Cutler not easy on Marshall
Broncos QB says receiver's off-field troubles must end
By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published April 1, 2008 at 12:20 p.m.
Was Jay Cutler right for calling out Brandon Marshall?
Photo by George Kochaniec Jr. / The Rocky
Quarterback Jay Cutler tackled a variety of topics candidly, something he hinted is part of him growing into more of a team leader.
Jay Cutler on Tuesday offered embattled Broncos teammate Brandon Marshall a place to crash.
It wasn't through a television set, wise guy.
At this juncture, the Broncos quarterback is willing to open his personal bed and breakfast at his home for Marshall if it will keep his favorite target walking the straight and narrow and away from McDonald's and other baggage.
"I support him and stuff, but it's always something with him right now," Cutler told a small media contingent at Dove Valley in a wide-ranging, surprisingly candid interview. "Going into his third year, coming off a big year last year, it's disappointing."
An accident at a Florida resort left Marshall with substantial damage to his right forearm and will keep him out entirely for six weeks and at less than 100 percent health through at least training camp.
It will put a crimp in plans to have Cutler and his No. 1 target working together extensively leading to two-a-day practices.
That can be overcome, Cutler said.
It's Marshall's overall pattern that's troubling.
Cutler consistently mentioned his friendship with Marshall. In fact, the pair spent about six weeks together in Atlanta working out earlier during the offseason. But talks about responsibility he and other teammates have had with the receiver essentially have "fallen on deaf ears," Cutler said.
The third-year quarterback admitted about Marshall, only half- joking, that "He's not my favorite person right now."
"This wasn't like his DUI and other stuff he's had. It was an accident. But, still, stuff like this can't happen," Cutler said. "Hopefully, this is the last."
Marshall last week said the collision with the TV, caused by horseplay with his brother, Fred, and subsequent surgery was "a wake-up call."
Cutler was having none of it.
"I mean, a DUI is a wake-up call. He's had many wake-up calls," Cutler said. "He's been in (coach Mike) Shanahan's office many times. I've been up there with him and he's said the same thing, 'It's a wake-up call, a lot of things are going to happen.' Blah, blah, blah. Until he goes out and proves it, we'll see what happens."
Cutler's outspoken nature was somewhat shocking, but he hinted it was part of taking on a bigger leadership role as a third-year player. He was just as forthcoming when it came to other topics affecting the Broncos.
Among them:
* The loss of receiver Javon Walker. Cutler wished him well in Oakland but didn't believe Walker and Marshall could have coexisted within the offense given Walker's love of the spotlight. "You've got to have a No. 1 guy you want to go to. . . . I think Brandon would be my guy and I don't know if Javon would be OK with 40, 50, 60 balls."
* The Broncos' fiscal restraint this offseason. Prodded by a reporter, he joked he had to go to Dick's Sporting Goods to buy a helmet. But on a serious note, Cutler said he wasn't overly concerned. He said the team always finds a way to supplement the roster. "I'm excited. Obviously, we lost some key players, but Mike's going to go out and get the best possible team he can. . . . We've added a lot on defense so far. I don't know if the draft's going to be offense."
* Left tackle, which currently features two untested players at that spot in the pros in Chris Kuper and Ryan Harris. "It's a big position for me," Cutler joked of his blind-side protection. He thinks there's a chance the Broncos can pick up a prospect high in the draft but expressed confidence in the holdovers.
* The adjustment to passing- game coordinator Jeremy Bates, who will take over many of the duties Mike Heimerdinger used to handle before his exit. "He's a grinder," Cutler said. "He's in here all the time. He's innovative. He's going to put some new stuff out there and we're going to find some ways to get guys the ball other than we did last year."
* The unsettled kicking game with Jason Elam gone. "I'm a little worried about that," he said. Cutler couldn't name Matt Prater, the current kicking favorite. "I don't know half the people in the locker room. . . . I think everybody needs to wear some nameplates for a little while."
Cutler is one of the most recognizable of the holdovers, surely.
He soon will break down his 2007 performance with Bates. And the plan in the short term is to throw often to receivers during the offseason to get acclimated to one another. Overall improvement, he said, is rooted in across- the-board improvement offensively, from the line and, especially, himself.
Cutler completed 297-of-467 passes for 3,497 yards last season with 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
"As the quarterback of this team and leader of this offense," he said, "it's time to take the next step."
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April 1, 2008
12:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
Seawen writes:
I believe I said the same thing last week, and of course the apologist all said
"give him a break etc. etc."
Well now it looks like Cutler is saying the same thing. No one has this much bad luck.
April 1, 2008
12:45 p.m.
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AWM writes:
FINALLY!!! It's about time Cutler assumed his role as the leader of the team and spoke out about behavior like this that is distructive to the team. Hopefully Marshall and the rest of the team get the message! It would be a shame to see a tandem as talent rich as Cutler and Marshall, waste away thier potential on stupid 'wake-up' calls. Good job Jay... keep the pressure on!
April 1, 2008
12:45 p.m.
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cmcray1 writes:
Hey, Cutler is beginning to show the sack that this team has lacked since Wilson, Elway, and Burns left. Lynch, nalen, and Bailey lead by example, but they aren't vocal leaders like marsall needs. I hope B-Marsh takes this like a man and grows up. He has a chance to be sooooooooo good.
April 1, 2008
12:49 p.m.
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Squatch writes:
Well said Jay. Im glad he is asserting his leadership and expecting more from his team mates.
April 1, 2008
12:58 p.m.
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princess writes:
Good job Jay. With all that talent and potential its nice to see someone on the team wants to use it.
April 1, 2008
1:11 p.m.
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pegasus99_aka_DR writes:
Yep, good words from Jay on Marshall getting and keeping his nose clean - he makes a ton of money to help his team - accidents happen and nobody disputes that, but between the DUI, girlfriend problems, perhaps being the mouth that ran Darrent into a coffin, and talking the team and their fans down at times, this has to be getting pretty close "enough". I would really hate to lose a talented player, especially at receiver, but come on Brandon - get your stuff together and channel your energy into your job - we NEED you at 100%.
April 1, 2008
1:54 p.m.
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fishtanksamurai writes:
Excellent job, a quarterback should take control. Thank you, Mr. Cutler!
April 1, 2008
2:20 p.m.
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RustyWon writes:
We need an offensive tackle in round 1, but methinks DeSean Jackson may have just moved into the 12th slot.
April 1, 2008
2:21 p.m.
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mountainguy writes:
A player calling out a player on the Broncos? Nice Jay and you're probably right bout Marshall's "wake up call". He doesn't care, at least not that he's shown. Maybe Shanahan should trade him to a team he belongs on like Cincinnati. Heh Shanny when you going to get in on the Packman Jones sweepstakes he's a player up your alley.
April 1, 2008
2:48 p.m.
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dilligaf writes:
Now it's how Marshall responds to these comments of Cutler will be the tale of the tape. If he goes negative on Jay he definitely needs to go. But I say he plays his ass off. But this latest deal is way over blown. I'm 58 yrs old and I still goof around sometimes that could get me hurt. Give him a break on this one.
April 1, 2008
3:20 p.m.
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Pigskin writes:
Good for you, Cutler.
April 1, 2008
3:30 p.m.
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jlstaud writes:
Does anyone else think its funny that we have people on this forum saying it's about time that Cutler stood up and flexed his leadership. Last time I checked he's only going into his third year and second as a full time starter. I say good for Jay, but to say its about time is a little crazy. In any case its nice to see a player calling out another. Maybe we'll finally get a little accountability down there in Dove Valley.
April 1, 2008
3:50 p.m.
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MrJim writes:
Jlstaud, you are 100% correct, how did this become a pile on Cutler thing. Cutler is doing the right thing at the right time. Bravo Jay. That is leadership.
April 1, 2008
3:59 p.m.
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Spidey writes:
That B-Muck guy needs a real good slap on his wrist... Good job, Cutler!
April 1, 2008
4:01 p.m.
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Coltgm writes:
Good job Jay. Sometimes it takes a true friend to get in your face and tell it like it is to wake you up. I think Brandon will respond positively and Jay will continue to be there for him. I think he spoke up because he cares about Brandon and about winning. We are going to be better this year and next year the Bowl is ours again.
April 1, 2008
4:30 p.m.
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dirkle writes:
Look at it either way:
Jay Cutler should shut up and "keep it in the family," not in the press; or
It's about time Jay stepped up and spoke like a future leader and team captain;
either way - let's face it ... Marshall, a 2nd year player, appears to be on ~ strike 4 already -
a quick rundown:
- Marshall and his cousin were allegedly spraying the champagne around in the club before Darrent Williams was shot;
- Marshall has a pending DUI judgement;
- Marshall was allegedly throwing tantrums in Broncos office ("just fuggin' trade me!" ... etc)
- was arrested on charges of false imprisonment and domestic violence;
- slipped on a McDonalds bag (allegedly - story keeps changing) "wrestling" w/ family, putting his arm THROUGH a TV;
Giving Marshall the benefit of the doubt:
Maybe the world is against the kid. Maybe he has an awful lot of bad luck. Maybe he's misunderstood. Chalk it up to "talented youthful exuberance."
or maybe, where there's smoke there's fire.
You tell me.
Bottom line, if Brandon Marshall doesn't either start having some "good luck" and / or straighten up soon, he's gone.
Again, I hope Stokely's ready to be real busy this year and (despite his age) can stay healthy going over the middle 16 games.
Rod Smith is gone. Javon the primadonna is gone. Colbert is untested. Marshall has one foot in the alley.
Anyone out there up to playing WR for the Broncos this year?
April 1, 2008
4:54 p.m.
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cutlerscrew writes:
All will be forgiven and forgotten when marshall opens the season with 13 catches for 144 yds and 2td's against jokeland and walker is on the bench nursing whatever injury occurs in camp...lol
(not wishing him any bad luck or injury,only wish he had seen the potential of the walker/marshall tandem in Cutlers prime),which begins 9/8/08..hoowah!
April 1, 2008
4:57 p.m.
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OhBrother writes:
I like this guys moxie! j/k I think putting it in the media is the right move. People need to know that players have problems with other players actions, he did so respectfuly but without holding back the truth. It's Jay's opinon that this guy needs to turn it around, right or wrong I think it sets a standard to some degree.
BUT...I sure hope Jay doesn't get busted for ANYTHING becuase this will be somthing they throw in his face.
April 1, 2008
5:15 p.m.
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Mtn__Gator writes:
Right on Cutler, way to go! You da man this season!
April 1, 2008
5:39 p.m.
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terryr55 writes:
Jay Cutler...you go, boy!!! Lay it out straight, haven't heard that around here since Elway!! Gotta walk the walk now, though!! Make that defense respect you, and they'll beat up Rivers for you!!!
April 1, 2008
6:01 p.m.
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queenjacyln writes:
I believe Marshall is a good guy and while all the little things seem little enough on their own they are starting to pile up for him. I think its just a little bit of immaturity, which everyone needs to work through at some point in their life.
I like what Cutler said because he's saying it more for us than for Marshall. He's showing us he's accountable for what happens to the Broncos and that he is the face of the Broncos today. If the Broncos do poorly in 2008 Shanny will get a lot of the blame but Cutler will be second in line for all the crap. It seems like Cutler and Marshall have a close relationship and this won't create locker room troubles. It probably would have been best for Cutler to keep his thoughts to a personal matter between the two and out of the media. But Cutler didn't say anything to Marshall that he claims he hadn't already said to Marshall and I heard a lot of supporting words too. I think the most important thing to take away is that the setback disappointed Cutler, like it disappointed us all to hear it. But I'm sure we'll all move forward and it will be in the past after the first of many Cutler to Marshall TDs.
April 1, 2008
6:01 p.m.
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nosnivlers writes:
Get a clue dan2. It is their right and respo to say something when it jeopordizes the team.
April 1, 2008
7:14 p.m.
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Broncos4Life writes:
Do the Broncos have a morals clause in Brandon Marshall's contract? If they do, it might be time to remind him that his off the field issues are becoming a big distraction for a team that is without a real identity at the moment. The passing game is going to be interesting with the O-line that we have at the moment. Do we even have a number one running back right now? Is it going to be a platoon system? Pass rush? Besides Dumervil? I think the big question is what Bronco will step forward and be the real leader on this team. Cutler's comments will be interesting once Marshall responds, then we'll see what kind of a leader he's going to be. Plus it will let us know if Marshall is really paying attention to the numberous "wake up calls" he's already had. Hey Brandon, this is your career calling, QUIT HITTING THE SNOOZE ALARM, IT'S TIME TO REALLY WAKE UP!!!!
April 1, 2008
7:35 p.m.
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joeblow writes:
I thought the Broncos were a team that vetted its players, insisted only high quality 'character' guys need apply.
Well, I believed Pat Bowlen when he talked about his stadium being something that belongs to all of us. I believed him when he said that a new stadium would keep the team competitive. Hell, I believed him when he tried to sell the Giants a bill of goods by telling them that good ol' Al Wilson was 'good to go', 'a hundred percent healthy,' and 'someone we wouldn't part with if we didn't have to'. He's so smooth, why I'd buy a used car from him.
Did I add that I'd buy it from him----in another lifetime?!
April 1, 2008
8:55 p.m.
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becket writes:
All I can say is Mr. (Nightlife) Cutler should watch what he says, he is getting his own nighttime rep in the bars. Clean your own house first.
April 1, 2008
9:59 p.m.
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BroncoFaninLA writes:
First of all, for those of you who say this should have been "kept in the family", it sounds like Cutler has made behind the scenes moves to urge Marshall to keep his head on straight.
Second, Marshall IS playing for his career here, both in Denver and the NFL. It's not that he will be out of the NFL; he's good enough to have a job with somebody. But he is NOT making big bucks as is suggested above. He is a 4th rd pick playing on his rookie contract. He won't get supreme FA money if he does dumb things over and over. An accident is one thing - but how do you "accidentally" wind up going through a TV set? Clearly, logic dictates that a series of step took place, roughhousing or whatever before he slipped on the McDonalds box or wrapper or whatever. At some point, you have to say, I am an NFL player, and it's more important to me to have my body intact than to win some scrum with my cousin or friend or whatever. Just stupid.
And Cutler was right to call him out. Remember -- Shanny publicly did the same last pre-season and look how Marshall responded.
April 1, 2008
10:19 p.m.
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MiamiMike writes:
This is nothing new with Marshall. Just like at UCF. Guys stop fooling yourself. At this point this guy is not going to turn it around. He is a great W.R. but he is not a mature person. He should now be at a level where he has gotten his act together. Why is it we still have these kind of issues with players? When do we get a Player scouting department that can stop these kind of picks? I know Shanny is in charege but someone has to hold him accountable. At some point someone needs to step up and say enough. How many players have we lost? How much money wasted? How many draft pick blown? Stop telling me it's getting better. There is nothing this year that says WOW we are making GREAT changes. I was born in Denver and have been a fan for life but now it's to a point where you have to stop fooling yourself. Bottom line there is no changes this year and Shanny has no one holding him accountable. Do not think this year will be better than last. Elam is gone and there goes 3 games he won last year. Now Marshall is up to his same crap Thomas is in trouble AGAIN and we have crap for coaches. Please do not tell me our coaches are worth a damn. Be a fan but do it with your brain not your heart.
April 2, 2008
4:36 a.m.
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Bronco6 writes:
Way to Go Jay,the Kids a very good Bronco, and a Great teamate, we need more like #6.... GOOOO Broncos
April 2, 2008
4:41 a.m.
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dejones2 writes:
You;re a real class act Cutler. You never criticize you teammate in public. I;m sure you'll have a bullseye on your back from every player in the NFL. Are you too chicken SHI* bring this up behind close doors .. I hope you get your clock clean.. Granted Marshall has done some dump stuff.. but, no more than any other overpaid NFL player including yourself Cutler.. As great as Elway was he never aired the dirt in public.. you are a piece of work.. for lack of a better word..
April 2, 2008
7 a.m.
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Catman writes:
Maybe Cutler shouldnt of said anything to the press.But you dont know what he said to Marshall first, Jay has to lead by any means.I'm from NY and was out in Denver for that Charger game( what a waste of a plane ticket ) and I wanted to buy a Marshall jersey. I think he will be great but i saw him on the news out there and he blamed the fans for everything. That really stopped me from buying it.Brandon learn from Rod Smith and just play.And when I hope when i get out there this year its for the playoffs.
April 2, 2008
7:26 a.m.
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incognitoboy writes:
dejones2 -
the only players that will paint a bullseye on cutlers back are the other thugs that feel a little bit of money makes THEM above it all, too.
name me ONE thing cutler has been in trouble for....not saying he hasn't ever done anything, but do you even know what you're rambling on about?? this is a guy who has actually WORKED for everything he has, and keeps his family around him to keep himself grounded and to keep them close and take them along with him for the 'ride of their lives'.... how many others in the 'not for long' do you see like that?
go clean your OWN clock, 'chicken SHI*'
April 2, 2008
8:43 a.m.
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cutlerscrew writes:
WOW... i cant believe people are saying marshall was a bad pick!are u kidding?a fourth rounder with the potential of a t.o. or dare i say randy moss,how can that be a bad pick,everyones got issues this guy fell into an entertainment center,so what!these guys sre HUMAN BEINGS,they get in cars they go to bars and just to finish they will get scars.these are the strongest ,most driven athletes in the world and they are trained to be tough as nails on the field you cant expect them to sit around playing patty cake during the off season.
jay has a good point he needs to be more carefull as the window of opportunity to play in the nfl is very short and could vanish with one stupid act...(see michael vick)however ,brandon is a hard working player and will redeem himself this season!
April 2, 2008
9:10 a.m.
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rocketryder writes:
Incognito,
Thanks for adressing Dejones not so intelligent comment.
It wasn't like Cutler dropped a dime on Marshall and said some stuff that wasn't already known. All of this was already out in the open before Cutler spoke. All JC did was re-state the obvious. He was not happy with the decisions that Marshall has been making, and his poor decisions are hurting the team. That's not a newsflash.
He said what all of us have already said, and thought. BM needs to get himself together and stop playing around and wasting his opportunity.
I'm glad that JC is finally realizing what it means to be the leader of a football team and is taking steps to assert himself. Because that was his biggest flaw up until now.
April 2, 2008
10 a.m.
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TONE writes:
Alright, it is about time some one step up and good Jay Culter did. Remember when Elway was here, not even Sharpe would go above Elway. We need some one to be like that. Jay is basically telling Big Mac that he need to grow up and be the leader, himself. They are the future of this organization and they need to start taking that leadership role. They are not rookies anymore. Lead by example and vocal. Elways has that in him when he was out there playing. He played all out, hurt or not (especially that knee) and hold himself up to a high standard off the field (very professional, look at how well he did with his auto store). That is a kind of leader that will get the respect from all. Jay is heading that way and hope that Big Mac can also. Big Mac, you got all the talent and size in the world that you can out shine Rod by far, but to get there you got to start doing the little things and that is to "WAKE UP!!!!" already and stop dreaming man. You are in the big league now! You are not some little kids still dreaming of being a NFL Star... You are that STAR, but before you manifest truly into it. You must just wake up and realize.... I'm pulling for you still.... GO BRANDON "BIG MAC" MARSHALL!!!
April 2, 2008
12:26 p.m.
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den2mke writes:
Good for Cutler...For all the comments on this thread about Marshall being 'a good guy' or a bad pick or whatever, it doesn't matter. Production is what matters.
These guy's aren't paid big money to look great in pads occassionally. They're paid to perform to be professionals and perform on the field. As the league has indicated, both are equally important--which means off the field stuff is very liable to affect your on-field performance (or lack thereof if you're suspended).
Sounds to me like Cutler's highly concerned Marshall's going to blow the opportunity. I'm sure calling him out wasn't his first choice, but necessary for the team and, hopefully, Marshall too...
April 2, 2008
12:30 p.m.
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Bullony writes:
Listen to all you pro Cutler fans. He gets a break from the media and the fans because he is still "young". Good for you "Becket". He does need to "clean his own house". The bars aren't the only ones who have experienced this kids arrogant punk attitude. Cutler needs to live up to his salary on and off the field and he hasn't done that yet. Stop giving him a break.
April 2, 2008
1:07 p.m.
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pegasus99_aka_DR writes:
Dilligaf said, "Give him a break on this one."
No.
He had a break on his DUI. He had a break on his domestic violence charge. He had a break on about a half dozen other things. Enough. You're right that accidents happen, and I'd much rather see this than his DUI or perhaps being the mouthpiece that got Darrent shot. It's time for him to grow up and understand how much he makes for playing a game. That entitles the team, the players, and the fans, to expect him to act like a man.
April 2, 2008
3:04 p.m.
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O_TRAIN writes:
I like Cutler & Marshall and am a life long Bronco fan, but this all seems contrived or opportunistic. I do agree Marshall need to "grow-up". It seems to me this was a "marketing" opprtunity to show all the Denver fans that Cutler is the leader. Kind of a kill-two-birds-with-one-stone approach of - let's wait for an incident, then have Cutler go out and take this leadership role and as a bonus it might get the player who created the incident to wake-up. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think the leadership needs to start on the field with wins & getting to the playoffs - then I'll listen to how Cutler thinks other players should behave.
April 2, 2008
3:25 p.m.
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Horribilis writes:
With Cutler and Marshall being off-the-field friends, I would guess that this isn't out of the blue. I would bet that jay has talked to Brandon several times about getting his act together. And like Jay said in the interview it (as when other teammates have talked to Marshall about these things) has fallen on deaf ears. Perhaps airing this in the media and to the public is the kindof tap on the shoulder that Marshall needs.
Jay is growing into a leader and trying to get Marshall's ship righted. its time for Marshall to grow into...well to just grow up, into a man and quit acting like a reckless kid.
April 2, 2008
6:29 p.m.
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terryr55 writes:
dejones2...Elway never aired anything in public??? How long have you been in Denver?? There was a little Sports Illustrated article ("I'm being suffocated!"), lots of battles with Reeves in the press, like requesting a WR in the draft, etc... Wasn't Reeves going to clobber Shanahan with a newspaper over things he and Elway said in the press?? In Elway's years here, he had a LOT to say!!! Funny thing, no one holds it against him now! Back then, everyone was calling him a crybaby...and worse!! How soon we forget!!
April 5, 2008
1:23 a.m.
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randy7 writes:
Those of you who are saying "Jay should of kept it in house and not in the media". Jay tried the problem is that Marshall didn't listen or change. Those of you that say using the term young QB is an excuse. Give me a break and know your facts. Look at the stats and records of guys like Peyton, Elway, and Favre in there first couple of years. And I bet none of them were arrogant or cocky right. If you don't have a little swagger you won't make it it in the NFL (especially at QB). Cutler is living up to his salary by working hard on and off the field and staying out of trouble. And Cutler was named an offensive captain last year by his TEAMATES. He should have the right to question any player on his offense. Overall I love Marshall's upside and his talent but its time for him to wake up and realize that he gets paid alot of money to play a game! As an athlete he has put himself in the spotlight and he needs to live up to the espectations of that. If he doesn't wake up this can all be take away (Chris Henry) and none of us will see the special career that he and Jay could have together!
April 7, 2008
12:55 p.m.
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musicman80 writes:
Jay should have just SHUT UP! He didn't do so well last season to think that he can say what he wants! Marshall's business off the field is his business!