Marshall leaving tacklers, trouble behind

[dragondawg]

So far, Brandon Marshall is fulfilling his vow to leave both tacklers and trouble behind.

After an offseason filled with headlines over domestic disputes, a freak accident that required emergency arm surgery, criticism from his quarterback and visits to the commissioner's office, the Denver Broncos' star receiver is making his noise on the football field. And making nice off it.

Sitting out the opener for violating the league's code of conduct might just have been the best thing to happen to him. He spent his forced hiatus reflecting on his career and volunteering at an after-school, anti-gang program in Denver.

"I have no regrets at all, because if I didn't go through what I went through, I wouldn't be the man I am today and the man I'm going to be in the future," Marshall said. "We make mistakes and all you've got to do is learn from them and grow, and sometimes those mistakes make you a stronger person. That's exactly what it's made me — much wiser."

Marshall had his three-game suspension reduced to one game and two paychecks on appeal, and he returned with a vengeance, showing his boast to "break all the receiving records" this season might not be as farfetched as it sounds.

It's early, but at his current pace, Marshall would amass 180 receptions for 2,407 yards and 15 TDs. That's 37 more catches and 559 more yards than any receiver in NFL history.

Probably not going to happen.

But consider this: teams daring to double-cover him risk leaving Tony Scheffler, Brandon Stokley and Eddie Royal open for big gains themselves. Even when Marshall is blanketed, Jay Cutler won't shy away from trying to fit frozen-rope passes into itty-bitty spaces, something that's become the duo's trademark.

Marshall, a fourth-round draft pick out of Central Florida in 2005 originally projected as a tight end in the NFL, blossomed into the Broncos' best receiver with a breakout 102-catch season last year.

This season, he's using his superior strength and size as much as his speed, twisting out of tackles, beating press coverage and adding a downfield dimension to his already impressive game.

"I have always been a finesse type of guy, always trying to make it look good, and sometimes that is not always the best way," Marshall said. "Sometimes you just have to get dirty a little bit and get physical. I think being able to mix it up a bit with the finesse game and the physical game has really helped me a lot this year."

It's a devastating mix.

"I wouldn't trade him for anybody in the league," coach Mike Shanahan said. "I don't think he has even scratched the surface with his big plays. I think as he gets more confidence, he is just going to get better and better, lowering his head and lowering his shoulder to run over those defensive backs.

"Here is a guy that is 6-foot-5, 230 pounds who knocked out two defensive ends and a safety last year in three consecutive games. He is a very physical guy and once he learns to turn up consistently like he did Sunday, he is going to make more plays."

After sitting out the team's opener at Oakland, Marshall hauled in a team-record 18 catches for 166 yards and a TD in a win over San Diego. He grabbed a half-dozen more for 155 yards and a score in a win over New Orleans.

His 18 receptions against the Chargers broke Rod Smith's team record of 14 and were two shy of Terrell Owens' single-game NFL record. His 24 catches marked the second most by a player through his first two games of a season, trailing only Andre Rison's 26 in 1994.

Marshall has some other numbers in his sights: Smith's team single-season records of 113 catches and 1,602 yards; Anthony Miller's 14 TD catches in a season; and Shannon Sharpe's single-game mark of 214 yards receiving.

By why stop with team records?

Marshall wants Marvin Harrison's NFL mark of 143 catches set in 2003, maybe Jerry Rice's 1,848 yards set in 1995, and why not Randy Moss's single-season record of 23 touchdowns he established just last season?

Right now, he's just pleased the Broncos are 3-0 after going 7-9 last season.

"Last year I had a great season. I had 102 catches and 1,300 yards and we lost. That really means nothing to me," Marshall said. "I want to be a guy not only to be in the record books, but also who has a Super Bowl ring like a Rod Smith, like a Jerry Rice. So, I want to be compared to those type of guys and I want to win."

Marshall said Thursday he has no lingering issues with his right forearm, which was sliced up when he fell into a television set in March while horsing around with his brother. It was that incident that led Cutler, fed up with all the drama surrounding his top target, to declare back in April: "He's not my favorite person right now."

"I wasn't going to go back and forth with him because he was right," Marshall said. "I took it as constructive criticism and now I'm excited about our future as an organization and my future as a person."

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/09/25/sports/FBN-Broncos-Marshall.php?page=1

[Los Broncos]

From the looks of it he has a new girlfriend.

[Fusionfrontman]

And people wereworried about any lingering affects from his injury? yeah..

[tsiguy96]

i love how he mentions rod smith as one of the people he looks up to all the time...

[Ratboy]

Great article. I don't see him slowing down anytime soon. Aslong as Cutler and Marshall both stay healthy, Marshall will break records.

[ANIMAL24]

best combo in the league

[Atlas]

From the looks of it he has a new girlfriend.

Damn. I was hoping he would just turn Gay. Gay guys never charge their partner with abuse.

[Cmac821]

best combo in the league

agreed

[BlaK-Argentina]

I love Marsh as much as the next guy but talk is cheap. I hope it is true. If he really changed I hope we lock him up long term because seeing him on another team would suck beyond words. I'm guessing Shanny wants to keep the offensive core intact and he won't let Marshall get away.

[backup qb]

I love Marsh as much as the next guy but talk is cheap. I hope it is true. If he really changed I hope we lock him up long term because seeing him on another team would suck beyond words. I'm guessing Shanny wants to keep the offensive core intact and he won't let Marshall get away.

gee, you think?

[broncofan2438]

I want to see him just kill everyones receiving record....this season

[CasinoRoyal]

Nothing new. The man grew up period like most of us real men do.

You cant be bullshyt'n with the wrong crowd your whole life or your never gonna progress. That little hoodrat had to go.

[BroncoMan4ever]

Why are they always saying Cutler criticized him this offseason? Cutler simply said he was disappointed in some of his choices and that he would be angry with him if his actions hurt the team. He was being a leader making a point that he wanted Marshall to straighten his life out, so he could live up to his superstar potential. That isn't criticizing that is saying what everyone at the time was thinking.

[Crushisback]

"I wouldn't trade him for anybody in the league," coach Mike Shanahan said.

Niether would I.

[CasinoRoyal]

Everybody on Broncosforums wanted us to trade him this off season............Bunch of idiots

[CasinoRoyal]

They was also for him being suspended for a maximum of 8 games....Said it woulda been fair..... LMAO

[BlaK-Argentina]

gee, you think?

You never know.

[TheChamp24]

Damn. I was hoping he would just turn Gay. Gay guys never charge their partner with abuse.

Don't hide it, you want that sexy black man in your bed :P

[Los Broncos]

Damn. I was hoping he would just turn Gay. Gay guys never charge their partner with abuse.

I seen him after the game driving off with a female hottie.

Cool thing is they both waived bye to me.

[Los Broncos]

Don't hide it, you want that sexy black man in your bed :P

Dude

[SureShot]

Thanks in part to Cutler, Marshall is the best WR in Broncos history.

Yeah I said it.

[tsiguy96]

Thanks in part to Cutler, Marshall is the best WR in Broncos history.

Yeah I said it.

if he repeats his performance for 2-3 years, he will be the most talented. rod smith will be the BEST for a long time coming, until marshall shows hes got waht it takes to represent the franchise for decades to come like rod did.

[Doggcow]

Don't hide it, you want that sexy black man in your bed :P

Anyone that would kick Marshall out of bed, isn't a true broncos fan.

[Popps]

gee, you think?

His point is that Shanahan wants to lock him up, but there are contingencies.
Remember a guy named Portis? Shannon Shape? Shanny sent those guys packing for different reasons, but if guys like that can be shown the door... don't think for a minute that another major brush with the law won't have Shanahan second guessing Marshall's future in Denver.

So... I think he does "think," did you?

[Ratboy]

I want to see him just kill everyones receiving record....this season

You know if that happens we'll be making him the highest paid receiver?

If he breaks multiple records, he'll easily get a 20 mill signing bonus. with a contract probably in the 45-50 mil range.

[Popps]

Anyone who needed Marshall to have a couple good games in 08 to know he's talented just wasn't paying attention well enough... and anyone who thinks two weeks of good behavior equates to "problem solved" is also not thinking properly.

We'll know where Marshall stands over the course of the next 12-18 months, once we see some highs... lows... off-seasons, potential contract issues, etc.

For now, we can just enjoy his game... but to assume anything concrete about his future off-field behavior because he had a good couple of games is just goofy.

Cross your fingers and hope the kid grows up. He'll be the best receiver we ever had by a long-shot if he does.

[Ratboy]

If we're smart, we'll throw him a contract that looks about like Larry Fitzgerald's deal. If we wait longer, we'll pay more.

[SoCalBronco]

If we're smart, we'll throw him a contract that looks about like Larry Fitzgerald's deal. If we wait longer, we'll pay more.

It's going to cost more than that, even if he is resigned this summer. If Marshall isnt the clear No. 1 NFL WR right now (and I think he just might be), he probably will by season's end, especially if he breaks that receptions record playing in only 15 games.

It's going to cost something like 6/63/25. It will be astronomical. A 3rd year WR catching 140+ passes? There's almost no price you can put on that.

Like I said...astronomical.

[footstepsfrom#27]

That little hoodrat had to go.
Now I see why you're considered a nitwit in here.

[LongDongJohnson]

Marshall is worth every dollar.

cant wait till we resign him to a 7 year deal

[Vladimir]

Very cool article.. Really glad we have bmarsh

[DB-Freak]

Believe the hype... the guy is definitely one of the best WR's in the league and will prove that he is the best.

[hambone13]

Nothing new. The man grew up period like most of us real men do.

You cant be bullshyt'n with the wrong crowd your whole life or your never gonna progress. That little hoodrat had to go.

No really, take a bow Stan. You continue to top your own record of f*%k-tard potential.

[hambone13]

Anyone who needed Marshall to have a couple good games in 08 to know he's talented just wasn't paying attention well enough... and anyone who thinks two weeks of good behavior equates to "problem solved" is also not thinking properly.

We'll know where Marshall stands over the course of the next 12-18 months, once we see some highs... lows... off-seasons, potential contract issues, etc.

For now, we can just enjoy his game... but to assume anything concrete about his future off-field behavior because he had a good couple of games is just goofy.

Cross your fingers and hope the kid grows up. He'll be the best receiver we ever had by a long-shot if he does.

Popps, you're slowly coming around. I don't see any signs of Brandon wanting to go any where else. Why would he want to with JC throwing to him? He's part of the Broncos family now. He has some of the best mentors and friends a WR could ever want. I just don't see any indications that contracts are going to be an issue. When was the last time we didn't pay where payment was due. I've always said i thought he had a good heart. He's no TO, Moss, Ocho Jack-O type guy. I think it's glaringly apparent. He's gonna be around for a long time, if not until the end of his career.

[CasinoRoyal]

Now I see why you're considered a nitwit in here.

Now i see why your a pussy in the real world.

Youd keep a hoodrat around who can do nothing but bring you down in life.

SMART DUDE.

[CasinoRoyal]

No really, take a bow Stan. You continue to top your own record of f*%k-tard potential.

Yeah because i bring it real and uncut.

Would you please smack yourself?

[watermock]

Popps, your starting to rationalize. We all know he's just gotten out of hot water. 99% of his problem IMO was the hangin' on for no better term the "crazy b!tch", and so called "friends" out for a piece of the cream pie.

And also, bunches of so called "friends" like the ones around Mike Tyson.

We can specifically thank Rod Smith and Jay Cutler for keeping those bad influences away so far...but they won't stop trying for years.

I reallly like BM. He plays the game with enthusiasm and is God willing, gonna be a Superstar for a long time in Denver.

I wouldn't like to be you, allways hoping for a trip-up just to vindicate yourself.

[watermock]

As far as him re-signing, I'm sure it will have behavioral clauses, but he has said he wants to play here indefinetely.

[CasinoRoyal]

Really pathetic to hope he trips up and makes more mistakes just so you can say you was right.

Marshall will get his money and will never have anymore issues.

7 years 50 million for my man Marshall and we better give it to him THIS YEAR around the bye week.

[watermock]

Your dreaming. more like 5/25g/70

[CasinoRoyal]

If thats what it takes to keep the best wide out in the NFL im all for it dude.

But i dont think hell ask for that much, Hell take alot but he wont put us in a position where we cant go out and get better.

Brandons not a selfish player.

7yrs, 18 guaranteed, 50-60 million is good enough to continue playing with the best QB in the NFL.

Cutler will be getting extended also soon.......Might aswell lock him up for the next 7 years also. 7yrz, 25 guaranted, 100 million.

[Sassy]

Really pathetic to hope he trips up and makes more mistakes just so you can say you was right.

Marshall will get his money and will never have anymore issues.

7 years 50 million for my man Marshall and we better give it to him THIS YEAR around the bye week.

You're flippin' insane.
Why don't we see if he can stay out of trouble for a least a year first.

[CasinoRoyal]

You're flippin' insane.
Why don't we see if he can stay out of trouble for a least a year first.

Because if we wait the price probably goes up.....

And i think the whole organization is convinced now that the hoodrat is out of his life he will be just fine. I mean its always a blessing to remove a hoodrat from your life.

Who needs a dude or a female thats going to hold them back?

[Odysseus]

As far as him re-signing, I'm sure it will have behavioral clauses, but he has said he wants to play here indefinetely.

I would love to keep Cutler to Marshall connection. I don't worry about the behavioural clauses as much as the keeping depth at WR.

I am very happy to see Marshall starting to get his head straight.

[Don Flamenco]

Schwing!

[Beantown Bronco]

and anyone who thinks two weeks of good behavior equates to "problem solved" is also not thinking properly.

Two weeks? Try six months. Why does he not get credit for anything prior to the start of the regular season?

[Hogan11]

I'm happy with him thus far. I've seen no indication of flavor clown ways either on or off the field since his suspension, so I'm cautiously optimistic that he's not just blowing smoke to the media, but living his words. The prospect of a new, potentially cap crippling contract scares me some....when is that uncapped year again?

[BlaK-Argentina]

I'm happy with him thus far. I've seen no indication of flavor clown ways either on or off the field since his suspension, so I'm cautiously optimistic that he's not just blowing smoke to the media, but living his words. The prospect of a new, potentially cap crippling contract scares me some....when is that uncapped year again?

The fact that he's just handing the ball off to the crowd after he scores must make you happy. :strong:

[Hogan11]

The fact that he's just handing the ball off to the crowd after he scores must make you happy. :strong:

Well, it sure doesn't hurt...that's for sure.

[tsiguy96]

I'm happy with him thus far. I've seen no indication of flavor clown ways either on or off the field since his suspension, so I'm cautiously optimistic that he's not just blowing smoke to the media, but living his words. The prospect of a new, potentially cap crippling contract scares me some....when is that uncapped year again?

who cares, pay the man whatever it takes to keep him in denver and out of another teams uniform. hes worth it.

[Hogan11]

who cares, pay the man whatever it takes to keep him in denver and out of another teams uniform. hes worth it.

Even if, combined with the future contracts of Cutler and Bailey et. al. prevents the team from the having the $$ ability to fill holes? Personally, I'm afraid of having the greater amount of the team's cap cash tied up with a small number of players....visions of what happened to the Titans a few years back haunt me everytime I hear someone say "pay him whatever he wants". When is that uncapped year happening again?

[Beantown Bronco]

When is that uncapped year happening again?

2010

[Hogan11]

2010

Stall till then if possible, then break the bank.

[Kaylore]

Stall till then if possible, then break the bank.

Again, its a misconception that the uncapped year = limitless spending. Most franchises will actually have fewer dollars to work with in terms of signing players in an uncapped year. There are provisions in place that make it very hard for teams to just unload money on players in an uncapped year. Because of the prorating and shared revenue there is actually more you can do with the salary cap than without it.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Now i see why your a p***Y in the real world.

Youd keep a hoodrat around who can do nothing but bring you down in life.

SMART DUDE.
**** for brains, the word "hoodrat" tells me volumes about your intelect, which is seriously lacking. Since you know nothing about her, the situation she was in with him, nor whether she was right or wrong in this...you're the perfect example;

It's better to remain silent and be thought a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt.

Thanks for affirming the obvious.

[DB-Freak]

More marshall related stuff...

[DB-Freak]

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f384/colima510/hye.gif

[tsiguy96]

Even if, combined with the future contracts of Cutler and Bailey et. al. prevents the team from the having the $$ ability to fill holes? Personally, I'm afraid of having the greater amount of the team's cap cash tied up with a small number of players....visions of what happened to the Titans a few years back haunt me everytime I hear someone say "pay him whatever he wants". When is that uncapped year happening again?

marshall means more to this team then anyone other then jay cutler. again, you pay him waht it takes to keep him.

[Hogan11]

marshall means more to this team then anyone other then jay cutler. again, you pay him waht it takes to keep him.

As long as the Broncos don't end up in cap hell as a result of paying whatever it takes to keep anyone, I'm okay with it. Personally, I'm not willing to have a few lean seasons just to keep three or four superstar players on the roster.

[tsiguy96]

As long as the Broncos don't end up in cap hell as a result of paying whatever it takes to keep anyone, I'm okay with it. Personally, I'm not willing to have a few lean seasons just to keep three or four superstar players on the roster.

are you guys really willing to let a top 3 WR in the NFL, and soon possibly the best, go because of money? really? especially one taht we actually drafted and seems to have something going good with cutler?

you guys are pathetic. dont worry about the cap, the broncos have never had a problem with it before, and its not your job to worry about it.

[footstepsfrom#27]

are you guys really willing to let a top 3 WR in the NFL, and soon possibly the best, go because of money? really? especially one taht we actually drafted and seems to have something going good with cutler?

you guys are pathetic. dont worry about the cap, the broncos have never had a problem with it before, and its not your job to worry about it.
Definitely.

[Popps]

Popps, you're slowly coming around.

I've lived/died with this team for 30 years. I don't need to come around to anything... I promise you that.

Marshall is a treat to watch. He's exactly the kind of WR I always wanted for us. A physical badass who can break tackles... make something out of nothing and can take over a game. Oh, and he blocks.

My point has simply been that Marshall has been a ****ing dumbass. Two good statistical weeks doesn't change that. He'll be part of our "family" when he proves it to the fans and his teammates for an extended period of time.

Right now, things look great... and it couldn't be any more fun watching the guy play. But, we all knew that. That was never the issue.

[Popps]

Popps, your starting to rationalize.

We can specifically thank Rod Smith and Jay Cutler for keeping those bad influences away so far...but they won't stop trying for years.

I wouldn't like to be you, allways hoping for a trip-up just to vindicate yourself.


Mock... not declaring Marshall an absolute Eagle Scout because he's stayed out of a police car for two weeks doesn't mean I'm "rationalizing" or even worse... "hoping" for anything bad. I'd assume you to have more intelligence to assume anything so childish.

Again, those who are true fans of the team don't excuse poor performance/behavior... they demand that it's rectified. In the past two weeks, Marshall has been outstanding on the field and as far as we know, outstanding off the field.

I hope it stays that way. But it's just common sense to understand that two weeks doesn't erase years of issues. If it did, we could declare Randy Moss a great character guy ever couple of weeks.

Just because he's a Bronco doesn't mean he doesn't need to prove that he's changed.

Some fans are blinded by talent. They develop irrational obsessions with players that perform well... to the point of excluding common sense from their analysis.

I'm not one of those fans.

[Malcontent]

Mock... not declaring Marshall an absolute Eagle Scout because he's stayed out of a police car for two weeks doesn't mean I'm "rationalizing" or even worse... "hoping" for anything bad. I'd assume you to have more intelligence to assume anything so childish.

Again, those who are true fans of the team don't excuse poor performance/behavior... they demand that it's rectified. In the past two weeks, Marshall has been outstanding on the field and as far as we know, outstanding off the field.

I hope it stays that way. But it's just common sense to understand that two weeks doesn't erase years of issues. If it did, we could declare Randy Moss a great character guy ever couple of weeks.

Just because he's a Bronco doesn't mean he doesn't need to prove that he's changed.

Some fans are blinded by talent. They develop irrational obsessions with players that perform well... to the point of excluding common sense from their analysis.

I'm not one of those fans.

REP!!!!

[tsiguy96]

marshall hasnt been in trouble since march, i dont know why you keep saying two weeks?

all of his current legal issues stem to march and before, they are just coming back now. he hasnt done anything since then.

[Malcontent]

Fugggetabout it Popps! It's always gonna go down like this.

[Popps]

marshall hasnt been in trouble since march, i dont know why you keep saying two weeks?

all of his current legal issues stem to march and before, they are just coming back now. he hasnt done anything since then.

Fair enough... I'm just talking about this season, of which he's played two weeks. I understand that a lot of the headlines date back a while and aren't current issues.

Again, let's hope for the best. There's no question this guy should end up the best WR this team has ever had.

I'm actually pretty optimistic. Not just hopeful, but I am sort of buying into the "I've changed" rhetoric. People do... and maybe he has.

Again, we'll just need much more than a couple weeks... or months to know where we stand.

[Hogan11]

are you guys really willing to let a top 3 WR in the NFL, and soon possibly the best, go because of money? really? especially one taht we actually drafted and seems to have something going good with cutler?

you guys are pathetic. dont worry about the cap, the broncos have never had a problem with it before, and its not your job to worry about it.

Just because they haven't had a problem with it before doesn't mean they never will....if they broke the bank on every fan favorite like some fans want them to do, they'd be in serious trouble. Thank god for restructuring or you'd see a lot of the same stuff that led Sharpe to Baltimore back in the day.

[Atlas]

Don't hide it, you want that sexy black man in your bed :P

I don't come cheap you know.

[tsiguy96]

Just because they haven't had a problem with it before doesn't mean they never will....if they broke the bank on every fan favorite like some fans want them to do, they'd be in serious trouble. Thank god for restructuring or you'd see a lot of the same stuff that led Sharpe to Baltimore back in the day.

while you worry about our precious cap, ill worry about keeping the teams most talented player as a bronco. only other person less expendable then him is jay cutler.

[Pat Bowlen]

Champ Bailey what?

[tsiguy96]

Champ Bailey what?

champ is playing really really good this year (anyone else ever hear his name mentioned during a game? me either, he rarely misses his assigments), marshall is playing spectacular.

[DB-Freak]

He's gotten burned a couple of times already.

Great player, just hasn't lived up to his billing aside from his amazing 06 season.

[Hogan11]

while you worry about our precious cap, ill worry about keeping the teams most talented player as a bronco. only other person less expendable then him is jay cutler.

So, what you're saying is...you'll worry about one or two players remaining in a Bronco uniform and I'll worry about the possibility of the team sucking for years because of the majority of the cap cash is tied up with a few players. Fair enough.

[TheReverend]

So, what you're saying is...you'll worry about one or two players remaining in a Bronco uniform and I'll worry about the possibility of the team sucking for years because of the majority of the cap cash is tied up with a few players. Fair enough.

You build a talented core and then surround them with talented rookies and low cost FAs. Its the way its always worked.

[theAPAOps5]

He's gotten burned a couple of times already.

Great player, just hasn't lived up to his billing aside from his amazing 06 season.

Did you really just say that about Champ Bailey? No seriously did you really just say that.

I bet most would say he as exceeded expectations. He does have to work with Denver's line.

[tsiguy96]

So, what you're saying is...you'll worry about one or two players remaining in a Bronco uniform and I'll worry about the possibility of the team sucking for years because of the majority of the cap cash is tied up with a few players. Fair enough.

we better not re-sign cutler either. hes gonna cost a ****load. champ better get cut too. hes looking at 8-12 mil a year. cut ryan clady now before his head gets too big. same with eddie royal.

we should probably cut all of our good players and sign a bunch of mediocre ones. id rather have every player get paid 2.5 mil a year then have some get paid 10mil and others who only get minimum. this way none of our players will cost too much and they will all have similar talent levels.

[Odysseus]

Mock... not declaring Marshall an absolute Eagle Scout because he's stayed out of a police car for two weeks doesn't mean I'm "rationalizing" or even worse... "hoping" for anything bad. I'd assume you to have more intelligence to assume anything so childish.

Again, those who are true fans of the team don't excuse poor performance/behavior... they demand that it's rectified. In the past two weeks, Marshall has been outstanding on the field and as far as we know, outstanding off the field.

I hope it stays that way. But it's just common sense to understand that two weeks doesn't erase years of issues. If it did, we could declare Randy Moss a great character guy ever couple of weeks.

Just because he's a Bronco doesn't mean he doesn't need to prove that he's changed.

Some fans are blinded by talent. They develop irrational obsessions with players that perform well... to the point of excluding common sense from their analysis.

I'm not one of those fans.

Broncos have a painful history or giving players second and third chances. I don't want to list them because if you don't know you just got here. It's been brutal and I am glad that Shanahan wants a team of Eagle Scouts who actually look at the playbook and play on Sundays to win.

[Rock Chalk]

As long as the Broncos don't end up in cap hell as a result of paying whatever it takes to keep anyone, I'm okay with it. Personally, I'm not willing to have a few lean seasons just to keep three or four superstar players on the roster.

Hogan, I really hate to tell you this but Cutler/Marshall are worth "breaking the bank" for.

Some players talent level is so great you pay them what they are worth and what they are worth is more to the TEAM than ANY replacement would be in cap space.

Cutler and Marshall are both that type of player.

Elway, were he in today's age of football, would be paid top dollar and guess who else would be: Floyd Little.

Are you suggesting through your - no offense as you asked me not to be a prick to you - idiotic statement that we wouldn't have broke the bank for those two players? Or that it wouldn't have been wise to do so?

THAT'S what kind of player's Cutler and Marshall are for us. It's early but if you don't see that the future with both of these guys on our team means we will surely be a good to great team for many more years to come then I'm sorry you need to go root for the Lions or the Cardinals who don't break the bank.

The cap is hardly an issue anymore. It's so large now that very few teams are in "cap hell". It is unrealistic to think that either Cutler or Marshall won't be paid a small fortune because it is unrealistic to think that they are NOT worth it.

[watermock]

JHC.

Talk about rationalizing. Whatever.

[Popps]

Hogan, I really hate to tell you this but Cutler/Marshall are worth "breaking the bank" for. a small fortune because it is unrealistic to think that they are NOT worth it.

I'd agree with this, though I think Marshall is a situation we have to wait out as long as possible. Another infraction and he'd be up for a year suspension, no?

Cutler seems to be a no-brainer. Lock him up as long as humanly possible.
Marshall is just as talent, but I'd personally wait as long as I could to see that he's truly committed to staying in good standing with the law.

I also think we've got a pretty good history of locking up the right guys, so I think Shanny will do the right thing.

[tsiguy96]

I'd agree with this, though I think Marshall is a situation we have to wait out as long as possible. Another infraction and he'd be up for a year suspension, no?

Cutler seems to be a no-brainer. Lock him up as long as humanly possible.
Marshall is just as talent, but I'd personally wait as long as I could to see that he's truly committed to staying in good standing with the law.

I also think we've got a pretty good history of locking up the right guys, so I think Shanny will do the right thing.

shanny said theres no one in this league hed trade marshall for...i think hes here for the long haul. all of marshalls run ins with the law have been so minor or pointless, he shouldnt have been suspended at all. if he gets suspended again itll be for 2-4 games.

[Hogan11]

Hogan, I really hate to tell you this but Cutler/Marshall are worth "breaking the bank" for.

Some players talent level is so great you pay them what they are worth and what they are worth is more to the TEAM than ANY replacement would be in cap space.

Cutler and Marshall are both that type of player.

Elway, were he in today's age of football, would be paid top dollar and guess who else would be: Floyd Little.

Are you suggesting through your - no offense as you asked me not to be a prick to you - idiotic statement that we wouldn't have broke the bank for those two players? Or that it wouldn't have been wise to do so?

THAT'S what kind of player's Cutler and Marshall are for us. It's early but if you don't see that the future with both of these guys on our team means we will surely be a good to great team for many more years to come then I'm sorry you need to go root for the Lions or the Cardinals who don't break the bank.

The cap is hardly an issue anymore. It's so large now that very few teams are in "cap hell". It is unrealistic to think that either Cutler or Marshall won't be paid a small fortune because it is unrealistic to think that they are NOT worth it.

Again, I never said they weren't worth it. I'm on record as not being against these guys getting paid as long as it's solvent to do so. Hopefully they'll restructure if the contracts become a problem as I'd hate to see any primary player on the team be forced to walk out ala Shannon Sharpe in 2000. That's my primary concern when it comes to the issue of cap space and payouts. Whether anyone thinks it's idiotic to be concerned about such things or not is really none of my concern.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Future Oakland Raider.

[DB-Freak]

Future Oakland Raider.

I don't think he runs the 40 fast enough to be an oakland raider.