Jake Plummer is an exciting, yet inconsistent, NFL quarterback, and that's exactly what the Denver Broncos don't need.
It's easy to criticize the Broncos' decision to sign the former Arizona Cardinals quarterback after his 12-for-25, 115-yard passing performance against the Bengals on Sunday, which included no touchdowns and three interceptions. The Broncos still won 30-10, but the rest of the league will most likely put up a better fight than lowly Cincinnati.
While a Cardinal, Plummer was notorious for inconsistent play. At times he looked like an MVP, while at other times he barely looked like he belonged in the NFL. His knack for comebacks made him a legend at ASU, but his risky passes and constant scrambling didn't translate into pro success.
Sunday was his chance to show the skeptics that he wasn't an underachiever in Arizona and that his less-than-spectacular play was the result of a poorly run team.
In terms of success, Denver is at the other end of the spectrum from the Cardinals. While Arizona has made the playoffs once since moving to the Valley in 1988, the Broncos have won two Super Bowls and made nine playoff appearances in the same span.
The Broncos were looking for a signal caller after the departure of Brian Griese last season, and Plummer was high on their list. Unfortunately, Denver didn't need a quarterback who is as electrifying as he is frustrating.
Running back Clinton Portis and wide receiver Rod Smith, among others, are proven stars in Denver. All they need is a quarterback to get them the ball safely, not someone like Plummer who tries to make plays on his own.
A look at the past three Super Bowls shows that a star quarterback isn't a trademark of the winning team. Former Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer, the Patriots' Tom Brady and Brad Johnson of the Buccaneers may not have the talent Plummer has, but it's what they don't do - screw up - that makes them winners.
If the Broncos were smart, they would have gotten a quarterback similar to one of those three. Quarterbacks like that won't escape a sack and turn it into a 30-yard gain, but they also won't make costly turnovers.
Denver has all the talented offensive players it needs. The only problem this season will be getting the ball to them.
Reach the reporter at andrew.bernick@asu.edu.
