Broncos Marshall, Cutler named to Pro Bowl team
Each overcomes significant hurdles
By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published December 16, 2008 at 2:25 p.m.
Photo by Joe Mahoney © The Rocky
Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler and receiver Brandon Marshall (15), shown in Sunday's game against Carolina, were selected to their first Pro Bowl on Tuesday.
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Their immediate futures were clouded nine months ago.
Brandon Marshall was wearing a cumbersome cast on his right arm after delicate surgery, and Jay Cutler had just discovered he had developed type 1 diabetes.
The degree of their turnarounds was reflected by both Broncos players' selections to the Pro Bowl on Tuesday in a combined vote of fans, coaches and NFL peers.
"I knew Jay would," Marshall said. "With me, they didn't know how the nerve was going to heal up, but it did. And I'm blessed to be here."
Added Cutler: "I think everyone goes through trials and tribulations. You've got a find a way through it."
Marshall will start the Feb. 8 All-Star game in Honolulu alongside Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson, with Indianapolis' Reggie Wayne and New England's Wes Welker in reserve.
Cutler, along with the New York Jets' Brett Favre, will back up the Colts' Peyton Manning.
The Broncos players are among 17 first-time selections to the AFC roster.
Cornerback Champ Bailey and center Casey Wiegmann were named first alternates, but standout rookie Ryan Clady surprisingly wasn't among the top six offensive tackles picked.
"I was a little bit surprised," Cutler said of Clady's exclusion.
Marshall has been productive this season, if not quite as dominant as his 102-catch season in 2007. He ranks seventh in the NFL in receiving yards (1,081) and is tied for fifth in receptions (88).
Cutler has spearheaded the league's third-ranked passing attack by throwing for 3,851 yards and 24 touchdowns with 15 interceptions for a team trying to wrap up the AFC West title with two games remaining.
He's the third Broncos quarterback to reach the Pro Bowl after John Elway (nine selections) and Brian Griese (one).
"I had a feeling Brandon would be nominated. I really wasn't too sure about myself," said Cutler, part of the Broncos' 2006 draft class with Marshall. "But for both of us to come in the same year and kind of have success and go together, it means a lot."
During the offseason, with Marshall embroiled in controversy, Cutler famously said his top target wasn't his favorite person. But Marshall was the first peer to reach Cutler when the Pro Bowl news came to light.
And Cutler was around Tuesday night to support Marshall along with other teammates, including Chad Jackson, Kenny Peterson, Selvin Young, Daniel Graham and others, as about 45 children from the Rev. Leon Kelly's Open Door gang-prevention program were provided with Christmas gifts at a Denver Wal- Mart. It was funded by Cutler.
"All the ups and downs Brandon went through and being criticized and going through the mud a little bit, I think it means a lot to him," Cutler said. "And I'm happy for him and proud of him."
Marshall has been active with Kelly's group, spending his off days mentoring disadvantaged youths. He'll be part of another holiday celebration with about 300 to 400 people next week.
"The guy I am today is because of everything I've been through," the receiver said. "Just being able to grow and mature in such a short time span is . . . something I think I had to prove not only to myself, but my fans, the community, my team and the front office."
And while getting to the Pro Bowl is "definitely an accomplishment," he said, "there's still a lot to do on and off the field."
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December 16, 2008
2:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
myerda00 writes:
Let the crying begin. Phylis Rivers DID NOT MAKE THE Pro-Bowl.
BUT Mr. Jay Cutler did.
Congrats to Mr. Brandon Marshall also.
Both you guys had better thank your OL.
Can you believe that ONLY one rookie made the Pro-Bowl and that was Chris Johnson of Tennessee. Would love to se the complete list.
December 16, 2008
2:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
COLibertarian writes:
myer
Too bad Clady did not make it. Was hoping he would make it his rookie year. Total class act among all O-linemen from this class and last years group of rookies
December 16, 2008
2:51 p.m.
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kmeissner writes:
It's going to be sweet not seeing Rivers in the Pro Bowl. I can't wait for the article talking about how he cried when he wasn't selected.
December 16, 2008
2:54 p.m.
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hallandnash writes:
I'm surprised they don't get an OL in the pro bowl. How does a team that gives up so few sacks not get rewarded for that?
December 16, 2008
3:17 p.m.
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jonnyrotten writes:
Way to go Jay and Brandon. Well deserved indeed. I can't wait to hear what cry baby Rivers has to say about watching the Pro Bowl on TV with the rest of us.
Hopefully Clady is the NFL rookie of the year. He already is one of the top 3 OTs in the NFL... in his rookie year.
December 16, 2008
3:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
Jason writes:
Ryan Clady deserved to be in the pro bowl, but missed out due to fans doing the voting. I'm afraid he's also going to be overlooked for O-ROY due to the stellar draft class he was part of.
December 16, 2008
3:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
Bigg_Nuggets writes:
Clady is more deserving than either of the other two, and I think both Jay and Brandon should be going. Johnson just proved that he is going to be the OROY
December 16, 2008
3:45 p.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
Ronnie Brown, Miami. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis. And Joe Thomas, Cleveland. None of them deserve it. Ronnie has what, 2, 100 yard games this year? Reggie has had a mediocre year at best. And is this the same Joe Thomas that anchors an offensive line (& I mean sweat soaked socks offensive) that has lost their top 2 QBs to injuries? Way to get the job done, son. Oh, & Ed Reed is hardly deserving either. You can probably count all his tackles this year on both hands. You may need to take your shoes off, too. It's still not very many.
And, hallandnash. It's called the "East Coast Bias." That's why guys like Ed Reed & Reggie Wayne get in on reputation alone & Champ doesn't. If Champ was still in D.C., he would have been selected.
December 16, 2008
3:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
nmbronco1 writes:
No Denver offensive linemen on the Pro Bowl roster? Ryan Clady should have been a shoo-in. His has been by far the best LT performance in the league. Brett Favre leads the league in interceptions - and as much as I hate to say this, Phyllis Rivers was more deserving of a Pro Bowl spot than Favre. Typical East Coast dominated popularity contest. All star teams in all sports have become a real joke these days...
December 16, 2008
4:13 p.m.
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denfanincali writes:
Rookie of the year is going to be Matt Ryan.
December 16, 2008
4:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
incognitoboy writes:
all i can say is the voting must have been done and over before last sunday when clady held THE GREAT JULIUS PEPPERS to ZERO stats. who was the last guy to do THAT? peppers is in the pro bowl. gonna revoke his status now? didn't think so.
before that amazing performance, they could try to say his competition was soft, although never to their faces. clady has simply turned in the most dominating rookie tackle performance in who knows how long. joe thomas' rookie season is a close second.
those two will be battling for pro bowl spots for as many years as they are healthy. anyway, mr. clady, we're glad you're on our team. please stay your entire career.......
December 16, 2008
4:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
Jason writes:
Offensive rookie of the year will be tough to call. Matt Ryan has proven his case for sure, but he's competing with the likes of Matt Forte, Chris Johnson (he did make the pro bowl), and Steve Slaton. Even Royal and Clady are deserving of O-ROY, but don't stand a chance with the performances of other rookies.
Also, props to former Buff Andre Gurode for getting starting center for the NFC. Center may be the toughest position in the league and that dude has got it down.
December 16, 2008
4:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
myerda00 writes:
NFL Live had mention of both Ryan Clady and Ryan Harris of the Denver Broncos. Lets see what the alternates are before I slam my head into the bathroom wall. ouch that hurts.
I do not know how you give ROY to a player that did not make the PB and snub one that did, Chris Johnson will get ROY.
By the way, fan voting is only 1/3 of the vote. As an example, Marshall got one vote for leading the fan vote, then one vote for each of the players that voted for him, and then one vote for each of the coaches that voted for him.
The Redskins lead the fan voting with seven leaders but only two made the PB.
December 16, 2008
4:47 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
hillbillygoth, wrong. YOU don't watch the Pro Bowl.
Brett Favre? For what? Throwing the most int's? Ridiculous.
December 16, 2008
4:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
Squatch writes:
I think if I had to choose only one Bronco I would have chose The YOUNG Clady this guy is great and if he can play 10 more years injury free he just might be a future Hall of famer. Congrate Cutler & Marshall.
December 16, 2008
4:48 p.m.
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benn writes:
Clady should have been a lock.... I don't care who your QB is, .5 sacks allowed is ridiculous
December 16, 2008
4:49 p.m.
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stewie_08 writes:
Arvada Mark, you were doing well until you said Ed Reed is undeserving. That dude scores more touchdowns than most skill position guys. The reason he doesn't get a load of tackles because, unlike against the Broncos, running backs don't make it that far. It's a bad sign if your safety has big tackle numbers.
I'm no Ravens fan either, but come on.
Clady did get hosed, and you could even make a case for D. Graham (taking into consideration his blocking and a decent receiving season) with Gates down this year.
December 16, 2008
5:09 p.m.
Suggest removal
jlstaud writes:
There ya go all you Cutler haters. Say what you want, but when it is all said and done you're looking at a guy who will throw for nearly 4,500 yards. Pretty impressive considering he has had almost no run support and has had to carry the team with his arm alone. Not to mention no defensive support!
Unfortunately the morons who vote didn't realize that Clady, Harris and the rest of the O-line have been some of the best in the NFL this year. Too bad they didn't get any love, but congrats Jay and B-marsh.
December 16, 2008
6 p.m.
Suggest removal
Jason writes:
Clady, Roethlisberger, Cribbs, Westbrook, Forte and DeAngelo Williams all got snubbed. In my opinion. I'd put in Roethlisberger over Favre.
December 16, 2008
6:47 p.m.
Suggest removal
ifihadawagon writes:
1985 Elways third year
Broncos 11-5 2nd in the west to the Raiders, missed the playoffs
Pro Bowl Quarterbacks Dan Fouts, Dan Marino
Elway best of the best
Cutler second tallest pygmy
December 16, 2008
7:15 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
benn, Clady only has been responsible for giving up 1 1/2 sacks. What, 3 penalties for holding, I believe? It's a shame that the people and the NFL didn't see that.
December 16, 2008
7:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
Panthersfan writes:
I can't believe anybody from this team made it !
December 16, 2008
8 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Panthersfan, that's because you speak with your heart and not your head. Your fingers move on the keyboard and your brain catches up with it, 20 minutes later. What, no crawdads to catch this evening, "down in Carolina"?
December 16, 2008
8:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
BigRedCelt writes:
Panthersfan..because you're an idiot. Isn't it past your bedtime.
It's an absolute crime for Clady to not be in the PB. Hopefully he'll make it as an alternate. Congrats to Jay and Brandon. Oh Brandon..I love the effort man BUT run upfield...LOL.
I agree Ed Reed deserves to be in the PB. It just makes me sick to think Shanny took Ashley Lelie when Reed was still on the board.
Lets get the Bills and a playoff game!!!!!
December 16, 2008
8:46 p.m.
Suggest removal
farsidefan writes:
I agree with what everyone is saying about Clady.
I know he didn't have a Pro Bowl year, but where would we be without Casey Wegeman (sp) ? He stepped in for Nalen and had a real good year.
Thanks O line. It is hard for a QB to throw when he is on his back. It is even harder for a receiver to catch a pass when it is not thrown.
December 17, 2008
8:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
baylinorcrush writes:
Congrats to Brandon and Jay! DDave, Hillbillygoth is obviously exagerating when he says nobody watches the Pro Bowl, but I, for one, don't watch it. Even if I was in Hawaii then, I'd probably be sipping something with an umbrella in it, watching beautiful women parading on the beach. Now, that would be a lot more satisfying.
December 17, 2008
9:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
MRBONG writes:
no hes right , why would anyone watch the probowl ? allpro team is what really counts. out of all the quarterbacks selected its nice knowing jay is the youngest ,with the biggest upside , its only a matter of time (i say 2 years ) before the broncos start winning back to back to back superbowls, we are just a few good drafts away, now lets go kick the snot out of the bills ,in game that matters.
December 17, 2008
10:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
BigRedCelt writes:
I watch the PB. Love the PB. I can just kick back and enjoy a little lightly played game with no stress.
It's a shame Favre went over Rivers. Thats a crock.
December 17, 2008
10:26 a.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
MRBONG, I enjoy the Pro Bowl, for the simple reason that it is the last football I'll see till the next season. Have to get my dosage to the last. Yeah, Denver will spank the Bills. Take the Panthers loss out on Buffalo, at home, with a screaming, angry fan base. Agreed, Denver is close to having a solid team. Revamp the D, get the RB's healthy. Get 1 more solid WR to compliment Marshall, Royal and Stokley and they're set.
December 17, 2008
11:19 a.m.
Suggest removal
baylinorcrush writes:
DDave, the Pro Bowl is not football, it's exhibition football, same can be said of pre-season football, but at least there is a purpose there. As far as close to having a solid team, agreed on getting the RB's healthy, ok if you thing we need another fourth receiver, but as far as revamping the defense, it seems like a very tall order there, too many areas hurting to call it close. Anyway, as I bloged you on the safety Jones article, I wish you and your mother the best for the tough times ahead. Hope everything turns out ok.
December 17, 2008
12:19 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
baylinorcrush, thanks about my mother. We got her home and she's resting. She'll have surgery beginning of next year to correct the heart.
Now, as far as the Pro Bowl, I still consider it football. I still enjoy it, even if it is toned down. Plus, I like to see the AFC, beat the NFC. As for the D, next year, well, get another DE to help Elvis. Replace 2 of our front linemen. Get rid of Dre. Look to our S's. Hopefully, some of our young talent we have will develop? Hard to say. I wait till the draft and see what Denver looks at and picks up before I start forming any real opinion as to how Denver will fare. I felt we need a 4th receiver so that should one of our main receivers goes down, we have a quality receiver to jump in. Don't miss a beat (or as close as possible).
December 17, 2008
12:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
Brain writes:
Congrats to Marshall for making it but I think Clady deserved it more; in my opinion this clearly shows Cutler to be considered the better QB between Rivers and him, I am suprised though that Rivers didn't make it; maybe burned too many bridges?
December 17, 2008
12:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
Brain writes:
I think Chad Pennington deserves a spot more than Favre; has a better rating and threw for only about a third of the int's that Favre did and was on a team that should not have been as good.
December 17, 2008
1 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Brain, that's it, exactly. Rivers cried too much, showed poor sportsmanship (Cutler incident, etc.). People got tired of it. Of course, this is all conjecture, of course, but it makes sense to me.
December 17, 2008
4:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
cdmdenver writes:
FIRE BOWLEN & SHANAHAN NOW!!
December 18, 2008
10:48 a.m.
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Panthersfan writes:
CLADY CLADY CLADY
WAAAA WAAAA WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
GO GET SOME FREAKIN CHEESE TO GO WITH THAT WHINE!