Trip a 'blessing,' but Marshall plan foiled for Broncos' Pro Bowl receiver
By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published February 8, 2009 at 9:15 p.m.
Marco Garcia © AP
AFC wide receiver Brandon Marshall, of the Denver Broncos, drops a pass in the end zone while being covered by NFC cornerback Al Harris, of the Green Bay Packers, during the second quarter of the Pro Bowl on Sunday in Honolulu.
Turns out the only celebrating Brandon Marshall did in Hawaii surrounded his recent engagement.
The Broncos receiver, who at the Super Bowl promised theatrics should he score Sunday in the Pro Bowl in Honolulu, never did get the necessary six points needed to unleash his promised "big prop."
But it wasn't for a lack of trying.
Marshall had five catches for 44 yards in the AFC's 30-21 loss in the NFL's annual all-star game but he was targeted 12 times in total, including four times in the end zone.
On one of his best scoring opportunities, Marshall dropped a fourth-down slant pass from the 1-yard line in the second quarter. He caught a 5-yard fade pass from Broncos teammate Jay Cutler in the fourth quarter but couldn't get both feet inbounds.
And it was another receiver stealing the show - again.
Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald scored twice, from 46 and 2 yards, to secure the game's Most Valuable Player award and cap a huge postseason run.
"Seriously, man, even though we're out here to have fun, I was kind of disappointed in a couple drops," Marshall said by phone after the game. "But I haven't been doing too much to actually come in and be at my best."
Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning looked Marshall's way three times on the AFC's opening drive and eight times overall in the first half. Marshall caught a 20-yard screen pass on his team's first offensive play, then added an 8-yard curl and a 7-yard gain on a quick out on a late-second-quarter drive.
"Actually in practice, he wasn't throwing me the ball, so I was kind of nervous," Marshall said of Manning. "But when we got in the game, he was tossing it all over the place."
Manning made 12-of-17 passes. All five incompletions were intended for Marshall. Two of those passes came after the AFC moved to first-and-goal at the 3.
The first time, Green Bay cornerback Al Harris deftly anticipated an end-zone fade by jumping outside and cutting off Marshall's path. Then on fourth-and- goal at the 1, Harris guessed wrong, jumping outside again, and Marshall had a clear path on a quick slant inside.
The ball deflected off Marshall's hands and, with Harris on his back, he couldn't gather in the carom.
Things were less hectic for Marshall in the second half but no less eventful. He fumbled the exchange on an end around, then couldn't jam his second foot down on the play preceding Le'Ron McClain's go-ahead scoring run that then was answered by 13 straight NFC points.
But Marshall overall was awestruck by the experience. Aside from his engagement in paradise, he was able to rub elbows with NFL royalty and watch how they carry themselves on and off the field.
"The game, just the whole trip was a blessing," said Marshall, who'll now return to Orlando, Fla., to begin training for next season. "To not just be out here and play but to relax and be with the best around the league really shows you how fun it is to play football. We sometimes forget, but this is what it's all about, opportunities like this."
Cutler had chances to play hero in his one quarter of play.
He deferred to veteran Kerry Collins in the AFC's quarterback rotation, meaning he wouldn't enter until the final 15 minutes.
At the time, the AFC trailed by three points. And on his initial series, Cutler moved his team downfield 89 yards to McClain's go-ahead TD.
But after Fitzgerald's second touchdown gave the NFC the advantage again, two Cutler-led drives fizzled.
He was intercepted by Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers while Dallas' DeMarcus Ware grabbed his ankle and Minnesota's Jared Allen applied pressure in his face.
The AFC also went out on downs in the two-minute drill as the Giants' John Carney clinched the outcome with two field goals.
Cutler finished 7-for-15 for 48 yards while, according to NBC's telecast, struggling some to control his blood-sugar levels playing in 80-degree heat.
Marshall said it was special sharing Pro Bowl time with Cutler and, hopefully, is the beginning of many trips together to the game.
"It's just another step into a lot of things for us," he said. "And at the end of the day, we have to get back to Denver and start getting our team and organization going in the right direction."
Broncos center Casey Wiegmann entered the lineup on the final drive before halftime and played two more series before rotating with starting center Nick Mangold of the New York Jets in the second half.
Wiegmann played in four total series in his first Pro Bowl appearance after 13 pro seasons.
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February 8, 2009
9:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
Cutler6 writes:
Marshall and Cutlers play in the Pro Bowl was a microcosim of their play during the season. Marshall dropped a perfect pass in the endzone for a sure TD, and Cutler threw an ill advised pass for an interception with the AFC driven for the go ahead score in the 4th. Hopefully, they can get it together next season.
February 8, 2009
10:44 p.m.
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Robfromaurora writes:
Cutler6, I completely agree. It was a little disappionting watching Cutler and BMarsh. I thought Cutler had a good setup to be MVP there at the end of the game, instead came the pick. I am glad BMarsh didn't score and "unveil" his touchdown antics.
Heres to next year!!
40 years I have said the Broncos are gonna win the superbowl, twice I've been right.
February 9, 2009
midnight
Suggest removal
Swick writes:
How can he catch when his eyes are closed? I'd like to see Denver pick up Chad Johnson like NE picked up Moss. He played badly enough last year where he should be able to be traded easily. I don't want to hear that he's a cancer either because he hasn't had any off the field problems and he's only become frustrated because he's stuck in Cincy. We need 3 good WRs to run the wide open offense being installed and I have little confidence Stokely can make it through a whole season without missing time. They'll at least draft another WR to mold into a 2 or 3. Our D probably isn't going to turn around in one year so we'll need heavy O power to get it done while the D is being rebuilt.
February 9, 2009
12:14 a.m.
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Swick writes:
Marshall needs to watch M. Harrison more. His eyes are always wide open and focused on the ball. Same with Rice. No excuse for that pic above. He can blink when the play is over and he's in the huddle.
February 9, 2009
2:03 a.m.
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Mark13 writes:
Cutler could have used Klady out there today. That's the worst protection he got all year. Those guys stunk. Klady got robbed not going to the pro bowl actually.
February 9, 2009
5:51 a.m.
MRBONG writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
February 9, 2009
7:51 a.m.
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BMat writes:
Marshall's fiancee better watch out!
If B-Marsh was wearing a wedding ring two years ago when he knocked his girlfriend's teeth out, she might not have been able to get up. Thank god she did.
All my best to the bride to be!
February 9, 2009
8:08 a.m.
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The_KIMN_Chicken writes:
I agree the Bronco performances were disapointing. He might be a pro bowler but the jury is still out on Marshall. Has he or will he totally recover from that arm laceration? Rumors persist he still has nerve damage in the hand. Also, can he keep his head screwed on straight or will he always be acting like a moron...
February 9, 2009
8:23 a.m.
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baylinorcrush writes:
Good thing Football is all about having a short memory. Think about what it would be like if Marshall and Cutler would have this performance in the back of their minds for the entire off-season!
They do know to have a short memory, right?
February 9, 2009
9:45 a.m.
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joered writes:
how could cutler and marshall be in the pro bowl at all? must have been a lot of no shows because these guys are certainly not all star quality. good luck to the new coach.
February 9, 2009
9:47 a.m.
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Deepstroke924 writes:
That was vintage Cutler on the pick, the last two drives reminded me of the horrible play this year with the Broncos.
February 9, 2009
11:04 a.m.
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dehag24 writes:
WOW you guys are taking the Pro Bowl a little to serious, Cutler and BMarsh earned a spot on the Pro Bowl roster, they played pretty well for an offense that was dismantled by injuries. They were the only weapons we had that were healthy, exp for Royal.
Being their first time there they may have been a little star struck, I think anyone would be on their first trip to the PB....
These guys are mostly on a paid vaction, when at the Pro Bowl.
Here's to a great off season and 2009 season!!!
February 9, 2009
11:06 a.m.
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CaptainObvious writes:
Dear Brandon Marshall,
Shut mouth, catch ball.
That is all.
February 9, 2009
11:16 a.m.
Suggest removal
JCut6JElway7 writes:
People it's the PRO-BOWL... neither Jay or Brandon have ever played in a playoff game... so this was a one of the biggest games they have played in and they had to do it with players who are not their teamates... lighten up. The only thing I agree on is that Marshall has got to step it up... drops are getting too frequent... and I must say I like "Swick" idea about Chad Johnson. I never wanted him before... but if we can get him cheap... he is a top NFL WR and makes plays.
February 9, 2009
11:30 a.m.
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coinmanbronco writes:
You all must be pretty new Broncos fans because there are a few of us out here that remember Big Johns early years and he didn't do so well himself. As far as the Pro Bowl goes I've been to see 5 of them and it's not really about the game but about being able to get up close to these guys and see what they are really like when they are not in a totally serious situation. Jay may not have played his best game but he was there and deserved to absolutly be there along with Brandon. If you are a true Bronco fan it doesn't matter how good of a season we have you support anyone of the Broncos that gets there. There were a couple of years where Champ and John Lynch went and they didn't neccesarily deserve to be there but they were and everyone supported them. So what you need to do is start acting like a true Broncos fan or get off the bandwagon.
February 9, 2009
11:35 a.m.
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discer writes:
I agree with both Swick and JCut6JElway7's posts. The Broncos WILL absolutely need another receiver and CJ would be a good choice as long as he doesn't mind being the second or third option Everybody should ease off of Cutler. Better stats than Elway in his first 3 years. MRBONG maybe you should take your toker two water pipe and go back to Humboldt County and hang with your homie raidah fans. Don't come around when Cutler wins the Super Bowl and claim you were a fan all along.
February 9, 2009
11:36 a.m.
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Mark13 writes:
You guys are worried about pro bowl performances? Did you see the guys on the sideline? They could care less. The only guys who played hard were the NFC defensive lineman at the end in Cutlers face every play. I agree Marshall needs to grow up but you geniuses who think Cutler is no good sound like the same crowd that wanted to run Elway for Kubiak.
February 9, 2009
12:04 p.m.
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myerda00 writes:
Way to many GHF and GHE fans on this blog. Cutler and Marshall were voted in so that solves that issue. Did they play terrible, totally yes. Did it show what happened all year long, Cutler bad decisions and Marshall drops, definately.
Pat Bowlen is a very smart man. He knew about the defense needing fix but he was smart enough to get an offensive coach to fix the offense also. YES I SAID FIX THE OFFENSE.
Mike Nolan and assistants will do just fine improving the defense, how could they not!!
Now the important fix, Mac and Mac will make Cutler an NFL QB. McDaniels and McCoy (QB coach) know how to COACH a QB. Broncos have not had a QB coach since Kubiak left.
By mid season we should see a change in Cutler and the defense.
Let FA start !!!!!
February 9, 2009
12:54 p.m.
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entitledtomyown writes:
The AFC linemen obviously worked out a deal to get Cutler practically killed. Or maybe it was Peyton I mean he was the anchor of a prank on Cutler earlier in the week that went BAD. Either way the line gave him no chance and as for Marshall I think he was thinking about whether his girlfriend was serious or not!!!
February 9, 2009
1:19 p.m.
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royalmarshalls writes:
Marshall dropped that TD pass because he was thinking to hard about what he was about to do after scoring.
Cutler made a bad decision in throwing an INT instead of just taking the sack, but the AFC O-Line was definitely enjoying the break and didnt really seem interested in the game.
POINT BEING PEOPLE....ITS THE PRO BOWL!!!
WHO CARES!!!
February 9, 2009
3:16 p.m.
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SDcat writes:
For all this talk about another WR....ummm, let me just say this ..Brandon Stokley(yes, I know he's a slot guy) and Eddie Royal...why would we pay for an egomaniac like Ocho Cinco? BMarsh will be our OchoCinco, only he'll be far better and hopefully has learned his lessons about how to conduct himself and not have the ridiculous attitude.
Go Broncos!
February 9, 2009
3:26 p.m.
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shiloh1157 writes:
Cutler is a starter????
February 9, 2009
5:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
OrangeCrusher writes:
I'm glad Brandon didn't score. I hate to see the guy try soo hard to make a fool of himself with some stupid prop or stunt. He is a great reciever when he is thinking about football. I'm afraid his ego and emotions will never let him think purely football.
Quit the shinanigans Marshall!!!! Like CaptainObvious said "Just shut up and catch the football!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I never remember Rod Smith worring about any stupid stunts!!!
And I say no to Ocho Dorko! He is another immature rich boy who thinks about himself more than his team!
I'm usually not negative but that interception and those missed catches reminded me of the last three games of the year also.
February 9, 2009
5:15 p.m.
Suggest removal
incognitoboy writes:
MRBONG writes:
"you classless p.o.s ."
oh, the irony .......
btw- the only way we even think about ocho cinco is if we can work a 'shut up and play' clause into his contract.
February 9, 2009
6:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
Swick writes:
SDcat: I love Stokely and all, but Indy let him go in free angency because he is injury prone. He always misses time and is only getting older so it's only going to get worse. Chad Johnson is no worse than Clinton Portis and Denver would welcome his skill set back on the team. Look at Moss in NE. He about ran over a traffic cop and look at him now. He's taking all the coverage so everybody else can make plays and hasn't been a distraction the whole time. Johnson plays for Cincy which has one of the cheapest owners and worst franchises of the last couple decades. You'd be asking out too. Shannon Sharpe was louder than anybody and he fit in fine because he helped Denver win. Players like that look a lot better when they're not on the opposite sideline. I'd like to see him change his name back though. Ocho Cinco isn't original unless you're 5 and just learned a little spanish. It's just stupid.
February 9, 2009
6:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
jersey writes:
Marshall and all the others with the "Look-at-me" personna needs to take a page out of Larry Fitzgerald's book and just give the ball to the ref after crossing the goal line in showing some refreshing class! All Star game, preseason or regular season is irrealevant as to the venue. All you Donk fans calling for the aquisition of ocho cinco need to have your heads examined. As for his antics he makes Marshall seem like a choirboy! Factor that in with him being a lockerroom cancer it's a blueprint for disaster. Be careful what you wish for because......you know the rest!
February 9, 2009
7:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
Swick writes:
Cincy has terrible chemistry. All those arrests and Chad was not one of them. He only became a distraction this year when he decided to speak out and try and be traded. It didn't happen so he did what Moss did in Oakland by not playing as hard so he could force a trade or release. Players in the NFL have no problem with Chad's antics. Only some fans do. I'd like every player to be like Rod Smith and Barry Sanders, but that's just not reality. Chad loves the game and has more passion than a lot of players. It's not about stats, he just wants to play for a winning team. Again I'll mention the beloved Bronco Shannon Sharpe in case you forgot his game antics.
February 9, 2009
7:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
I can't believe all the whining about the Pro Bowl? Good grief, get a grip! Some people aren't happy unless they dissect every d@mn play, just so they have something to b!tch about. As far as the off-season, 86 is a baaad idea. Get some quick, young rookie in the later round drafts. Other then Stokley, how many FA at WR worked out for Denver? Oh yeah, none. I thought Shanahan blew it by getting rid of Martinez. The kid did some good things and was a threat at punt returns. FA WR are not the answer.
February 9, 2009
7:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
Swick writes:
WRs from other teams are usually bad for Denver after 1 or 2 good seasons(Anthony Miller, Javon Walker). NE seems to have much better luck though(our new coach being from NE). They drafted neither of their starters. Maybe now that Shanahan is gone we can figure out how to pick out the good ones and stop paying for injury prone risks. It's just a hypothetical anyway so there's no real argument to be made, but bottom line is we need another WR one way or another.
February 9, 2009
8:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
OrangeCrusher writes:
I'll bet the NFL is glad Brandon didn't score either. Ever wonder why the prop and gag guys never go to the pro bowl? Mabye the NFL doesn't want any out of context showboating. eh?
February 9, 2009
11:11 p.m.
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1denfan writes:
people it's the probowl, it would have been diffrent if it was a playoff game. and yes! ocho cinco for champ, why not at this point any one can make a difference heck i just read pac man is available lets give him a try, enough of playing mr. nice guys, i hope bowlen can read this maybe a change of attitude would work look what romanowski did for us, i'm all for a make over ;}
February 10, 2009
12:02 a.m.
Suggest removal
Swick writes:
I'd rather have Champ than CJohnson. We need to add, not subtract. I'll have to disagree with you on Pacman too. He's had too many off the field issues and doesn't seem to grow up even after being suspended for a year. At least Marshall hasn't done anything dumb since he jeopardized his career with the laceration incident. We can only hope that was his wake-up call. There's a difference between touchdown celebrations/competitive good natured interview banter and off the field issues. Shannon Sharpe is a prime example of the first issue and Gardner/Travis Henry are examples of off field issues. If it doesn't keep you from playing or your team from staying focused then it's ok.
February 10, 2009
4:08 a.m.
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Buffs writes:
Dynamicdave
Amen.......my sentiments exactly. Interesting how there are so many critics of men who've made it to the height of this profession but who are also expected to be perfect all the time, perhaps it's jealousy, not sure.
February 10, 2009
7:28 a.m.
Suggest removal
MRBONG writes:
HEY ALL YOU IDIOTS I HAVENT MISSED A BRONCO GAME IN 27 YEARS , and while John Elway did struggle early in his carrer he NEVER and i say NEVER EVER yelled at his teammates.do i think Cutler can be a great quarterback ,HELL YES do i think its totally classless to yell at youre teammates HELL YES, one thing ive learned watching sports is you dont have to be a good person to be a good player ,and from what i see Cutler has alot of anger issues and needs to grow up and learn what it means to be a professional. yelling at marshall in the probowl ? are you serious give me a break GROW UP JAY.
February 10, 2009
9:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
royalmarshalls writes:
MrBONG,
Please go take a rip off your bong and calm down, your are far too HYPED UP WITH ALL THE USE OF THE CAPS LOCK BUTTON!!
February 10, 2009
9:29 a.m.
Suggest removal
jersey writes:
MRBONG: For the record. All it would take for Jay-baby to turn in his diaper is for one of the players he shows up to take him out of public view and punch his lights out! That's exactly how they dealt with that crap back in the day. The most steadfast rule was to never air your dirty laundry out in public. The dirty laundry covered a wide range in everything from being unhappy with the coaches to being demonstrative in showing up a teammate in full view of the opponent or the public! I'm just surprised it hasn't been taken care of by now given his penchant for doing so at his whim. Could you imagine if he would have pulled that crap with a Ditka, Mackey, or Winslow in just naming a few of their temperment. The first time would have been the last time!
February 10, 2009
10:25 a.m.
Suggest removal
Mark13 writes:
Michael Jordan yelled at his teammates all the time, so did Larry Bird. That seemed to turn out OK. It's called being a competitor and wanting to win. Brandon Marshall needs to be yelled at. Maybe some day it will get through to him.
February 10, 2009
11:15 a.m.
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johnb writes:
Catch the ball. Marshall is more worried about image than fundamentals.
February 10, 2009
11:26 a.m.
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jersey writes:
Apparently you're mistaking constructive criticism and encouragement with demonstrative disapproval in regards to MJ and Bird. There is a marked difference. I've followed their careers ever since the days at NC with "Air" and Ind. St. with Larry and never witnessed the latter. Not claiming that I've seen each and every nontelevised performance but if the rare occurance of the former happened it was definitely the exception rather than the rule!
February 10, 2009
11:48 a.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
MRBONG, "and while John Elway did struggle early in his career he NEVER and i say NEVER EVER yelled at his teammates." What games were you watching? I've seen Elway yell at his teammates many times. I think you need to lay off the bong a little.
Jersey, wrong. You think that these players never yelled at their teammates? Like I told MB, Elway yell at his teammates when they blew it. It's called being competitive and a leader. When I was in the service, I yelled at members of my unit when they were on the wrong page. True, football is a game, but with the $$ they are payed, they need to get it right. If they don't, then they cost the team. But for those who think Elway was Mr. Nice-Guy, beep, wrong. He was a competitor and he did what it takes to get the most out of the other players, even if it meant yelling at them. But the "punch his lights out" statement was weak. That is going to get a player suspended and given a bad rap to the rest of the NFL. You ask Jay to grow up, then you respond that a player should respond with violence? Yeah, that's the answer....
February 10, 2009
12:22 p.m.
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ORBroncoFan53 writes:
Everyone needs to calm down, it was just the Pro Bowl. I remember reading in an article after we lost to San Diego that Cutler was asked what he was going to do to get ready for the Pro Bowl and he said nothing, he was just going to show up and throw it around. In this article Marshall said he wasn't doing much to be at his best. It is after all the off season, I for one am willing to give Cutler, and Marshall a pass on this one. We should just be glad they are both healthy heading into the off season I'll take that over watching Marshall do some stupid ''big prop'' show.As far as getting Chad Johnson you all need to have your heads examined, he is a cancer and would be a problem all season I'll give Royal a shot at #2 he's going to be fine.If we can get our defense around the middle of the pack, get a true running back somewhere in the draft to team up with Hillis we have a chance to beat anybody.
February 10, 2009
1:01 p.m.
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ORBroncoFan53 writes:
I don't know why people keep comparing Cutler to Elway, John was John, and Jay is Jay. Elway was a once in a lifetime quarterback and Bronco fans need to get used to that. Cutler has a chance to be great and I think he will once he learns no matter how strong your arm is there are still throws you can't make or they will get picked.John had the same problem early on. We can't compare their stats because John played for Reeves and Cutler got to play under Shanahan who let him throw it all over the field.I would bet my house that the number of attemts John had at this point would be far lower then Jay's. John was a winner and that's all that really matters in the end.Cutler still has to prove he can win in this league and I have faith that he will. I remember Elway yelling a little, but that was later on after he proved he could win, and showed he could lead his team. By then he was well respected by team mates I don't think Jay is there yet.Cutler is a different personality than John and in the end who cares if he yells a little , or even a lot as long as he is respected by his team mates and winning will do that.
February 10, 2009
1:56 p.m.
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pete10000ft writes:
MrBong is giving stoners a bad name LOL
February 10, 2009
2:34 p.m.
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jersey writes:
Dynamic: RIGHT! I stand by what I say about lights having been punched out. Hell, I did not say I advocated it but just stating a fact instead. There is a difference. Jay to the best of my knowledge has never been mistaken for Ali or Frazier!
February 10, 2009
4:27 p.m.
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jersey writes:
DD: Once again as to punch the lights out.....What happened behind closed doors stayed behind the closed doors! As for you yelling at your troops that's a weak analogy. I was also in the service and that happened daily and was not only accepted it was expected! Two different animals here!
February 10, 2009
5:11 p.m.
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OrangeCrusher writes:
I think MrBong is smoking the sweetleaf because he is absolutley correct! Mabye could have been said nicer, but true none the less. I see it in Jay, the spoiled brat act, my only son acts the same way because I spoil him, I can't help it. It just takes longer for these kids to mature. There's nothing wrong with it.
February 10, 2009
6:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
MRBONG writes:
Dynamicdave sorry youre wrong i watched every game Elway played he never yelled at anyone except the ref. and i wasnt the one who said they should punch his lights out either. and to Mark13 when you talk about M.J. and Bird youre proving my point they were both total jerks , you dont have to be nice to be great . i moved to New England 9 years ago and let me tell you larry legend is not well respected at all around here Cedric Maxwell hates him and is constantly ripping him on the radio . bronco fans are so touchy,God forbid you ever say anything bad about a bronco , there all perfect right ? Clarance Kay is a Great guy ,Romo rules ,Reeves was a great coach ,Shannon Sharpe theres a class act , thats why he was a first ballot hall of famer oh wait never mind that would have nothing to do with it right ? lol . guys it was the probowl he was screeming at marshall , give me a break already... lol
February 10, 2009
7:25 p.m.
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elwaytdsharpe writes:
Cutler needs to grow up period. He is a competitor yes, and he does sometimes yell at his recievers which I do not think is all that bad. However, I have yet to see a defensive player, wide reciever, running back,etc.... to yell at him when he throws a bonehead pick!!!! He is lucky I am not on the team cuz I would be all over his a$$. If he could handle me yelling, then I would have no problem with him occasionally yelling at the WR. Problem is I dont think he could handle it.
February 10, 2009
8:21 p.m.
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Swick writes:
I think it depends on the relationship between the players involved. Marshall and Cutler came into the league at the same time and seem pretty close. Cutler just doesn't want to see Marshall waste all that talent. Some players need a push and Marshall needs it. I didn't see him yell at Royal last year, but maybe I'm wrong. Coaches yell at certain players and not at others. Shanahan never had to get in Elway's face, but he was constantly babysitting Plummer. It worked for the most part until the AFC championship and then Plummer imploded again. There is no definative formula for winning and getting players focused and motivated. Sometimes you have to get in their grill and wake them up a little.
February 10, 2009
10:19 p.m.
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OrangeCrusher writes:
I hate getting yelled at. It's a real bummer! I like it when a mentor just sits me down and explains it positively. Now thats motavational! yelling at people just pisses them off! I don't care how close of friends you are...Really!
And with all due respect to my Bronco brother DD and the rest. I don't remember the great JE yelling at anyone, like in an angry tone anyways. Oh wait, maby he talked back to Dan Reves a little bit? But really the great JE was a man who led by example. He played with 100% HEART and every one around him played with 99% HEART. Elway didn't need to yell it out of them.
February 10, 2009
10:25 p.m.
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Robfromaurora writes:
I think Cutler should be compared more to Brian Griese than John Elway. He holds Bronco fans future hopes, but once again is all stats and minimal wins. Brian Griese had some great fantasy football stats just like Cutler, but didn't correlate to wins either.
February 10, 2009
11:09 p.m.
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Swick writes:
Rob: Griese had a better team around him so for Cutler to do as well as he has so far is impressive. Are you holding Elway on a pedestal or just trying to insult Cutler? Elway made plenty of mistakes and made them in big games. He had lots of great games too but he was inconsistant. That's what the young Cutler is right now, inconsistant. I would take him over the dog stumbling weak armed Griese any day.
February 10, 2009
11:15 p.m.
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Robfromaurora writes:
Swick: I am just saying Griese and Cutler are all stats...Yes Elway made mistakes but he found ways to win, even when only in his 2nd and 3rd year. He wasn't all stats, he was a winner. I will concede that Cutler looks to have more upside than Griese, But I do specifically remember everyone here being really high on Griese for about 3 years, before he flopped...I just fear Cutler is headed in the same direction.
February 10, 2009
11:45 p.m.
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Robfromaurora writes:
Here are Elways records his first 4 years, 1984-1987
1984 13-3
1985 11-5
1986 11-5
1987 10-5-1
Now Cutlers first 3
2006 2-7 (Plummer played first 7 game and was 5-2)
2007 7-9
2008 8-8
Now Grieses first 3 years
1999 6-10
2000 11-5
2001 8-8
You tell me who Cutler should be compared to?
February 11, 2009
12:26 a.m.
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Swick writes:
I see where you're coming from and there is no question Elway was a winner, but you did forget to put down the losing record of 1983. Elway completed 47.5% of his passes that year. He didn't get a decent touchdown to interception ratio until 1993. I've seen Cutler step up plenty so far in games like the one against Cleveland this year and Tenn last year. He had no RBs by the end of the year and the team had more drops than any team other than Clev I believe. Elway had a lot of dropped balls too, but I'm just saying it's way too early to say Cutler is a loser(ala Dink and Dunk Griese who still had a lot of the players Elway had) by any stretch of the imagination. He is one of the few bright spots on the team. He does need to mature and learn the game, but that's how it is for every QB just going into their 4th year. Wait till he's 34, then we can truly judge his skills and football intelligence.
Here's a link to Elway's stats even though I know you're making the point that stats don't matter as much as wins. His stats were way better 1994-1998. It shows he matured and finally had a good surrounding cast. The early years show the ups and downs like when he willed Denver to the SB 3 times only to come out a loser. Give Cutler some time and some help and we'll be able to gush about the wins and the stats.
www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=ELWAYJOH01
February 11, 2009
8:44 a.m.
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buffoklag writes:
Marshall is definitely a time bomb who doesn't get it. Scoring TDs is sufficiently entertaining for us. I wish he'd turn the creative portion of his brain to how he's going to get open on deep routes to compliment his short and medium routes. That's the creativity I'm looking for. I'd say the odds are very much against Marshall conducting himself as a model player/citizen over the next few years. More likely are suspensions for showboating, Lelie-like holdouts, and more arrests. I hope I'm wrong and that his marriage mellows him out cause he's a talented dude. But making pro bowls isn't enough for him, his ego begs him to star in pro bowls for non-football antics. Yikes!
February 11, 2009
11:56 a.m.
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piano3 writes:
I want to make one comment about Elway. I watched him play for his entire career and not once, did he ever yell at a teamate. Not once. I always respected him for that. Secondly, Elway used to be selected to the pro bowl over many quarterbacks with much better stats. Why Because his peers realized one thing. He was simply the best. This used to astound me.
February 11, 2009
7:38 p.m.
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Robfromaurora writes:
Swick: you make some very valid points, and I do agree that we have to wait and see with Cutler. You are right, I did not put down 1983, I was thinking that was the year he was drafted, it was infact his rookie year and the Broncs were 9-7 that year. I do stand corrected as far as that.
Trust me, I do hope you are right and that Cutler will begin to learn how to win games. With regard to Elway having good running games though, I dont think he had much better than we had this year until TD showed up. I remember Sammy Winder, Bobby Humphrey, Gaston Green, Glyn Milburn, etc...not exactly a sparkling list of help their either. I think you stated it best when you said he willed the teams to the Superbowl. I have yet to see even a glimpse of that with Cutler. I don't remember the Tennessee game you mentioned, I do remember this years Cleveland game, that was, well..OK maybe it was a glimpes, but Ceveland was putrid this year, and that was Brady Quinns first start.
We will have to wait, hope and see huh?
February 11, 2009
11:17 p.m.
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Swick writes:
I still have the Tenn game on the DVR I think. He was in perfect form. Perfect throws on the move and from the pocket. His feet were placed perfectly for every throw. I saw a couple of games this year where his feet were all over the place in comparison and heard him admit as much. There is not going to be another Elway and we all know that, but Cutler is going to be in the top 5 I'd bet. I just hope we can get a durable RB and some defenders to slow down the opposition. Can't wait till FA starts later this month to see what the plans are. And Humphery was a good RB until he got hurt. Other than him, Elway never had a decent RB till TD showed up. A RB would solve a lot with balance and keeping the D off the field. Shows how well Cutler and the O line did this year with other teams knowing he was going to pass it almost every down.