Plummer still go-to guy for Broncos

For a guy who led the Denver Broncos to the cusp of the Super Bowl seven months ago, Jake Plummer sure has had a quiet camp.

Almost all the attention has been on prized rookie quarterback Jay Cutler, who is drawing rave reviews for his arm strength and accuracy but who will be carrying a clipboard when the regular season begins in three weeks.

Plummer will be the one carrying the franchise’s hopes of winning its first title since John Elway retired with two rings following the 1999 season.

Plummer has calmly gone about his business of incorporating a new receiver (Javon Walker) and running back (Mike Bell) into the highly efficient offense he ran so impeccably last season while adjusting to the departure of offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, who left to coach the Houston Texans.

Entering his 10th NFL season, Plummer said he’s had fun flying under the radar but coach Mike Shanahan bristled when asked about his starting quarterback quietly having a solid first month of practice.

“Not quietly from my standpoint,” Shanahan said following Plummer’s stellar start in the Broncos’ 35-10 rout of Tennessee on Saturday night.

Plummer completed 6 of 8 passes for 97 yards, including a 35-yard scoring strike to tight end Nate Jackson on fourth down, for a nearly perfect passer rating of 154.7.

49er’s deal Barlow to Jets

The New York Jets acquired running back Kevan Barlow from the San Francisco 49ers for an undisclosed draft pick in 2007, their second attempt in a week to shore up the position.

The deal is contingent on Barlow passing a physical.

Last Monday, the Jets traded for Browns running back Lee Suggs, hoping to get help with Curtis Martin out. But Suggs failed his physical Tuesday and the deal was voided.

Price absent after poor showing

Buffalo Bills receiver Peerless Price missed practice Sunday, two days after he was held without a catch for the second consecutive preseason game.

Price, Buffalo’s second-round pick in 1999, signed with the Bills as a free agent in April after spending three disappointing seasons with Atlanta and Dallas. He has been battling Josh Reed most of training camp for the No. 2 spot behind Lee Evans.

Price was hoping to resurrect his career with the Bills. But he has gone without a reception in Buffalo’s two preseason losses, including Friday’s 44-31 loss to Cincinnati.