brandon, though, he, like Champ Bailey, voiced a bit of concern over the departure of kicker Jason Elam. That was just one of a few topics Cutler seemed to address candidly.

There was no team around him on Tuesday at Dove Valley, though I think yesterday's words were yet the clearest sign that Cutler is becoming a leader. So, while his rival in San Diego won over his teammates with grit and sheer will, Culter may have won over a few teammates by criticizing a fellow teammate.

I hope to see you tomorrow.

-"z"