Should Marshall be starting?

[TheDave]

I love Rod Smith as much as the next guy, but does Brandon bring more to the table as our #2. I'm pretty sure that this is what happens next year, but with Rod not consistently getting seperation he might flourish in the slot against most teams nickleback. What are your thoughts?

[Ray Finkle]

I think it is apparent that Rod has lost a huge step. As long as Marshall makes plays, then he should be the number 2. Rob would be an ideal 3 until Hixon, Kircus, or Clark can show if they can step up.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Yes

[BlaK-Argentina]

Marshall deserves the number 2 spot right now. But with Rod there... it's not easy. I loved seeing Rod catch yet another TD today... :D

[Pendejo]

Marshall is on the cusp. The Rat is playing this one right. If Marshall's development continues at this pace...it will be Walker/Marshall next year. With Rod hopefully hanging around as the third or fourth wideout. He really does have a lot to offer the team...even if his legs are going. The salty bastard got wide open for a td today.

(Edit: As it stands B-Marsh is getting quality looks...no need to fvck with it.)

[TheDave]

Yeah, I hate to ever doubt R. Smith, but Cutler already seems to have a good rapport with Marshall. If everyone keeps improving we could have a devastating passing game next year.

[Atwater His Ass]

yes

[TheDave]

Marshall is on the cusp. The Rat is playing this one right. If Marshall's development continues at this pace...it will be Walker/Marshall next year. With Rod hopefully hanging around as the third or fourth wideout. He really does have a lot to offer the team...even if his legs are going. The salty bastard got wide open for a td today.

absolutely and I think Rod could work over someones nickle or dime back for 2 more seasons... hopefully :)

[baja]

I think you continue to start Rod he has earned that but Marshal should be getting some of Rod's reps.

[Dagmar]

Yes.

[Garcia Bronco]

It doesn't matter. Are you talking about him lining up outside vs the slot? Are you talking about him being in on the first play of the game? I think what you try to do is get all 3 of the on the field and line them up all over the place.

[MileHighMagic]

Yes. Marshall has the size, young legs, and some serious moves. Get him some more touches please! Rod could be way more successful as the three. You can count on him to make the big catch still.

[TheDave]

It doesn't matter. Are you talking about him lining up outside vs the slot? Are you talking about him being in on the first play of the game? I think what you try to do is get all 3 of the on the field and line them up all over the place.

Allright lets put this another way... Should B. Marshall be the #2 target on this team. I think everyone agrees that Javon is the #1 weapon... I think it's time to put more of the O's focus on Marshall.

[elsid13]

I think we're seeing the passing of the torch. It clear that Marshall has to much talent not to see the field more.

[fontaine]

I think it depends on which plays Marshall is successful with. Is it against nickel DBs or starters?

If Marshall is indeed making plays against starting CBs then yes, his snaps should be increased. If he's solely making plays against nickel DBs then keep him where he's most effective at his number 3 spot.

[Garcia Bronco]

Allright lets put this another way... Should B. Marshall be the #2 target on this team. I think everyone agrees that Javon is the #1 weapon... I think it's time to put more of the O's focus on Marshall.

No. I do not think Marshall should be number 2 on the depth chart. I also think it doesn't matter. And the change will take place when it happens and by production.

[footstepsfrom#27]

If Rod loses his starting job, i'm thinking he may the kind of player who decides it's time to hang 'em up. Rice hung around pathetically long after he was just a shadow of his former self. I don't see Rod sticking with the team if he's not able to be the contributor he's been in the past...maybe for one season to mentor the young guys, but that's about it.

Next years new starters:

Scheffler
Marshall
Kuper
Dumervil
Cox

[azbroncfan]

Rod starts game but play #2 Marshall comes in. Denver rotates WR quite a bit as I noticed today. Cutler has found the lost art of the TE in Denver.

[elsid13]

I think it depends on which plays Marshall is successful with. Is it against nickel DBs or starters?

If Marshall is indeed making plays against starting CBs then yes, his snaps should be increased. If he's solely making plays against nickel DBs then keep him where he's most effective at his number 3 spot.

He making plays whoever is lined up against him. today it was starters and the nickle/dime back.

[Garcia Bronco]

Rod Smith is not effing dead people...geeze.

[TheDave]

Rod Smith is not effing dead people...geeze.

now where did this come from???

[Atwater His Ass]

Rod Smith is not effing dead people...geeze.

You said it doesn't matter. I'm confused why you continue to care.

[listopencil]

Allright lets put this another way... Should B. Marshall be the #2 target on this team. I think everyone agrees that Javon is the #1 weapon... I think it's time to put more of the O's focus on Marshall.

I'd like to see them gradually work into having Walker wide and Scheffler tight on one side, Marshall wide and Smith tight on the other. Mix and match according to the situation but keep Walker/Marshall working the CB's and Rod/Scheffler working the LB's, SS's and FS's. If that means Rod Smith is the #3WR so be it. I don't think he cares as long as he can contribute and he's got a lot to give to the team still.

[Garcia Bronco]

now where did this come from???

It's just the way people talk about him....the language they use. It was in the chat room today as well when Cutler under threw him

[elsid13]

Rod Smith is not effing dead people...geeze.

He not, but Marshall has shown the ability to get up make something happen on the crossing pattern.

[Garcia Bronco]

You said it doesn't matter. I'm confused why you continue to care.

That was with regards to the question of who was starting.

[TheDave]

It's just the way people talk about him....the language they use. It was in the chat room today as well when Cutler under threw him


Not sure about the chat room, but here the worst anyone has suggested is the #3 WR. Like i started with, I love Rod Smith as much as anyone...but this kid Marshall has the chance to be special. I think it's high time to find out.

[bloodsunday]

The right way to do it is to keep Rod at #2 and then just increase Marshall's playing time. I like the idea of a little more 3 WR sets as well. Cutler played well with the field opened up today -- of course it was the Cardinals. They didn't really seem to make us pay for opening it up.

[Jason in LA]

I haven't kept up with how many plays each of them get, but I wouldn't be shocked if it's very close. Just because Rod is the starter doesn't mean that he's taking playing time away from Marshall. They are on the field at the same time often. There is no need to demote Rod right now because Marshall gets a lot of PT.

But next year, as tough as it sounds, start Marshall. I'm starting to think that Rod may hang them up, so there may not have to be a tough decision.

[OrangeShadow]

I think marshall has shown why he deserves to start.

[listopencil]

I fired up an old football video game a while ago. I don't remember which one it was. It was a game that was advanced enough that each team had its own playbook. The Broncos had a bunch of 3WR plays with one TE and a Tail Back. Man, those were some nice looking plays. The passing game and the running game feeding off of each other...it took me several reps to even understand the complimentary routes and the run blocking scheme for each play. That's what I want to see.

[freak6]

Marshall makes the big plays and moves the chains. But Rod ran a perfect out and up for a TD today. He also is the unquestioned leader of the team. He also more often than not seals the edge on our running plays by blocking his Corner, then shedding him and making another block to extend the run.

Marshall can take the spot after Rod Smith retires, but he is producing just fine as a #3. In fact, we rotate our WRs quite a bit anyway so I think it's a moot point.

Best rookie class in NFL history? If we make the playoffs it just might be. Already the best in Broncos history.

[defenseman]

Marshall is on the cusp. The Rat is playing this one right. If Marshall's development continues at this pace...it will be Walker/Marshall next year. With Rod hopefully hanging around as the third or fourth wideout. He really does have a lot to offer the team...even if his legs are going. The salty bastard got wide open for a td today.

(Edit: As it stands B-Marsh is getting quality looks...no need to f*** with it.)

3rd or 4th? Sorry pal, he needs to hang it up. And, i'm thinking he will...dman

[wolf754life]

RESTRUCTURE his deal, he needs to give back about 40% of his salary for a defensive starter!

[broncsyanks]

just amazes me. the guy (rod) has a good game and now everyone wants to put him down. the guy played well. he deserves his #2 spot. also thank cutlers ability to spread the football here. if we had jake he is a 1 reciever guy. cutler brings him into his own. give him his props. rod had a good game

[broncsyanks]

RESTRUCTURE his deal, he needs to give back about 40% of his salary for a defensive starter!

the 40% goes to a DE that can pass rush effectively

[Kaylore]

Officially it's immaterial since anyone who's been paying attention has noticed that Marshall plays more snaps than Rod right now anyway.

[RunSilentRunDeep]

Make no mistake, I'm a Rod Smith fan, but he needs to cut 60%-plus off his salary. Even then, he'd still be making $2M which is a gift. He simply doesn't have much left in the tank. Culter slightly underthrowing him is no excuse not to stick his arms out and catch the ball with his hands instead of his body (which I think caused the incompletion before Bell's fumble). The TD was nice to see but that was on a double move accompanied by a pump fake. Most any receiver could have done that.

[DBroncos4life]

I just hope that Marshall doesn't join the list of next big WRs in Denver.

[Pendejo]

3rd or 4th? Sorry pal, he needs to hang it up. And, i'm thinking he will...dman

That's your opinion, and once again it is completely wrong...Pendejo

[Denver Crush]

I agree that Rod has lost a few steps and to me he sometimes almost seems fragile out there. He hasnt done a good job holding on to the ball sometimes. I think that there is a chance he will retire after the season.

As far as Marshall goes, I cant really say much more about him that hasnt already been mentioned. He is looking to be a force for years to come. I think Shanny is doing the right thing and easing him in. I noticed on a couple of plays, he hasnt perfected the art of route running...but he's damn explosive when he gets the ball in his hands. He is going to be a high YAC type of guy. The more plays he makes the more he makes his case for increased playing time.

[ward63]

Line Rod up in the slot. Who would you rather have? Rod(a crafty vet at WR) or a #3 corner?

[Paladin]

I like the way things are going for now. Starting does not add to nor subtract from the Gameplan. Each play may call for different skill sets, and Marshall certainly brings something to the table. So does Rod. What I would like to see is Kircus get in there and add speed so that you would have Walker, Marshall and Kircus with Sheffler a fourth threat out of a shotgun formation.

[BroncoFiend]

The Broncos have searched unsuccessfully for a #3 receiver for all of Rod's career. How ironic will it be when next year we find the perfect #3 receiver in Rod himself.

He still has a year left in him, don't discount what his leadership means to this team, ESPECIALLY with a young QB.

[ZONA]

One thing is for sure. As much as Shanny loves Rod and loves to keep vets that have good leadership in the locker room, if the young kid beats him out next year, Rod will be asked to fill a lesser role on the field, as a #3 or #4 WR. Just like Shanny did with Rice. Reputation doesn't mean crap. It's all about what have you done for me lately in the NFL. Brandon and Walker will make a great starting cast for next year and Schefler will be in the mix as the TE. I personally like Rod to stay because in the Red Zone, he can be effective.

[Bladerunner]

Line Rod up in the slot. Who would you rather have? Rod(a crafty vet at WR) or a #3 corner?

Yeah, this is a no brainer to me as well...Rod can still run a slant better than most, he has good hands still (the recent drops/fumbles notwithstanding) and he is a valuable contributor in the lockerroom.

Jerry Rice had some good production in the slot in Oakland, and in Seattle. If Rod is willing to assume that role, I think he has plenty of life in him.

#2 vs #3...zzzzzzzzz...immaterial and irrelevant

[elsid13]

Actually when was the last time we seen Smith run a slant? Most of his pass are comebacks.