To many of us that have seen him, it appears that the Broncos have no problem at the quarterback position and will not for many seasons to come.

It just seems that Jay Cutler can be that good of a player.

On Thursday night, when word surfaced that Cutler had been diagnosed with type one diabetes, the initial reaction focused on Cutler's current physical condition, well-being, and his prognosis to live a healthy life from that point forward. A scary thing to think about for anyone, especially when you turned just 25 years old earlier in the week.

The medical community seems to agree that tremendous strides have been made in treating type one diabetes over the past several years and with proper management of his newfound diagnosis, Cutler can continue to thrive on the football field and in life.

All of that is great news. As I look at the events of the last few days, I do have one question.

How could the Broncos team doctors not have done a more thorough job in trying to figure out what had ailed Cutler for much of the latter part of the 2007 NFL season?

In his press conference on Friday at Dove Valley, he said he had lost 35 pounds (some of which he's since regained), was constantly tired, and felt the need to urinate often. He said he lost eight pounds the first week and 2-3 pounds in subsequent weeks. Isn't that something the medical team should have been checking out? Also, he mentioned there were times he would run a play and come back to the huddle nearly out of energy. How could any of that happen and not be investigated more thoroughly?

The team doctors thought these problems could be attributed to being a player starting in his first full season as a quarterback in professional football as well as the stress that goes along with it. I am not a doctor, but even if it was stress-related and not type one diabetes, isn't it worth checking out as opposed to just trying to surmise a reason?

At his availability on Friday, Cutler did mention that he was scheduled to take a blood test, however, they never got around to it. That is not Cutler's fault-----it is the fault of the medical staff. Simply put, no matter how busy almost anyone is, having time to take a blood test should be simple. If the President has time to get an annual physical while serving in the White House, than a quarterback, no matter how bogged down with game films, can, too.

I understand the mentality of an athlete. They do not want to see doctors or be in the training room. However, it's the job of the medical staff to override those concerns to make it happen. Football players are paid to help win games. Medical staffs are paid to make sure they are able to play.

To think that somebody's career and life could have been in peril, due to a guess, on the part of a staff smart enough to know some of Cutler's symptoms were quite serious and couldn't be written off as part of a rigorous schedule is a little hard to fathom.

Have a great week, hope to see you on Tuesday.

-"z"