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Dan Bickley
The Arizona Republic
May. 12, 2003 12:00 AM
In Denver, a sports columnist has seen the future.
The wacky Woody Paige predicts an unbeaten season for the Broncos. He says the mere presence of Jake Plummer will "mean three or four more victories."
Take a moment to laugh, cry or hoist your jaw off the ground.
Either way, Jeff Blake couldn't care less.
"Plummer's gone," he said. "It's Blake time now."
Welcome to one of the most interesting plots of an unborn season, the Golden Boy starting over in Elway country and this overshadowed journeyman staking a claim in Arizona. And if you're one of the many who have grown numb from Plummer's awkward mix of magic and immaturity, you're in for a refreshing change.
After all these years, Blake still has an enormous chip on his shoulder. He owns the rage of a man who knows the system hasn't been kind. He's had good numbers and great seasons and, hey, no one's ever given him a $15 million bonus.
This is the central difference between the two. Plummer is a fighter who was given every advantage. Blake is a fighter who has been given nothing. I'll take the latter every time.
"It's because I was never supposed to make it," Blake says.
It's early, but the Cardinals' brass love what they see in Blake. His attitude is great. His deep ball is inspiring. And he's already challenged his core group of young receivers to seize the day.
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The Arizona Republic
May. 12, 2003 12:00 AM
In Denver, a sports columnist has seen the future.
The wacky Woody Paige predicts an unbeaten season for the Broncos. He says the mere presence of Jake Plummer will "mean three or four more victories."
Take a moment to laugh, cry or hoist your jaw off the ground.
Either way, Jeff Blake couldn't care less.
"Plummer's gone," he said. "It's Blake time now."
Welcome to one of the most interesting plots of an unborn season, the Golden Boy starting over in Elway country and this overshadowed journeyman staking a claim in Arizona. And if you're one of the many who have grown numb from Plummer's awkward mix of magic and immaturity, you're in for a refreshing change.
After all these years, Blake still has an enormous chip on his shoulder. He owns the rage of a man who knows the system hasn't been kind. He's had good numbers and great seasons and, hey, no one's ever given him a $15 million bonus.
This is the central difference between the two. Plummer is a fighter who was given every advantage. Blake is a fighter who has been given nothing. I'll take the latter every time.
"It's because I was never supposed to make it," Blake says.
It's early, but the Cardinals' brass love what they see in Blake. His attitude is great. His deep ball is inspiring. And he's already challenged his core group of young receivers to seize the day.
MORE
