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ADAMS: Cutler-Marshall a prolific pair?

By Sam Adams, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published August 27, 2008 at 9:49 a.m.

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Time to feed some food for thought to football fans - local, as well as those visiting for the Democratic National Convention. So open wide for this spoonful of tidbit.

The Broncos have the making for one of the most prolific quarterback-wide receiver tandems ever selected in the same draft. Not good, but prolific. You follow me?

I'm speaking of Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall, part of the Broncos' Class of 2006 -- a draft that could go down as the best in the franchise's history.

Think about all the great quarterbacks that have played in the NFL. How many of them had a receiver from the same draft class to "grow" with? Not many.

Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana was a third round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 1979. The 49ers selected Dwight Clark in the 10th round. The Montana-to-Clark connection was solid for a number of seasons and produced "The Catch" in the 1981 NFC Championship Game.

Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino and wide receiver Mark Clayton were part of the Miami Dolphins draft class in 1983. The duo was together for 10 seasons (1983-92), producing more than 8,000 yards.

A pair of Hall of Famers, quarterback Sonny Jurgensen and end Tommy McDonald, were drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1957. Jurgensen didn't become the Eagles starter until 1961. He and McDonald were strong before Jurgensen went to the Washington Redskins in 1964.

Take note Football Fan - especially DNC visitors from the east coast who don't catch much of the Broncos. Last year Cutler and Marshall showed potential to be one of the most explosive young quarterback-receiver combos in the NFL. This year they're legit to become the top passing combo in the league.

The Broncos hope to keep Cutler and Marshall satisfied, contract-wise. They hope the players can stay healthy and out of trouble with the law.

With those pieces in place, Cutler and Marshall will have time to become prolific.

Click here to join the discussion on this story in Sam Adams' Open Mic blog.