Marcus Thomas Video Interview - The Orange Mane

cmhargrove · 06-06-2008, 12:50 PM

It will be interesting to see how Marcus pans out this year. Even in the interview, he looks in better shape. He looks like he traded in his round, doughy face from last year for a square jawline this year. Not that it is any indicator of how he will perform, but he is definitely looking in better shape.

Here's the video link and the text from denverbroncos.com:

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=609

Better, Faster, Stronger

Second-year defensive tackle Marcus Thomas looks to improve on a solid rookie campaign.

By Gray Caldwell
DenverBroncos.com

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- It's hard to imagine a much more versatile season for a defensive tackle than Marcus Thomas experienced in 2007.

In his rookie year in the league, the fourth-round draft pick played in all 16 games and racked up 30 tackles, but also intercepted a pass, defended a pass and recovered a fumble. And Thomas said he's just getting started.

"Oh yeah, I just can’t wait to get out there and show what I can do this year, especially after last year," he said, adding that he feels like he is in even better shape than he was in 2007.

Thomas is part of a retooled defensive line the Broncos have accumulated over the past few drafts and free agencies, and Thomas has managed to stand out even in such a talented pack. He added that working behind two skilled veterans at the tackle positions -- Alvin McKinley and new Bronco Dewayne Robertson -- will help his game improve, but having a year in the NFL under his belt will really pay dividends on the field.

One of the veterans that Thomas has bonded with is Ebenezer Ekuban, who missed the 2007 season with an injury to his Achilles' tendon. Ekuban is recovering from the injury and has been practicing with the team this offseason, something Thomas said has been a real help.

"Last year I was feeling bad when he was gone, because I felt he was one of the best pass rushers I’d ever seen," Thomas said. "For him to come up here and be back, he’s still schooling me and telling me what to do and everything. I’m loving it, so I know it's going to help me improve a lot this year."

Going into only his second year, Thomas is not only growing on the field but off it as well. He said during the offseason he is simply going to "keep it team oriented."

"I’m just going to hang out with guys that have a lot to lose instead of hanging out with people that don’t have a lot to lose," he said, adding that he greatly appreciated Head Coach Mike Shanahan's willingness to stand by him throughout this offseason.

"I’m glad he stuck behind me so I can still be on this team and still produce for this program," Thomas said.

Even with all the improvement Thomas has shown both on the field and off after only one season, Thomas said what he's learned will make the future even brighter.

"Basically just practicing tempo," he said. "Just really getting the scheme down, learning everything, converting things from last year to this year."

"It makes it a lot easier."

For opposing offenses, that's a scary prospect.

TheReverend · 06-06-2008, 01:04 PM

One of the guys on this defense with a lot to be excited about. Hope he keeps getting better.

Paladin · 06-06-2008, 01:16 PM

Ditto. I think Thomas and If Healthy Robertson ( AKA IHRob) should improve the D a good deal. But the rookie (name escapes me at the moment. Aside: Don't get old because it's a bit*h and nothing good comes of it) and getting Ekuban back should also help to turn that Dline into a strong plus by the middle of the year. A lot of boo birds around here keep thinking that the Dline is a weakness, but they fail to note the potential of the players there now for the DT position. The BRoncos should just be an all-around better team on defense in 2008 and beyond.........

DenverBrit · 06-06-2008, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paladin

Ditto. I think Thomas and If Healthy Robertson ( AKA IHRob) should improve the D a good deal. But the rookie (name escapes me at the moment. Aside: Don't get old because it's a bit*h and nothing good comes of it) and getting Ekuban back should also help to turn that Dline into a strong plus by the middle of the year. A lot of boo birds around here keep thinking that the Dline is a weakness, but they fail to note the potential of the players there now for the DT position. The BRoncos should just be an all-around better team on defense in 2008 and beyond.........

Agreed.

Plus, there won't be all the confusion and last minute roster shuffling caused by Bates system. The D line began to improve when the scheme was changed and Rice was cut. Back to an attacking D and we will see a significant improvement.

cmhargrove · 06-06-2008, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paladin

Ditto. I think Thomas and If Healthy Robertson ( AKA IHRob) should improve the D a good deal. But the rookie (name escapes me at the moment. Aside: Don't get old because it's a bit*h and nothing good comes of it) and getting Ekuban back should also help to turn that Dline into a strong plus by the middle of the year. A lot of boo birds around here keep thinking that the Dline is a weakness, but they fail to note the potential of the players there now for the DT position. The BRoncos should just be an all-around better team on defense in 2008 and beyond.........

Carlton Powell

Carlton Powell

Carlton Powell

jonny1 · 06-06-2008, 03:36 PM

It will be interesting to see how Steven Harris progresses also, remember, he was a highly touted talent before his troubles in college, and there hasn't been a squeeck of trouble about him since he has been here.

Natedogg · 06-06-2008, 05:02 PM

Random: Does Broncos TV "Skip" for anyone else? I have a pretty good computer and broadband internet connection. i use firefox.

no-pseudo-fan · 06-06-2008, 06:19 PM

He looks in better shape, and he looks bigger. We will see.

DenverBrit · 06-06-2008, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Natedogg

Random: Does Broncos TV "Skip" for anyone else? I have a pretty good computer and broadband internet connection. i use firefox.

I have a similar setup and it works very well for me. In fact I fast forward through the Comcast ad without any lag.
YouTube, on the other hand, has begun skipping horribly on a lot of videos.

06-06-2008, 12:50 PM	#1
cmhargrove Is this thing on??? Travis Henry's love child... Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 6,404 Adopt-a-Bronco: Peyton Hillis	Marcus Thomas Video Interview It will be interesting to see how Marcus pans out this year. Even in the interview, he looks in better shape. He looks like he traded in his round, doughy face from last year for a square jawline this year. Not that it is any indicator of how he will perform, but he is definitely looking in better shape. Here's the video link and the text from denverbroncos.com: http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=609 Better, Faster, Stronger Second-year defensive tackle Marcus Thomas looks to improve on a solid rookie campaign. By Gray Caldwell DenverBroncos.com ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- It's hard to imagine a much more versatile season for a defensive tackle than Marcus Thomas experienced in 2007. In his rookie year in the league, the fourth-round draft pick played in all 16 games and racked up 30 tackles, but also intercepted a pass, defended a pass and recovered a fumble. And Thomas said he's just getting started. "Oh yeah, I just can’t wait to get out there and show what I can do this year, especially after last year," he said, adding that he feels like he is in even better shape than he was in 2007. Thomas is part of a retooled defensive line the Broncos have accumulated over the past few drafts and free agencies, and Thomas has managed to stand out even in such a talented pack. He added that working behind two skilled veterans at the tackle positions -- Alvin McKinley and new Bronco Dewayne Robertson -- will help his game improve, but having a year in the NFL under his belt will really pay dividends on the field. One of the veterans that Thomas has bonded with is Ebenezer Ekuban, who missed the 2007 season with an injury to his Achilles' tendon. Ekuban is recovering from the injury and has been practicing with the team this offseason, something Thomas said has been a real help. "Last year I was feeling bad when he was gone, because I felt he was one of the best pass rushers I’d ever seen," Thomas said. "For him to come up here and be back, he’s still schooling me and telling me what to do and everything. I’m loving it, so I know it's going to help me improve a lot this year." Going into only his second year, Thomas is not only growing on the field but off it as well. He said during the offseason he is simply going to "keep it team oriented." "I’m just going to hang out with guys that have a lot to lose instead of hanging out with people that don’t have a lot to lose," he said, adding that he greatly appreciated Head Coach Mike Shanahan's willingness to stand by him throughout this offseason. "I’m glad he stuck behind me so I can still be on this team and still produce for this program," Thomas said. Even with all the improvement Thomas has shown both on the field and off after only one season, Thomas said what he's learned will make the future even brighter. "Basically just practicing tempo," he said. "Just really getting the scheme down, learning everything, converting things from last year to this year." "It makes it a lot easier." For opposing offenses, that's a scary prospect.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

06-06-2008, 01:04 PM	#2
TheReverend www.PatrickTurley.org ^ buy this... twice Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 32,981 Adopt-a-Bronco: Mike Shanahan	One of the guys on this defense with a lot to be excited about. Hope he keeps getting better.

06-06-2008, 01:16 PM	#3
Paladin Ring of Famer Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 9,150	Ditto. I think Thomas and If Healthy Robertson ( AKA IHRob) should improve the D a good deal. But the rookie (name escapes me at the moment. Aside: Don't get old because it's a bit*h and nothing good comes of it) and getting Ekuban back should also help to turn that Dline into a strong plus by the middle of the year. A lot of boo birds around here keep thinking that the Dline is a weakness, but they fail to note the potential of the players there now for the DT position. The BRoncos should just be an all-around better team on defense in 2008 and beyond.........

06-06-2008, 03:36 PM	#6
jonny1 Ahhh, football! Broncos' cheerleaders rule! Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 2,504 Adopt-a-Bronco: Chris Kuper	It will be interesting to see how Steven Harris progresses also, remember, he was a highly touted talent before his troubles in college, and there hasn't been a squeeck of trouble about him since he has been here.

06-06-2008, 05:02 PM	#7
Natedogg 1st Amendment Protection You sending The MethWolfe!!!??? Join Date: May 2005 Location: St. Petersburg Russia Posts: 1,878 Adopt-a-Bronco: Travis Henry	Random: Does Broncos TV "Skip" for anyone else? I have a pretty good computer and broadband internet connection. i use firefox.

06-06-2008, 06:19 PM	#8
no-pseudo-fan True Orange & Blue Follow me... Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: EPT Posts: 2,136 Adopt-a-Bronco: Hidalgo	He looks in better shape, and he looks bigger. We will see.