|
|
Sport Sections |
|
|
| | |||
| Friday, December 29 ESPN.com news services | |||
| DENVER -- The guessing game continues.
Gus Frerotte was preparing as if he would be the Denver Broncos' starting quarterback in Sunday's playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. Brian Griese was trying to convince everyone, including himself, his separated throwing shoulder was ready. And coach Mike Shanahan was playing the role of roadie at a rock show, manning the smoke machine.
"We probably won't make the decision until game time," Shanahan told the Denver Rocky Mountain News for Friday's editions.
However, if Griese had complications overnight after his second consecutive workout Thursday and was unable to play, that announcement would be made public, Shanahan said.
Practices have been closed this week to the media, who must rely on the coach's word regarding the quarterbacks.
Griese's workload was "about the same" as Wednesday, when Shanahan said the QB took "several" snaps in each practice period.
"He's feeling a lot better, so that's a plus," Shanahan said. "The good part about it is he got a lot of work last week ... and got back into the flow of things."
That preparation for the regular-season finale against San Francisco led to only five snaps by Griese before he reinjured the shoulder that has kept him out of, basically, seven games.
Watching the latest drama unfold is Frerotte, and he is used to it. With Detroit last season, injured starter Charlie Batch often would inform him late, sometimes on Saturday, about his playing status on Sundays.
Getting word he would be second string was always difficult, and would be again, particularly with the stakes involved against Baltimore.
"I feel like I've been in the battle with those guys," said Frerotte, who has a 5-2 record in a primary role with Denver this season. "... To not go out there in the biggest game of the year for us would be pretty tough. But if I have to stand on the sidelines and do my job there, then I'd be happy to do that, also."
Not that he is sitting analyzing each of Griese's practice throws. Frerotte mentioned he occasionally will ask trainer Steve Antonopulos how Griese is holding up.
"It's really up to Brian, how he feels throwing the ball," Frerotte said. "Why worry about something you can't control?"
Asked Wednesday if withholding a decision might prove disadvantageous to
the Ravens, Shanahan said, "I don't think it affects them at all.
They've seen what both guys can do."
Denver's offensive players say they can win with either
quarterback.
"It doesn't change anything," said Pro Bowl-bound wide
receiver Rod Smith. "They'll get the job done, whoever is in
there. It's up to the rest of us to make some plays."
Running back Mike Anderson agreed.
"There's no big difference," he said. "There's no dropoff or
anything like that."
Ravens coach Brian Billick expects Griese to start, but says his
team will be prepared for either quarterback.
"I have no reason to think Brian Griese wouldn't be starting
based on the way he came back in the other day and what I'm seeing
and hearing," Billick said. "Their quarterbacks are similar
enough.
"They're both pretty good quarterbacks. Brian is outstanding, a
Pro Bowler. You give him enough time and he's going to rip you
apart. I don't know if Gus is quite as precise down the field, but
he does find ways to make things happen."
With Griese and Frerotte sharing the duties, the Broncos
finished the regular season ranked second in the NFL in total
offense, second in rushing and third in passing.
The Ravens have the league's No. 2 defense, and it's ranked
first against the run.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. | ALSO SEE
Hearst calls Romanowski a 'racist dope pusher' | ||