Marshall matters

[dragondawg]

Jim on demand: Marshall matters
By Jim Armstrong
Denver Post Staff Writer

Pick a year, any year, and there's a certain sameness to training camp. Every summer, players emerge and players regress, story lines develop and some issues become bigger than others.

So what's the No. 1 issue of Camp Shanny '07? That would be Brandon Marshall's continued absence.

This being Jay Cutler's first camp as the starting quarterback, the coaches wanted him to get as much work as possible with the No. 1 offense. But as long as Marshall isn't in uniform, the No. 1 unit won't be on the field.

With Rod Smith sidelined — it's a virtual given he'll open the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list — Marshall's development is more crucial than ever to the Broncos' big picture.

So what happens? Marshall joins Smith on PUP with a strained quadriceps.

With each passing day, Marshall's absence becomes a bigger concern. The coaches projected him to become a go-to guy for Cutler in his second NFL season. Now the powers that be are questioning whether he can play through injuries.

"There are two sides to the game," Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist said. "There's a physical side to the game and there's a mental side to the game. And you've got to be able to master both of them. There have been a lot of upside physical receivers who never quite accomplished what people expected them to because of the mental side."

Marshall said before camp that he hoped to be on the field in a week to 10 days. That needs to happen, the sooner the better. Brandon Stokley's impressive performance has enabled the coaches to breathe a sigh of relief, but the Broncos are a better team if Marshall is healthy and productive.

"We're counting on Brandon," said Sundquist. "We put a lot of time and effort into coaching him, getting him ready, but ultimately on a Mike Shanahan team you've got to go out on the field and perform. You're never going to be a finely tuned Ferrari quarter to quarter to quarter. At some point in time, your timing is a little off, there's a little wear on the tread and your oil is going to be low. It's never going to be 100 percent."

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_6517563

[Victor]

Marshall managed to fight through his leg pain to chase down his "girlfriend" when she tried to flee in the taxi with his cell phone. He has been officially called out. Will be interesting to see how he reacts.

Hopefully Shanny has Marcus Nash on speed dial.

[footstepsfrom#27]

A pulled quad doesn't seem like it should take this long. I wonder if that's all that's wrong with him?

[Jesterhole]

I think they might be worried he isn't willing to play through pain, which is a death sentence for most NFL players.

[bombay]

I thought this was about eminem.

[Paladin]

I wonder if he is questioning whether he wants to play ball. He said he'd never been injured in college ball and he starts out his rookine and now the second season with an injury. Maybe Walker needs to counsel him....

Marshall was also frinds with DWill, and I have some questions about his motivation right now.

Having said that, he does talk the talk, but we will have to see if he gets on track by Friday or Saturday.....

[listopencil]

On the upside, Stokely is getting some quality time with Cutler and making the best of it.

[theAPAOps5]

I wonder about Brandon Marshalls mental side. He seems to be a hot head. He got into it with his GF, who hasn't, but he tried to block a cabby from leaving and got the cops called. Also remember that there were reports that Marshall was the one who talked smack back to the gang members and was raising cane in the street that horrible night DWill got shot. He had to be pulled to the limo. He might not react well to negativity.

I speak from experience I was always losing my head when I was younger and it took a slap in the face to wake up. Maybe thats what Marshall needs. A good hard slap in the face.

[baja]

Maybe he caught worms from Moss

[theAPAOps5]

Moss has staph not worms big difference!

[baja]

Moss has staph not worms big difference!

Well sure that's what they say in the papers but how do you think he got the staph in the first place, from the worms of course.

[cmhargrove]

Let's ease up on Marshall for a minute. Remember, he did have ann entire offseason with Jay so they must have some chemistry already. We'll see what happens when he starts playing next week.

We want him healthy for the season.

There is nothing he can't make up if he comes back this weekend, and plays throughout the preseason. If he comes back "right" then looking at Walker, Marshall, and Stokely is starting to look really solid - especially with a biggger O-line and better running game.

[backup qb]

I thought this was about eminem.

nice

[Odysseus]

Well sure that's what they say in the papers but how do you think he got the staph in the first place, from the worms of course.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongolian_Death_Worm

If you are ever in Mongolia. I want you to be careful Baja. I mean if a guy can get taken out by peanut butter, bridges falling down, and this current heat wave. Man. You never can be too careful.

[alkemical]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongolian_Death_Worm

If you are ever in Mongolia. I want you to be careful Baja. I mean if a guy can get taken out by peanut butter, bridges falling down, and this current heat wave. Man. You never can be too careful.

I've heard about this beast myself....

[baja]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongolian_Death_Worm

If you are ever in Mongolia. I want you to be careful Baja. I mean if a guy can get taken out by peanut butter, bridges falling down, and this current heat wave. Man. You never can be too careful.

Parasites; the worst way to die

Warning not to be opened by the faint of heart or if you are at work

http://www.curezone.com/image_gallery/parasites/brainworms/000.jpg

[Hulamau]

I was afraid Marshall might be a head case with low self esteem, when I read how he moped around the class rooms in training camp last year after hurting his knee and going into the tank mentally. He's got this chance to get that straightened out or it will be the highway for him before long ... Shanny doesn't mind putting in a lot of effort and second chances in getting a guy up to speed physically and skill-wise, but once he gets the idea the guy is a loafer or a cry baby its curtains ...

[alkemical]

Where's the claw?!??!

[Odysseus]

I was afraid Marshall might be a head case with low self esteem, when I read how he moped around the class rooms in training camp last year after hurting his knee and going into the tank mentally. He's got this chance to get that straightened out or it will be the highway for him before long ... Shanny doesn't mind putting in a lot of effort and second chances in getting a guy up to speed physically and skill-wise, but once he gets the idea the guy is a loafer or a cry baby its curtains ...

Good to see you posting.

One of the perks of having Cutler is receivers are going to want to play here. If our so called "marginal" receivers put up any numbers at all we might get Javon some help on the other side in no time.

Marshall isn't ready for the big show and Rod stepping down right now does not benefit him, the team or his personal chance at greater recognition for the Broncos as well as for himself.

[Kaylore]

I thought this was about eminem.

:spit:

[-Slap-]

Coach killer.

[mhgaffney]

I wonder about Brandon Marshalls mental side. He seems to be a hot head. He got into it with his GF, who hasn't, but he tried to block a cabby from leaving and got the cops called. Also remember that there were reports that Marshall was the one who talked smack back to the gang members and was raising cane in the street that horrible night DWill got shot. He had to be pulled to the limo. He might not react well to negativity.

I speak from experience I was always losing my head when I was younger and it took a slap in the face to wake up. Maybe thats what Marshall needs. A good hard slap in the face.

I'll remember that, next time, on the War and Politics board.

[Kaylore]

If Marshall gets on Shanahan's bad list, it's over. We were talking today and once you've pissed Shahanan off he wants nothing to do with you. I don't think Tatum Bell evercompletely got out of the dog house for his holdout.

[Requiem]

I hope Brandon doesn't end up being another name on the list of hyped up, talented receivers who suck balls.

[theAPAOps5]

Marshall seems to be butting heads with Shannahan on this matter. I was reading Mason's blog over on denverbroncos.com and he quoted Marshall as saying I am going to listen to Greek, he is the one who has 30 years experience in this matter so I trust his opinion. Maybe he isn't directing that towards Coach but it seems like he is defending himself. Does sound like he will be returning soon though.

[DukeWoody]

This thread for the most part is a joke,Marshall is going to take the proper estimated amount of time to heal so he can come back and perform at the top level...
This kid is going to be a huge part of this OF,along with Sheff and hopefully Smith aswell...
There is NO reason to rush him back to fullfill some kind of tough guy status and get reinjured and waste even more time and really set him back...
We need this kid to be ready for the start of the season,and as long as he follows his trainers advice,he'll be there ready to go...
So people need to lay off the negative vibe towards the kid and have some faith,i,personaly,see him having a huge statistical year for us and really look forward to the production he will put forth...:strong:

[theAPAOps5]

Its not a joke with Shanny. He doesn't usually go out of his way to call out a player in the media unless he is getting fed up.

[DukeWoody]

Shanny is just trying to light a little fire under B-Marsh's butt,but in the end he knows how extremely important this kid will be to this OF this year...
There's no way Shanny demotes or cuts B-Marsh for taking the recommended amount of heal up time...
Shanny knows what the young receiver means to the team and will act accordingly...That is no joke,you can bet on it...

[baja]

From Mason blog;

It’s killing Brandon Marshall to be this patient.

Last month, he learned about the price of trying to even slightly rush back from a muscle problem, aggravating a quadriceps injury on the second day of minicamp. He first injured the muscle nearly six weeks earlier during the first day of team camp, and the July setback landed him on the physically-unable-to-perform list when training camp began last Sunday.

“it was one of those things where I felt like I could go,” Marshall said. “I tried to get back out there and it was a little too early for me.”

For now, then, he’s doing exactly what Head Athletic Trainer Steve Antonopulos and his staffers tell him.

“I’m just going to listen to what Greek (Antonopulos) has got to say. He’s got over 30 years of experience, so I’ll just listen to what he has to say and do what he wants me to do.”

This week, that meant testing the recovering muscle.

“At the beginning of this week, we pounded it pretty hard and fatigued it out a little bit,” Marshall said. “It’s been aggressive workouts all week. Right now, it feels great — like it’s getting in shape, my leg and my body, so that’s a good thing. The pain is gone, which is good, and now we’ve just got to get it to where it’s in shape to endure two-a-days, long practices and all that pounding.”

Meanwhile, Marshall’s teammates practice, so he waits — and chafes.

“I’m not one to want to sit on the sidelines watching the team practice and get better without me,” he said.

[Hulamau]

Good to see you posting.

One of the perks of having Cutler is receivers are going to want to play here. If our so called "marginal" receivers put up any numbers at all we might get Javon some help on the other side in no time.

Marshall isn't ready for the big show and Rod stepping down right now does not benefit him, the team or his personal chance at greater recognition for the Broncos as well as for himself.

Howdy QT ... how goes things? Marshall can certainly be a big asset if he can turn it around on the health thing, but I agree with you too ... one season of highlight reels with JC throwing the rock and good WRs will be chomping at the bit to come here. Yeah man!

[DukeWoody]

From Mason blog;

It’s killing Brandon Marshall to be this patient.

Last month, he learned about the price of trying to even slightly rush back from a muscle problem, aggravating a quadriceps injury on the second day of minicamp. He first injured the muscle nearly six weeks earlier during the first day of team camp, and the July setback landed him on the physically-unable-to-perform list when training camp began last Sunday.

“it was one of those things where I felt like I could go,” Marshall said. “I tried to get back out there and it was a little too early for me.”

For now, then, he’s doing exactly what Head Athletic Trainer Steve Antonopulos and his staffers tell him.

“I’m just going to listen to what Greek (Antonopulos) has got to say. He’s got over 30 years of experience, so I’ll just listen to what he has to say and do what he wants me to do.”

This week, that meant testing the recovering muscle.

“At the beginning of this week, we pounded it pretty hard and fatigued it out a little bit,” Marshall said. “It’s been aggressive workouts all week. Right now, it feels great — like it’s getting in shape, my leg and my body, so that’s a good thing. The pain is gone, which is good, and now we’ve just got to get it to where it’s in shape to endure two-a-days, long practices and all that pounding.”

Meanwhile, Marshall’s teammates practice, so he waits — and chafes.

“I’m not one to want to sit on the sidelines watching the team practice and get better without me,” he said.


Thanks Baja,this totaly proves the point that B-Marsh isn't just sitting around loafing,taking advantage of being injured...The kids got desire and he's hungry...
The trainers,team,coaches and himself all know his injury can't be rushed...
If they try to rush it again,then it will lead to another setback...At this point in time you have to take the precautionary way and that seems like it may take a few extra days but it is the way to go....
This kid is going to be a huge part of this OF this year and the team needs to take the proper steps to make sure he's there for the long hall...

[Willynowei]

This kid is too good to be injured this often. I really hope he isn't the fragile kind that never fulfill their potential, he's just way too talented for that.

[DukeWoody]

He's extremely frustrated because these injuries that he has suffered while being with the Broncos (beggining of last year in the Lions preseason game and this years OTA injury)the last two years are basicaly the only injuries he's suffered throughout his entire football career...
I just can't see this trend continueing,and think the kid is going to become a absolute STUD for this team,in the very near future...
Hear's to B-Marsh domminating the WR spot for many years to come...^5

[Odysseus]

Thanks Baja.

I'm not buying the stud label until next year. Give me a year without gimping around....just one!

[DukeWoody]

Thats to bad,because there's a huge sale on STUD labels at this point in the early season,miss out now and you just may miss out for good...Marshall is guarantied to hit STUD status this year,its bold on my part,but i believe it will happen and i have no quams with the prediction...

[Odysseus]

Thats to bad,because there's a huge sale on STUD labels at this point in the early season,miss out now and you just may miss out for good...Marshall is guarantied to hit STUD status this year,its bold on my part,but i believe it will happen and i have no quams with the prediction...

I'm thinking Marshall IS going to be a stud once he gets head, heart, and body on the same page. I think he has to stay healthy. I think he has to stay consistent. I think he'll dominate once he gets his head on straight.

I'm high on D.J. Williams, John Lynch, Sam Adams, our entire draft class, Bly, Henry and of course Jay Cutler. I have a lot of high expectations right now. Marshall, in my opinion has to get past a very rough start.

[TotallyScrewed]

DukeWoody = Brandon's press agent?? Is Brandon's nickname Duke??

I'm just joking with ya but you are a bit high on the kid aren't you?

Shanny's right, if the offense is going to have time to gel, and if he wants to be an integral part of it, he's gotta get back on the practise field. There are already a lot of new pieces in their offense. Marshall doesn't need to regress. He needs to improve on his experience with Jay.

Injuries suck. Let's hope he gets back on track soon.

BTW, there's nothing wrong with being high.

[theAPAOps5]

There is one coach who isn't taking the cautious route with Marshall and its the one who matters. Shanny wants him out there. He has pretty much said so. I love Marshall but if he can't get on the field and play through pain then thats his fault and its really sad.

[Steve Prefontaine]

I'm not panicking about Marshall (yet). I still have hope that he's coming back next week and he'll remain healthy for the rest of the year. If that happens, I'm optimistic that he will thrive as the #2/3 receiver this year.

But...Shanahan calling him out was definitely an eye-opener. Either he thinks Marshall is dogging it and he should try to play through the injury. Or it was a warning saying, "hey, this is the 3rd nagging injury that you've had since last year. Take better care of your body and make sure you stay on the field." I'm not playing down Marshall's injury but - unlike Scheffler and a broken bone - there are steps to at least help prevent muscle strains.