When you chronicle Cutler's last 365 days, you understand why he is ready to put up Pro Bowl numbers and carry the flawed Broncos into the playoffs.

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Over the last year, Cutler's dealt with fatigue and weight loss, the fear of the unknown followed by the eventual diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.

While dealing with personal adversity, he's also asserted himself as the leader of the Broncos going into his third season.

Plus, the gunslinger with the Sandy Koufax fastball has added Greg Maddux-like accuracy to his game during training camp and the preseason games.

The AFC better be on notice.

Let's first examine his health.

Last year was scary for Cutler.

Here's a well-conditioned professional quarterback who was dropping pounds at an alarming rate. It wasn't until the 2007 season was in the books that he received a diagnosis.

"When I first found out, I was relieved, Cutler explained. "I was wondering what was wrong with me for 5-6 months, trying to figure out what was wrong with me as I was losing weight. Thankfully it is treatable and we can move on. Everything went through my mind. I was dead-tired before games, so tired I didn't even feel like playing. That's odd. I love football. I love my job. I was just so worn down."

He's talked to Wade Wilson, who played quarterback with the same condition. Cutler's studied other professional athletes who have played at a high level with diabetes. He is convinced, and the Broncos are convinced, that it won't be an issue.

This past offseason was also interesting for Cutler in his growth as the team leader. He had to deal with his top receiver — the supremely talented Brandon Marshall — once again getting into trouble off the field. Marshall cut his hand when it went through a television screen. I was one of the media members he lied to, saying he slipped on a McDonald's wrapper (whatever that means). And he lied initially to his teammates and coaching staff. He would need surgery and miss the offseason program and valuable time to work with Cutler. This was hurting the ball club.

Cutler and the Broncos simply had enough. The team had already parted ways with Travis Henry and Javon Walker, who didn't follow along with Mike Shanahan's plan.

Cutler stepped forward and challenged Marshall to be more responsible. Cutler's response drew raves in the locker room, ranging from future Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey to future Hall of Fame coach Mike Shanahan.

"I talked to Brandon before the news conference took place," Cutler said. "I told him everything that I was going to say. I told him exactly how I felt and how the team perceived the entire situation. You only get so many chances in this league and Brandon was running out of them. It was time for him to step up and help the team, help himself and be a professional. And he understood that. It was something that had to be done. It wasn't OK. He was hurting the team and he understood that."

Marshall took the comments to heart, and hasn't acted out since Cutler spoke publicly.

"Brandon Marshall is my No. 1 guy," Cutler added. "I believe in him. I support him. I am doing everything possible to help him along. So is the entire team. Here's the thing people need to understand. Brandon Marshall is not a bad guy. He's been in some bad situations but he's not a bad guy. He understands right and wrong. I think the future is bright for him. The off field issues are a thing of the past for him.

Marshall was suspended two games by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for multiple violations of the league's code of conduct policy.

Even with a player with Pro Bowl potential missing from the lineup in two division games to start the season (Oakland and San Diego), Cutler's super confident.

It starts with his growth in Year 3.

"You just have a better feel for everything," he said. "You have a better feel for the playbook, for your teammates, for coach Shanahan. You have a better feel for defenses. You know where weak points are. You know where to go with the ball. Our offensive line looks great. It's my third year with Brandon Marshall. We have a great rhythm. Eddie Royal has been a great addition. Everything is going really well."

Cutler raved about Royal's knowledge, quickness and hands, and thinks he will step up in Marshall's absence. Royal, who played at Virginia Tech under Frank Beamer, is ahead of the rookie curve and Cutler says he'll be an opening-day starter. Tight end Tony Scheffler is close to 100 percent healthy and will catch more than 60 passes and 10 touchdowns this year. Darrell Jackson was a nice, solid veteran addition for Cutler. And the quarterback couldn't stop gushing about the progress of neophyte left tackle Ryan Clady, saying "I haven't had a left tackle like this guy since I've been here."

Plus, Cutler says it is a blessing to go against Bailey and Dre Bly every day in practice. It only makes him better facing these elite corners.

Cutler gets the message. This is going to be his season. It is something he embraces.

"I know it is out there. It is what the expectations are when you are a first-round quarterback going into your third year," he said. "People want you to be the player they drafted you to be. It's the year you are supposed to come into your own. I hear it but I can't worry about it. I just need to be on top of my game and study and do my job."

Cutler's the best quarterback in Denver since John Elway. He doesn't think too much about the comparisons.

"I don't. When I first got here I did," he said. "It was all you heard about. It's settled down a bit. You hear about it every once in a while. But it isn't something I concern myself with."

You never want to go bonkers in the preseason, but on the heels of all the above, Cutler led the Broncos to points on six of his 10 drives this August. He tossed three touchdowns and ran one inhimself, didn't throw a pick and started the Dallas preseason game 12-for-12.

He's been tested physically and mentally.

Jay Cutler's now ready for takeoff.