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Published on 08/20/2009 at Thu Aug 20 12:45.
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Stop, Take a Breath, and Look Beyond the Surface, Broncos Fans

Posted Thu Aug 20th by

Wide receiver Brandon Marshall #15 of the Denver Broncos runs with the football during NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High in 2008. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Wide receiver Brandon Marshall #15 of the Denver Broncos runs with the football during NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High in 2008. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Brandon Marshall may have been cleared in the court of law, but he is being crucified in the court of public opinion.  After hinting that things might be reaching a breaking point between he and the Broncos, and admitting that his lack of knowledge of the playbook is the culprit behind his scout team duties, many Broncos fans have gone up in arms.  Comments, not only at this site but at other Denver media and fan sites, have been hugely critical of Marshall.

“Trade him!”  “Get rid of him!”  “Dump him!”  I just don’t understand it.

I certainly don’t agree with everything Marshall has done this offseason, but as far as disgruntled star athletes go, the Broncos have hit the jackpot.  Marshall isn’t holding out.  Marshall isn’t badmouthing the organization to the public.  Marshall isn’t ignoring owners’ phone calls.  He’s out there, he’s practicing, and he says he’s committed to learning the playbook and continue to excel this season.

No, really.  His comments made headlines Wednesday, but I invite you watch the video of Marshall’s post-practice interview yourself.  Try to take a calm, objective look, and ask yourself how disgruntled Marshall looks to you.

The last few minutes of the interview really hit this point home for me.  You can see the media start to really hammer BMarsh.  After being flat-out asked if he would sign a contract extension with Denver, Marshall hesitated, obviously trying to find the right words.  He finally replied,  “I’m here, and I just want to do my best.”  The media pushed and prodded and pushed and prodded some more.  Marshall simply said, “I’m here, and I love playing football.  That’s what makes me happy.  It’s kind of hard to be disgruntled when you love what you do.  And I love what I do.”  Then, for good measure, they pushed and prodded some more.  Marshall finally caved, if only slightly, saying that a new contract is “something all players want.”

Forgive me as I roll my eyes at the reports that Marshall was pouting after practice.

Denver Broncos wide receivers, from left, Travis Shelton, Eddie Royal, Brandon Marshall, Chad Jackson, Brandon Stokley and Jabar Baffney joke with photographers during a break in drills at NFL football training camp at team's headquarters on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Denver Broncos wide receivers, from left, Travis Shelton, Eddie Royal, Brandon Marshall, Chad Jackson, Brandon Stokley and Jabar Baffney joke with photographers during a break in drills at NFL football training camp at team's headquarters on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Yes, he seems genuinely upset over the public relations fiasco that took place after he was exonerated Friday.  Should he be?  No.  Marshall needs to realize that a Broncos player commenting on the case in a positive light is a stone’s throw away from commenting on the alleged victim in a negative one.  Is it a stretch to imagine his teammates, in the excitement of Marshall’s ‘not guilty’ verdict, would make an ill-timed comment about Rasheedah Watley?  Even hinting at Watley’s motives being money-driven could open the door for a flood of legal headaches for the player who made the comment, not to mention the Broncos.

As far as I’m concerned, the apology wasn’t even necessary.  Frankly, the team was right to curtail the excitement.  But after repeated trust issues with the Broncos front office over the past two seasons, I can empathize with Marshall’s reaction of betrayal, even if I don’t agree with it.

Now, should the Broncos trade Marshall because he’s upset?  Absolutely not.  Just because there are lingering issues between the two sides doesn’t mean a clean cut is the only solution.  Head Coach Josh McDaniels says he believed the team addressed those issues already, but Marshall is obviously still upset.  I hope McDaniels or Joe Ellis takes another moment to try and better explain to BMarsh that it was all business, and nothing personal.

In the meantime, both sides are still working. Marshall hasn’t quit on the team – he’s out there practicing every day now (albeit with the scout team on 11-on-11’s).  McDaniels hasn’t quit on Marshall – he continues to praise both Marshall’s physical talents and his smarts.  And both coach and player insist the playbook is a non-issue at this point, and completely normal for a player who has missed that much time.

Finally, there will be those who disagree.  They’ll insist that Marshall has quit on the Broncos, and that his decisions to play on the scout team and not learn the playbook are an indication of that.

First, regarding the scout team, the chronology of events tells the story.  When Marshall first returned to the field after a two-week absence Sunday, he was playing on the first team.  Since then, he’s been playing on the second team or not at all.  The demotion is curious, isn’t it?  Either McDaniels decided/agreed that seeing reps on the scout team would be the best path moving forward, or Marshall is blatantly rebelling against his coach’s decision and lining up there anyway.  Which do you think is more likely?

Second, regarding Marshall learning the playbook, the player says he is.  The coach says he is.  How would we know any better?

McDaniels is on board with Marshall.  He’s confident that the wide receiver will catch up with the rest of the team regarding the playbook and compete for his starting spot.

Step back and take a deep breath, Broncos fans.  Is this Marshall being a distraction or the media making him one?  Is Marshall giving lackluster effort or just falling behind in the playbook due to injury?

And finally, if you still have your doubts, we’ll have a clear answer either way in less than month. If Marshall stays healthy, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be a starter by the regular season opener on September 13th. If he’s starting, it means he gave full effort and understands the system.  If he’s still riding the pine, it means he didn’t put in the effort and deserves this flurry of criticism.

But until then, it’s really all guesswork.  And I’m going to side with what both the coach and player tell me – Marshall is right where he’s supposed to be.

  • scottey

    It is easy to sit back and lash out at BM. HOWEVER, you can’t honestly look at the upcoming years and state we are better off with out him..
    Cool off and get a contract under him by the off week and all will be well.

  • http://broncotalk.net (dee)

    I’ve always said that I didnt think BMARSH should or would be traded. I also agree with this post as well to me it didnt seem as though BMARSH was upset and mad, the videos and pictures I’ve seen of him show that he’s enjoying being with teammates and open to coaching from McDaniels. My prediction is still that somehow they deal with all the external stuff and make it thru this year and a fat extension is signed in the Spring when both sides “trust” each other again.

  • Bronco D

    If Brandon doesn’t talk to the media he would be going the same road Cutler did. It appears he is trying to be upfront with his thoughts and observations. Nothing wrong with this but the media does like to stoke the drama. First time he snags a quick out and breaks a tackle for a long gain he and the team will forget the conflict. Show him the money and let’s play football!!

  • ChuckD

    I think B Marsh, McD & Mr B need to sit down. State clearly that both sides have made mistakes, wipe the slate clean and prove to each other they can do the right thing going forward. B-Marsh shows he can stay out of trouble and stay healthy and the Broncos tell Marshall if he can do that a fatty contract will be waiting for him on X date. I understand this could be an issue since B-Marsh already has trust issues but thats something the Broncos will have to build back up again. He’s too good to just let go for a low round draft pick.

  • http://www.search-this.com mark

    Good post Kyle and I agree on all accounts. This thing is hanging on by a very thin thread. It could go either way depending on how each party handles it. That said, I don’t think it’s going to end well for the Broncos. If you don’t sign him to a new contract now, then it’s not going to happen. Sign him now while everyone is still hopeful for this season. Once the season starts and we are 2 and 6 at the midway point Brandon will count the days till his contract ends and he can move on…

  • NM Bronc

    Thank you, Bronco D!

  • broncogeoff81

    I think the media as a whole is blowing the whole thing out of proportion. Everything stated in this article is true. I do think paying him now would be a bad idea. But if he decides he wants out of Denver at the snap of the finger, a good/productive season with whoever the QB is could cause him to change his mind the other way and sign an extension at the end of the year.

  • Linmoo

    Is it bad that I giggle a little every time I see Brandon Marshall referred to as BM?

    “Don’t be a hater on BM! He’ll be back with a vengeance!”

  • http://broncotalk.net Joe

    Mark-

    Yes we could go 0-16 and Marshall could be counting down the days where we would reach the free agent market. But there is more too it than that. For example, Julius Peppers. He doesn’t want to be a Panther this season. He doesn’t have a choice. He got the tag. And we could do the same to Marshall, year after year, until he will eventually cave in like all the players do and sign a contract extension. (See Boldin for example. He wanted to be traded forever. Than he said he was willing to sign a contract extension.) And on top of all of this, I think Marshall becomes a restricted free agent next year. So we could match anyones offer to keep him. It’s not pretty for Marshall or the Broncos to keep this going on. I bet money that towards mid-season or a little past, Marshall will have that contract extension. Than everything will be fine.

  • roshon2411

    Kyle,

    I think the picture of the WR’s, alone is reason to give BMarsh a fat contract. He looks like a man among boys. Dont’ get me wrong I love Eddie Royal but remember how things turned out after Plax went out last season. A big/tall receiver is needed and there are plenty of teams wanting a guy like Marshall as well. He goes he won’t be very easy to replace.

  • http://broncotalk.net Tmoneybagz

    Thank you for clarifying this to some of our retarded Bronco fans Kyle. Brandon Marshall is not the one causing the distraction, it is indeed the media doing what they do best…stirring up the pot.

  • broncoNM

    I have no problem with BMarsh as long as he plays… he can ask for a raise but if he doesnt get it he still has to come to work. My dream scenerio is Marshall stays out of trouble and is the same ol’ BMarsh on the field… then come week 11 or so they work out a contract extension. He needs to prove:
    -that he wont go out tomorrow and smack a chick (him and his fiance can handle arguments like grown ups)
    -His hip is OK
    -and if he wants to get fitzgerald type cash he needs to limit his drops and be a bigger factor in the red zone.
    If he does that than he should get a fat raise… He is fine as long as he keeps showing up…

    Roshon- I agree with you about the picture… dude looks huge. ‘Man among boys’ is exactly right.

  • anthony33

    Kyle,
    Could not agree with you more. Very similar to what I posted to your topic yesterday (late yesterday). Too many hidden agenda’s with some of the media folks.

    Saw pretty much what you saw and again I love the fact that the Bronx post those interviews. You get a much better sense of the situation when you can match the picture up with the words and then draw your own conclusions.

    The thing BM needs to understand is that even though he won this case, it does not mean people are going to immediately forget, forgive and trust him. He has umteen other skirmishes with the law plus the other (MacDonalds bag) oddities that pop up all too often. He has to earn that trust over time. Unfortunantely for him that means a long time. The sooner he figures that out, that better off he will be.

    That being said, if the Jets offer a number 1, jump all over it.

  • PABronco

    I agree with everyone thinking the media is to blame, but not by much. They are running neck and neck to me. Had BM not started smackin everybody, the media attention wouldn’t be what it is. But now that the fire is burning, let’s pour gas on it. The PR comments after the trial shoulda never seen the light of day. At this point I’d be happier with no news, than bad news.

    But 3 (simple) things need to happen..

    1:Learn the plays
    2:Catch the ball
    3:Score

    Take check to bank

    That’s 4, but that’s what has to happen

  • mikeyfantastic45

    I just don’t understand how the media gets away with saying there are huge issues with Brandon Marshall in Denver and never putting any quotes to back it up. They are just quoting themselves. Marshall has made mistakes in the past but has been on pretty good behavior since. There is no real excuse for him not knowing the playbook, but I haven’t heard him complain once about being on the backup squad. He’s aware he has some catching up to do, and I hope he does soon. Honestly I can understand if he’s frustrated about his contract, I think he’s proven he deserves more, and especially with this past trial going in his favor and all of that behind him. I guess the question mark is durability. I’m looking forward to all of the soap operas to end and get back to playing some football, but I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot more of the same, though I’m sure the focus will switch back to Orton and Cutler come next week when we play the Bears.

  • http://birty.blogspot.com mikebirty

    Amen Kyle. Nice read. If the Cutler Fiasco hadn’t have happened the media wouldn’t even be looking for a story. But because they know that the Broncos, McDaniels and the rest, didn’t handle that very well – they just think they’ve got an inside scoop.

    Why can’t we just blame Bus Cook?

  • http://www.the12thhawk.blogspot.com durteehawk

    You guys are going to lose on saturday. Seattle’s offense is too potent for your loser weak defense.

    Take the time to come talk some trash tomorrow at my website. If you think you have the balls……..

  • roshon2411

    A Seahawks fan? I didn’t even know any existed. Besides didn’t Seattle get demoted to the CFL a few years back?

  • http://broncotalk.net (dee)

    Durteehawk?

    Kyle Orton is going to shred you defense apart, whose is your quarterback again?

    Mr. “We want the play and we’re going to score!!! ”

    How did that turn out for you?

  • http://www.broncosforums.com BroncosForums

    You can add multiple threads on BroncosForums to the list where many fans want him run out of town.

    http://www.broncosforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49041
    http://www.broncosforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49052

    Those are a couple of the recent, slightly heated exchanges. There was another thread where a Baltimore fan came in and asked about Marshall, because fans on a Ravens forum were wondering about him and the chance of Marshall being traded to Baltimore. I told him that right now it seems like fans are running about 70/30 anti-Marshall. That thread then became about as partisan as the current debates in Washington, with most fans squarely for or against Marshall — very few in the middle ground.

    I think that some of us fans have forgotten exactly how good Marshall is. They forgot week 2 where he had the 18 or 19 catches. The fact that he is one of the few receivers in the league that cannot be covered one on one — by ANY defensive back in the league. Some of his runs after catch, where he not only punishes the defenders, but picks up big gains.

    Has he made mistakes off the field? Certainly, but as the article says, while he has been found innocent in the court of law, and even for the most part by the NFL’s disciplinarian, Roger Goodell, he has been found guilty in the court of public opinion, even though us fans have convicted him mostly on hear-say and speculation.

    Unlike Roddy White, he hasn’t held out. He showed up for training camp, and if I remember correctly, showed up a couple days earlier than was required. He pulled a hamstring a few days into camp, but McDaniels has told us that he has been in all the meetings and study sessions. Except for the couple days he missed to attend his court hearing.

    Most articles on this subject imply that Marshall has had a full playbook most of the summer and just chose not to study. Yet, the head coach of the Broncos tells us that they weren’t given a playbook, but are given daily handouts as the offense is being installed a piece at a time on the practice field. He says that Marshall is working hard to get up to speed.

    The more I read and see how the fans are turning on Marshall, the more one phrase comes to mind….

    “Be careful what you wish for.”

  • broncoNM

    Talkin trash for a preseason game?… Thats a first… who gives a shit!?

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    I LOVE IT!! SEAHAWKS BLOW!! YYYEEEAARRRRGGGHHH FOOTBALL IS BACK!!!!!!!

  • http://www.broncosforums.com BroncosForums

    Dave Krieger of the Denver Post was just interviewd on NFL Network’s Total Access. He said that McDaniels and Marshall are playing a game of chicken. That McDaniels is staking out his authority and territory, and his play in the game of chicken is to put Marshall on the scout team and say Marshall isn’t ready to play.

    Marshall’s response in the game of chicken is to agree and say, “yea, I’m not ready, I don’t know when I will be ready” and to perform like a second team player.

    Anyway, here’s the interview on NFL.com.

    http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-preseason/09000d5d8120cd73/Broncos-update

  • Nicole

    Guys, It’s like I said earlier once you opened that flood gate it would be hard to close. There will be another player behind this one once he’s finished. All that criticism of Marshall and Cutler will fall be the wayside when things get going and you don’t like it. The Broncos should’ve learned from the mistakes of other franchises but they didn’t because they chose to go down that path anyway. I sat through ownership that flexed and let a QB get away-it was one of the longest periods in my life.

    The Broncos have effectively set themselves and their fan base back-been there, done that. I stopped being mad at the players when the loses piled up. They never should’ve done that trade-regardless of what people think of Jay-because this was going to happen.

    No one has really given any thought to what may happen if Josh is fired-I had that too. You’re left with nothing but misery and at that point you’re mad at the owner and the first thing people will say is-you traded away my players for nothing.

    You will not feel the same away about Jay Cutler a year from now-you’ll wish he was still here.I wouldn’t ever want anyone else to live through 6 qbs in 6 years-it’s not worth it.

  • http://bandit Dan Myers

    @Nicole.. Denver did not trade Cutler, Cutler opted to not talk to the owner, so Cutler was the trigger. Please learn. If a player does not agree/like the coach then things can be solved. If a player does not speak to the owner then Nicole here will handle the issue. LOL woman.

  • Nicole

    Dan, you don’t know if that happened or not because that’s what happens when you believe everything you hear. I already learned from my mistake-you’re the one who will pay all those qbs while I have the one I need.

    YOU WERE CRAZY FOR TRADING YOUR FRANCHISE QB FOR A GUY WHO CAN’T THROW FURTHER THAN 20 YARDS. YOU’LL LEARN WHEN CUTLER COMES BACK TO TOWN. HAVE FUN PAYING THOSE 6-7 QB S THAT DON’T WORK OUT.

    TIME IS A GOOD TEACHER-YOU’LL BE WHISTLING A DIFFERENT TUNE AFTER A YEAR OF MEDIOCRE PLAY!