NFL to Denver: Still Just Human

It was suggested early last week by me, that, being that the Kansas City Chiefs employed two of the best players in the NFL- maybe they should try getting them the ball. I suggested maybe just passing the ball to Tony Gonzalez and Dewayne Bowe all the time, spell that by handing the ball off to Larry Johnson- couldn't be a worse outcome right? 

Well, slap my ass and call me Herm Edwards.

The problem? The Denver Broncos defense was complacent in their misery, they may have actually gained overall ground in the NFL against the Chiefs; being that the Chiefs only scored 33 points. The Broncos secondary gave up only 160 yards to the Chiefs and only 207 yards to their ground game. By all looks of it, Denver showed vast improvement on defense. As good as the Broncos defense is at being bad, it was ultimately the Broncos offense that lost the game. 

Denver fans were ready to crown Brandon Marshall the messiah and Eddie Royal his second coming. Then they both fumbled, Royal on the Broncos opening drive, deep in Denver territory. Marshall's was even worse though... 

The Messiah's drop cost the Broncos their drive, their forward momentum and their confidence. Quarterback Jay Cutler went on to throw two times as many interceptions to the Chiefs than he has all season, if that wasn't enough, his sack total was doubled as well. 

However, despite it all, Cutler threw for 361 yards, Royal had his second 100-yard game, Selvin Young kept chipping away at his 2,000 yard prediction with 49 yards (only 1,821 to go). So what gives? Brandon Stokley even came out a bit this game, he was worth 80 yards. So improved defense- check. Offensive production- check. Better special teams- check. What's so different this game?

It has become my mantra lately, defense wins championships, but not games- hell, the Philadelphia Eagles just proved it, losing to the Chicago Bears. Offense wins games.

Breaking down my focuses:

• Focus one: Contain Tony Gonzalez.
  
  Throughout all of my scouting on the Chiefs, last week I in advisably said that the Chiefs should just feed Gonzo the ball. Let Johnson and Bowe spell him and just see what happens. The Chiefs did find Gonzalez for a touchdown, but for the most part Boss Bailey kept the man in check. 
  
  
• Focus two: Stop Larry Johnson.
  
  The man went buck wild on that 65-yard run, he shouldn't have, but it happened and he did. He finished with 198 yards. He probably wouldn't have, except Kansas City was leading the whole game, did you expect them to pass? The man has made a career out of teeing off against the Broncos. 
  
  
• Focus three: Cover Dewayne Bowe.
  
  For the life of me I do not know why Bowe caught wild on Denver, but then again, I really do and that brings me to my fourth focus. That was... 
  
  
• Focus four: Incorporate rookie cornerback Jack Williams in as the nickel back. 
  
  Fed up with Karl Paymah getting ran over? Me too, I was the first calling for Jack "Mother F***ing" Williams two weeks ago, he tore it up in preseason and in training camp. However, Jack "Mother F***ing" Williams became Jack "Mother F***er" Williams today. However, what the hell was he doing covering Bowe in the first place? Who the hell was Champ Bailey covering on that play? It got to the point where literally every time Bowe caught a pass, Williams was covering him. What is up with that? Did the Chiefs have two other receivers that I wasn't aware of that warranted Bailey and Dre Bly's attention? 

Let me sum this whole thing up by saying that, I'd rather Denver get humbled in September by the Chiefs then get blown up by the Carolina Panthers in the midst of a playoff hunt. So with that out of the way, I've got plenty of Tampa Bay Buccaneers scouting information to report to you. So keep plugged in, because I'm back. 

Larry Johnson photo courtesy of Reuters.

Brandon Marshall courtesy of A.P./Charles Riedel

Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos: Second Quarter

Denver defensive coordinator Bob Slowik finally gets it together and the Denver Broncos are able to stop the Packers on 3rd and 16. Packers will punt to Eddie Royal.

Eddie Royal lets his rookie shine and waves off a punt that bounces to the one before the Packers down it. I'd really love to see Royal get a punt return.

Let's see if Denver can do a 99 yard drive.

Jay Cutler yet again guns a pass, incomplete, this time to Tony Scheffler 1-7.

Andre Hall runs up the middle for a gain of two yards. 4rd and 8.

Peyton Hillis! The best hands in the backfield, for the first down, he gets all the way to the 17.

Andre Hall breaks an 18 yard run. Selvin who? He's one player away from going yard.

Next play: Andre Hall again for about seven yards. Mike Shanahan loves to run backs back-to-back.

Selvin Young, yawn, Clifford Russell is wide as Selvin Young gains the three necessary for a first.

Jay Cutler on first from the shot gun, run a draw, Selvin Young takes it for about eight before Charles Woodson attempts to take his head off. Selvin Young runs for two on the next play.

That's the problem with Denver, focused on the first down, not focused on scoring.

Cutler roll and passes to Eddie Royal, Nick Rollins is draped all over him, but there is no passs interference.

Nate Jackson! With an incredible catch for a first down!

Screw Brandon Marshall, Andre Hall is the most dangerous player in Denver. Catching a dump out of the backfield. He goes for 20 to the 17 yard line. Broncos continue to drive off of their 99 yard drive

Hall taken out in favor of Michael Pittman, who gets the two yards the Broncos need for the first down.

Nate Jackson with the touchdown from Jay Cutler!

Matt Prater killed that kickoff, it ended up somewhere near the south standers...

DJ Williams with great coverage! Yet, he gets the pass interference. Yet, it's great to see DJ able to cover a receiver of Donald Driver's ability.

After that horrible play, Brandon Jackson catches a dump off pass, splits Jamie Winborn and Nate Webster and goes forever. Before Hall of Famer Champ Bailey gets him out of bounds.

Jamie Winborn makes up for it on the next play and the Packers still can't run on the Broncos.

No pressure on Aaron Rodgers, Nate Webster wraps up the Packers back on the dump off.

3rd and 6, four men in the box, there's a flag- damnit. I was looking forward to seeing how Denver held them. Off-sides on Green Bay. They're going for it again 3rd and 11. Denver holds! Barely though, Dre Bly missed a tackle on the third-string tight end.

Packers going for it on fourth, quarterback sneak and, Aaron Rodgers gets his second quarter back sneak.

John Engleberger destroys Brandon Jackson on the next play. Nate Webster **** the bed and missed the first tackle. 2nd and 5.

Question marks everywhere... Either Dallas is horrible or Green Bay is really incredibly good. Don't know yet.

When Denver's not rushing, they have four men in the box, the three linebackers way back and they kind of just float there...

Dump pass is swallowed up by Marlon McCree and Kenny Peterson. Fourth down.

Elvis Dumervil hurt a finger, great...

Mason Crosby in for a field goal 10-10.

Two minute offense time, Jay Cutler comes out with 1:41 left on his 20.

Pass play deep to Brandon Marshall and it looks like it's intercepted. However, may have been interference and it is. 1st and 10 on the 48 yard line.

Cutler looks deep TOUCHDOWN BRANDON MARSHALL, same play, same man, defender knocks the ball into Brandon Marshall's hand.

Here's the message to the NFL, give Brandon Marshall on one-on-one coverage and he will destroy you.

Took the Broncos 16 seconds to score, this is Madden '08 type football. I am not kidding, the problem is that Denver only took 16 seconds off, but it gives us a chance to see the number one defense against an urgent offense.

Over the middle, Donald Driver catches one off of Marlon McCree, gave Driver at least 15 yards.

Dump off to Marency, goes for 10. 56 seconds left and two timeouts for the Packers.

Domonique Foxworth yet again shows why he's a number three corner back, letting the Packers catch yet again in front of him, another first and 10.

No pass rush, of course Green Bay gains another 9, Jamie Winborn on the tackle off of the dump off.

This bend but not break defense... I don't know. 14 seconds left and the Packers call a time onut on their own. 34. The tight end hurdles Foxworth on his way to the sideline. Smart attempt, poor execution.

Aaron Rodgers passes deep into the end-zone, but Foxworth blankets Greg Jennings and it goes out of bounds.

Mason Crosby comes in with five seconds left. 13-17 Denver and it's halftime.



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Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos: First Quarter

Got started just a bit late, sorry guys.

Broncos D-line looked pathetic on the first series.

Got scored on, where was the covereage?

I don't get why our sweep plays are starting off so deep. It's never worked for us and now we're trying it still in the preseason.

Giant run for the Broncos from Selvin Young, that's what we've been waiting for from Young.

Selvin Young's lining up literally 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage, I don't understand. He runs 13 to gain three yards...

Jay Cutler looks good tucking and scrambling, hasn't been sacked yet ::knock on wood::

Andre Hall gets yet another first and ten, imagine that? Penalties, even with the Packers having 12 men on the field doesn't mean they can stop the inevitable which is Andre Hall. Green Bay's Charles Woodson hurt.

Jay Cutler's 0-3 a very far cry from last weekend. Just complete one man, we'll get back on track.

Cutler to Brandon Marshall! Finally!

Andre Hall was tackled by an unblocked strong safety. Nice!

Brandon Stokley has now missed two passes this series. This one was Cutler's fault.

Selvin Young, got both hands on a pass and can't come up with it. Bring Hall back in!

Here comes Matt Prater, he's missed his first attempt every game so far- He doesn't this time 3-7 Packers.

Let's see how the Denver Broncos defense does on their second series, after adjustments.

Nate Webster just owned someone in the Packer's running system and may have solidified his first-team membership.

DeWayne Robertson with his first major contribution to the defense!

Well, we get to see the Broncos in spread coverage, Marlon McCree proves once again to be useless in man-on-man.

Dre Bly gives Greg Jennings an inch, he takes a mile... Stop them Denver!

Well, Nate Webster and Champ Bailey made sure that the Packers knew they still can't run on us. Now, let's stop the pass.

There was a sack, Kenny Peterson somehow didn't get to him! Either way, Elvis Dumervil got called for off-sides, so it doesn't matter.

Packers are just marching down the field on Denver, this is pathetic. Come on Bob Slowik, figure it out.

Finally a sack! Doom! Elvis Dumervil lining up on the left side to wrap up the first quarter!


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And Brandon said....

You may be through with Brandon Marshall, but Brandon Marshall is not through with you Roger Goodell. Brandon Marshall appealed his three-game suspension on Thursday. Marshall's lawyer, Harvey Steinberg said that there would be an appeal, but that was around the time that Marshall was suspended.

Don't expect much to come from this, it is unlikely that this appeal will have the upstart receiver suited against the Oakland Raiders or San Diego Chargers (at least not the first time Denver plays the two teams). However, Marshall will most likely be able to make it back by the game against the New Orleans Saints, but this appeal isn't going to make that decision any easier on the commissioner.

Don't believe the hype...

While there is little doubt that Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall is the real deal, don't take him embarrassing Dallas Cowboys Pacman Jones as the proof. Yes, Pacman is an up-and-coming corner back in the NFL, but he's still only a second-teamer. He will eventually challenge Anthony Henry, but if anyone's been watching Hard Knocks then they know, Pacman's not the prodigal son. What he is, is a great returner and a decent corner.

When can Denver fans believe the hype? After the first quarter today (Saturday), fans are going to get an opportunity to see DeWayne Robertson as a Bronco for what coach Mike Shanahan says will be 10-12 plays. Fans will also get to see the Denver Broncos secondary minus their best player (Champ Bailey will likely be out the entire preseason, why risk it?) go up against a very strong wide receiver corps in Dallas, featuring Terrell Owens, Jason Whitten and Patrick Crayton. Denver's offensive line vs. Dallas' defensive line and vice versa, Denver's defensive line will be tested immediately by the Cowboys run game.

The other thing to be on the watch for, rookie running back Anthony Aldridge will be out this game. If Andre Hall's going to make his point and push to be the starter, he has likely his only opportunity prior to the season to do it against Dallas. Denver only has three running backs suited for this game. If Andre Hall's going to make that push, the good news is that rookie fullback Peyton Hillis will be guiding him.

Shots Fired: Marcus Thomas vs. Flozell Adams

I was a major proponent of the Denver Broncos bring in Flozell Adams this off-season, I guess we can all see now why we didn't. Him and Marcus Thomas wouldn't have gotten along at all (haha). Today a fight broke out in which Flozell Adams, apparently, ripped off Denver defensive tackle Marcus Thomas' helmet and swung it back towards his face.

The HBO Hard Knocks crew should enjoy editing that one together and Denver fans can enjoy it next Wednesday night.

I would make this a two part Shots Fired article, but Brandon Marshall is owning Pacman Jones... It's funny to see these two jawing at each other, with the NFL's attention weighing heavily on both.

picture courtesy of AP via Dallas Morning News.

It's Official: Marshall Suspended...

"It's not enough to simply avoid being found guilty of a crime. Instead, as an employee of the NFL or a member club, you are held to a higher standard. Persons who fail to live up to this standard are guilty of conduct detrimental and subject to discipline, even where the conduct itself does not result in conviction of a crime."

The National Football League has suspended Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall for three games, as was reported on Sunday by NFL Networks Adam Schefter. Marshall's attorney Harvey Steinberg says that he will appeal the sentencing.

Harvey Steinberg, fans may remember, is the same attorney who successfully won the appeal for Travis Henry last season, which ultimately led to Henry not being suspended by the NFL at all. Well, at least until after the Broncos cut him.

We appologise for the delay, Blogger has been down for maintenance.

Eddie Royal - The Future...

Today the blogosphere and even some of the papers are running rampant with reports of what Eddie Royal could be or might be. I'd like to focus on what rookie Eddie Royal is:

The Future.

Some fans of the Denver Broncos may not have been lucky enough to catch training camp, if they had they would have seen the number 19 laying out for passes and running with wild abandon. Early reports from Jay Cutler and head coach Mike Shanahan back during team camps were that the rookie wide out was, "Impressive."

While you cannot give much weight to the recently released depth chart, as Mike Lombardi pointed out earlier this week, preseason depth charts are generally more about confusion than clarity. Why would we list a starting day lineup and give a first week competitor five weeks to prepare for your team?

I think that a prime example of this is who is directly listed behind primary wide receiver Brandon Marshall, that would be Eddie Royal. Royal himself said in an interview yesterday that coaches were telling him to hang out with Brandon Stokley and learn the slot position. The looming suspension of Brandon Marshall has been something the Broncos coaching staff has known about since before the preseason began. If they were grooming him to replace Marshall, he wouldn't be studying Stokley. He's being groomed to be a slot receiver. He's a burner and as of right now that's how Denver is planning on using young Eddie Royal.

That tiny gray cloud that has been hovering above Dove Valley is soon to explode though and that's when we'll see Eddie Royal. I anticipate that if Brandon Marshall is suspended Darrell Jackson will move up to one, Brandon Stokley will push out to number two and Eddie Royal will play the slot. Moving Keary Colbert into the fourth position on the depth chart. That's not a terrible lineup, having three receivers who were starters last season and a promising rookie in your top five receiving stable.

One thing that is for sure, Denver fans will get a shot at seeing how Eddie Royal looks on Saturday. Pay close attention to who he is matched up against, pay attention closely to all of Denver's wide receiving match ups. Drops are not something that can be forgiven, as there are no excuses, they are due to lack of concentration or nervousness. What we should be looking for mostly though is how the rookie looks during punt returns and/or kick off returns. Preseason is where you see players who may not have a future desperately trying to prove that they deserve one, even if it is only on special teams.

Brandon Marshall Update (8/4/09)

Here's what Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan said,

"It's the same thing I told you a week ago Wednesday: I'm not sure," Shanahan said after today's morning practice. "When I know, I'll let you guys know. If I made comments every time I heard I rumor, I'd be talking to you every day. I'd have to answer every question that you ask me. Let's deal with reality. When we know something we'll let you guys know."

So there you have it, I'm not saying that Shanahan is being optimistic, I'm just saying that until the NFL says something... Brandon Marshall's suspension is not official. This situation is very familiar to last season when former Broncos running back Travis Henry had the suspension cloud hanging over his head nearly all season.

Someone should let those excited San Diego Chargers fans know that they're not that lucky yet. They're still smiling from the fact that Carolina Panther's receiver Steve Smith will be suspended for the first two games of the season.

Denver Broncos Announce Depth Chart

At least as of August 3rd, 2008 at least.

You can click the above image to expand it. A couple notes for those that may need them, however if you've been keeping up with my training camp updates you shouldn't be surprised by anything on the list:

• Rookie wide receiver Eddie Royal is the backup for Brandon Marshall (who may or may not be suspended by game 1).
  
• Darrell Jackson is the number two wide out, while Keary Colbert is third on the depth chart.
  
• Marlon McCree is the starting free safety, while Hamza Abdullah is the starting strong safety.
  
• Rookie corner back Jack Williams is a third stringer.
  
• Chris Kuper is listed as the starting right guard, while Montrae Holland is listed as the number two, despite not participating in training camp actively as a guard. Rookie Mitch Erickson is listed as the third-stringer.
• Rookie running back Ryan Torain is listed as the third string running back.
  
• Ryan Harris is listed as the starting right tackle, with rookie Tyler Polumbus listed as his backup.
  

Keep it here at the Broncos Denver Broncos Blog for further updates today and every day.

Head coach Mike Shanahan had the following to say in regards to the depth chart:

"You have to put a depth chart out before the first exhibition game," Shanahan said. "I think we all know there are a number of positions that are very close, but you have to put someone down at first team and second team — even though you really don't know. It's that close."

Schefter: Brandon Marshall will be suspended three games, cut to two

According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network, Brandon Marshall will be suspended for three games on Monday. However, the suspension will be reduced to two games if Marshall will undergo counseling. No word on what specific type of counseling, but it might have to do with breaking up with your crazy high school girlfriend. That is purely speculation though.

The Denver Post's Mike Klis is reporting that, "An NFL source said the Broncos were assured Sunday night that a final decision had not yet been made."

While The Rocky Mountain News reports that according to a second source, "The league also is maintaining that no decision has yet been made."

This suspension would not end Brandon Marshall's training camp, nor would it affect his preseason. He would be allowed to continue working with the Denver Broncos up until the first week of the regular season begins, at which time he would not be allowed in the Dove Valley Facility. Nor would he be allowed to work with anyone employed by the Denver Broncos or the National Football League.

Denver Broncos Training Camp Day 9 (Morning) Report

Young Broncos are shinning! However, more on that in a bit.

As I stated yesterday, veteran center Tom Nalen's MRI came back negative, but he still sat out today. Nalen was joined on the sideline by: Chad Mustard (hamstring), Boss Bailey (knee), Hamza Abdullah (groin) and Montrae Holland was once again conditioning with Rich Tuten. Rookie linebacker Spencer Larsen was excused from practice, as his wife is having a baby. So congratulations to Spencer Larsen. More good news is that rookie fullback Peyton Hillis and running back Michael Pittman were both in pads and participating in practice today, Cecil Sapp can rest up a bit finally and Brett Pierce can return to only playing tight end.

Now onto training camp notes:

Jack Williams breaks up Keary Colbert's reception

• Rookie corner back Jack Williams and Domonique Foxworth continue to make the best of every opportunity that they get. Foxworth is making a legitimate case for becoming Denver's number two option at corner back. He's said earlier this week that he believes that there are 32 teams in the league that he could start for, which includes Denver. Foxworth and Dre Bly actually both caught the wrath of a peaked Brandon Marshall who shared one of his best days in camp with the extremely accurate Jay Cutler.

• Rookie safety Josh Barrett has also stepped up significantly this week, particularly in the last two days (in the absence of Hamza Abdullah). Having broken passes up, thumping running backs in the backfield and blitzing the quarterback, he's kind of making it look easy. Barrett's jarring hits while performing for the second-team defense didn't prove to be enough to cause tight end Nate Jackson to drop a pass, as he was leveled by Barrett, but managed to hold on to the pass. The young Barrett got his revenge in a goal line situation, preventing Jackson from scoring on a short pass at the three yard line.
  
  
• Position battle wise: Niko Koutouvides suited at middle linebacker with the first-team defense and the two day rotation between Koutouvides and Nate Webster became evident. I'm not sure anymore where Tony Scheffler stands, obviously Daniel Graham is the number one tight end, but did Nate Jackson become the number two for Denver and then lose it? Scheffler played more with the first-team today and Jackson played more with the second-team offense today. Patrick Ramsey's successes continue to pale in comparison to that of third-stringer Darrel Hackney. And as far as the offensive line goes, calls for heads rolling may have been a bit premature... Today Jay Cutler succeeded because the emphasis was on passing and the offensive line looks great in pass protection. However, when Cutler has a bad day it's normally because of the amount of time he has to pass the ball. One last position battle is the number four receiver, Eddie Royal and Keary Colbert, it's too tough to tell.

The crowd collectively asked, "Jason who?"

• Matt Prater went ten for ten in field goal kicks, including one for 68 yards. That's not a typo.
  
  
• Here's the deal on Denver's rookie running backs Anthony Aldridge and Ryan Torain. Bronco fans have every reason to be excited about these two, for many years ahead there will be success, but when they look the best, they're playing against second and third-team defensive players. That being said, I don't believe that anyone should be lobbying for Torain to start immediately, not that anyone is. Selvin Young and Andre Hall are still the guys in Denver and as I've said before, I wouldn't be surprised to see movement at the top of the chart sometime during preseason.
  
  
• The receivers, you've no doubt heard that this was Brandon Marshall's best day of camp, possibly anyone in Denver's best day of camp. The rest of the first-team receivers, Darrell Jackson and Brandon Stokley, both looked great as well. I mentioned the number four spot battle earlier and I think that Keary Colbert might have the edge over rookie Eddie Royal, because of blocking ability. That's just what my instincts are telling me.
  
  
• Jay Cutler's good day was directly due to the strength of the offensive line, who seemed to have finally come together as a unit, despite having their leader replaced by center Casey Wiegmann. That's the first-team offensive line, the second-team offensive line was a mess and the first-team defensive line, led by DeWayne Robertson, made them flat out look bad.
  
  
• Speaking of the defensive line, Jarvis Moss is making it look easy, adding several sacks, pressures and knock downs to his training camp total. Fans can look forward to a very strong interior rotation on the defensive line, consisting of: Ebenezer Ekuban, DeWayne Robertson, Josh Mallard, Marcus Thomas and Alvin McKinley.

Brandon Marshall wants to say something...

Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall had something to say yesterday, finally! In a not so exclusive interview with the Broncos Denver Broncos Blog, we held out the tape recorder and said, "I'm looking forward to the season," as he walked towards the locker room he also slipped us this little ditty, "I can't wait for Oakland on Monday night."

There you have it, Marshall knows that he won't be suspended at all. That and he's looking forward to making Oakland's secondary look completely stoopit for trying to cover him. Granted the Monday he's referring to is about five weeks away, the real news is he will be present on Monday night and as you know his humble presence alone produces magic.

Of course, I don't believe that Marshall knows any more or less than the rest of us. However, his feeling seems to be that he will be present in Denver's first game against Oakland... I'd love to believe him as readers know, I predicted a week ago that he would be given a pass.

Denver Broncos Training Camp Day 8 (Morning) Report

I may have jinxed our gentle giants in Dove Valley and I'm sorry. Starting free safety Hamza Abdullah (groin) and strong side linebacker Boss Bailey (knee) were both added to the list of inactives today, which includes: Tom Nalen (knee), Peyton Hillis (hamstring), Chad Mustard (hamstring), Michael Pittman (too many reps) and Montrae Holland (TFTP).

The good news?:

Brandon Marshall is Magic!

Seriously, Marshall hasn't even caught the ball and the referee is already calling a touchdown. He's so sure of his skill that he doesn't even stand up to catch anymore. Just sits in the end zone and waits. It's a sign, what Marshall is trying to illustrate with this metaphor is that even "sitting" he will be effective. He's telling fans that it's okay, look at the young boy just below the ball, he understands.

Tom Nalen's MRI was negative, which is great news to everyone, except center Casey Wiegmann, who has been filling in for the injured Nalen on the first-team offense.

I proposed this a couple of days ago (maybe even the first day of camp), what do you guys think of this for a front five: Clady, Hamilton, Nalen, Wiegmann and Kuper? Just a through, of course if missing this many reps in training camp does not affect Montrae Holland then of course swap him and Wiegmann. I love Ryan Harris and I'm assuming the coaches do too, because of the amount of first-team reps he is getting at right tackle. However, if Chris Kuper doesn't have to play right guard and the Denver staff can put him on the outside, they probably will. He's playing like a programmed machine, broken hand and all.

Nate Webster is still at middle linebacker on the first-team. As I stated yesterday, as far as I can tell it's two day rotation, Webster plays two days on first-team, then Niko Koutouvides plays two days on first-team. Who's better? Hmm... Webster's certainly more exciting to watch play, while Koutouvides seems to be the more intelligent player. They both come from good NFL pedigrees as far as previous experience, however Webster was an animal for Denver last season. Can he be trusted in pass coverage? Not as much as I would trust Koutouvides in pass coverage and here in lies the problem for Denver's coaching staff. Preseason will sort out the situation, hopefully. Let's not forgot about rookie Spencer Larsen either, while he's most likely going to go head-to-head with Jordan Beck for special teams thriller, Larsen provides nice insurance to Webster and Koutouvides.

Dre Bly's a man on a mission:

Can you imagine the results of the above picture in an actual game? Backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey would most likely have spinal fluid coming out of his nose from the hit he's about to receive. The week old battle between Bly and Domonique Foxworth is only going to get hotter. Only Denver will benefit from this competition, with both Bly and Foxworth playing to beat each other out. Foxworth is in a contract year and fans seemed to have shifted favoring Foxworth over Bly, where as their were rumblings to trade Foxworth for a fourth rounder prior to the draft. I'm hoping that the three along with rookie Jack Williams and Karl Paymah can link to form the iron curtain coverage that any team needs to force an offense to become one dimensional.

With Hamza Abdullah out, rookie Josh Barrett was given an opportunity to shine and he did, nabbing a sack during eleven-on-elevens. Roderick Rogers, whom I haven't brought up as much as I should have in the days since John Lynch evacuated, also picked off a ball today. If I'm the coach, I don't know who stays and who goes, either way, there are going to be some very talented players in a lot of the positions who won't be making the team unfortunately.

On the defensive line, Josh Mallard is continuing reps with the first team. At one point in practice the defensive line consisted of nearly all draft picks from 2007, as Jarvis Moss, Marcus Thomas and Tim Crowder front ended Denver's second-team defense.

Photo credit: Kyle Sonneman © DenverBroncos.com

Marshall Suspension: 4 Games?

UPDATE: The Fan has retracted their statement, stating that their source "expects" there to be a four game suspension. According to them the announcement will come early next week.

104.3 FM The Fan in Denver just reported (around 2:00 PM), rather quickly, that Brandon Marshall was suspended for four games. As of this moment no other authoritative source is reporting the same.

Granted this is the same station that said Terrell Owens had signed with the Broncos, several years ago.

Prepare yourselves fans, I will update as soon as I have a confirmation.

Denver to find out fate of Marshall today?

ESPN.com's Bill Williamson says that there are, "Indications that Brandon Marshall will learn whether he will be suspended as soon as Thursday."

So, this could turn out to be quite the week for the Denver Broncos having two of their all-time great players retire and finding out about the possible suspension of Brandon Marshall all within a week's time.

Funny what funny what seven days can change. I'm going to stand on my soap box once again and say that I believe Marshall will most likely get a pass as I said last Friday night.

Lynch Out: What's next for Denver?

Sad, sad news out of Denver, I responded to Kyle's post over at fellow Denver Broncos Blog - BroncoTalk by saying that, "I feel like my girlfriend just broke up with me (out of nowhere)." When my cell phone started lighting up with text messages, I assumed that Brandon Marshall had been suspended... Is that wrong of me? Then the news came in, Marshall's fine, but John Lynch is splitting with Denver!?

Good news/bad news, if John Lynch does in fact decide that he'd prefer reporting or manning a chair with CBS Sports/ESPN/Fox/NFL Network, et cetera and he retires... Could John Lynch and Rod Smith actually go into the Hall of Fame the same year? It's possible, if in fact Lynch does decide to retire as a Bronco.

Early word out of San Diego is that they would love to have him. I'm sure that Herm Edwards over in Kansas City would as well. Though he's not likely to get more playing time at either location than he would in Denver. Anywhere Lynch goes, if he does in fact stay in the NFL, is fine with me as Lynch will not join a program unless it is a perfect suit for him and his family. Bless the Lynch's and thank you for being such great citizens to the great city of Denver. Most of all John Lynch, thanks for the memories, the fans of Denver Broncos will not soon forget you.

Now, let's get down to business. The killer in me, the day the Denver Broncos picked up Marlon McCree from San Diego, wanted to see both Lynch and McCree lined up together in the deep Denver backfield. Would anyone dare go over the middle against Denver? Not realistic though, as they are both just a bit iffy in coverage. However, as this training camp has shown, outside of the base package- four defensive line men, three linebackers, to corners and two safeties- Denver was not going to utilize Lynch. McCree was brought in for all passing opportunities and rookie Josh Barrett was also utilized in the nickel formation and 4-3-3-1 formations.

Hamza Abdullah has placed his flag atop the depth chart of strong safety and even as a strong safety has been quite the ball hawk in passing situations. You never heard from me that John Lynch had lost a step, I don't think that's fair to say of a man who made the Pro Bowl last season and has started and been effective in all of the four-years that he played in Denver. However, Marlon McCree was brought in as Lynch insurance and McCree is just as capable of splitting someone's helmet as John Lynch was.

However, there's a dark horse in Denver, his name is Marquand Manuel. Ever seen the video of Manuel thumping Dallas running back Marion Barber? If I could find it, I'd share it, but the man's an animal. Fans of the Broncos should feel very happy with the hands that they're left in, given the absence of John Lynch. Both Manuel and McCree look to be very effective and true to Denver safety form. There will still be fireworks coming from the safety position Denver faithful, not to worry.

Here's some vintage Marlon McCree:

Calling Out Names: Jarvis Moss, Domonique Foxworth, Andre Hall and Darrell Jackson

I write for the people, the people that want to know what I have to say about the Denver Broncos. I appreciate every single one of you who visit the page every day, seriously, just wish you'd feel the need to comment =)

So here's what I'd like to do, it's been five days and yes, it may be a bit premature, but I feel it's necessary to point out a couple of the Denver Broncos' players who have looked exceptionally well over those five days.

Jarvis Moss - Defensive End

Granted training camp tends to favor the defense, Denver quarterbacks have to favor the fact that they're not allowed to be hit during camp. No matter what the drill it seems that Moss is playing for keeps, a certain Denver paper reported erroneously that Moss was being punished after practice. Moss has stayed late after every practice, the man is on a mission. He's got great competition in Elvis Dumervil, but Moss is excelling in both pass rushing and running situations. Too early to call? No, I don't think so, Denver will not be disappointed in last season's first round pick.

Domonique Foxworth - Corner Back

The Broncos have employed a new defensive scheme in training camp. A 4-3-3-1, if you will, the second three are the corner backs and granted this formation may just be in an effort to stop their own offense... However, in this defense it is Domonique Foxworth, not Dre Bly who shadows the number two wide receiver. It's a contract year for Foxworth and he's making it abundantly clear that he wants an extension in Denver. Rookie Jack Williams can wait and Foxworth is doing his best to make Bly look expendable, Foxworth means business. I only hope that he gets a chance to prove it in the playoffs against Indianapolis.

Andre Hall - Running Back

Andre Hall is the biggest speed bump in Selvin Young's 2,000 yards or bust campaign. Hall may just "accidentally," take the starting spot from Young, once they get in, "Under the lights," as Shanahan says. Hold off on your fantasy drafts my men, I'm not just a member of the Andre Hall Fanclub, I'm the President. He's a triple threat, in that he can run up the middle or off the edge, he can catch and then burn you or he can lay you out in a passing down. It's up to him, I wish I had a clip of him lifting unsuspecting defenders off their feet, but I don't. Even if I did, I'd be scared that I'd get sued for posting it.

Darrell Jackson - Wide Receiver

Proving that there are two constants in life, the sun will rise and Darrell Jackson will prove to be efficient. I've down played the drops that Jackson had in Seattle before, but let this be my thesis, it rains in Seattle, balls get slick- if that's not good enough for you, it might just be that your quarterback sucks (see San Francisco last season). In Jackson there is proof that Denver just may be okay in the event that Brandon Marshall gets suspended and with the consistent Brandon Stokley and the highly likely emergence of rookie Eddie Royal... Denver may not need Marshall at all this season. Take that Denver media, blow his situation out of proportion all you like, but it's not doomsday in Denver until Elvis says so... And even then we'll be okay.

Dear Denver Media:

I've spent some time outside of New York recently in places like Tampa, FL and the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee and I realize that everyone has their own local celebrities. For example, in Tampa I've found that it was hard to avoid even non-news about the Hogan (as in Hulk) family. Through several intense evening broadcasts I was able to see the cell that Nick Hogan was spending his days and nights in, there were government released phone calls to his father, we even got the exciting opportunity to learn what Nick would be eating on a day-to-day basis!

Let me go back to New York for a second and tell you a story that involves the television show Extra! and my former company. One of the shows producers called just as we opened for the day and wanted the owner of the company to appear on camera to discuss possible image manipulation on a new Brittney Spears clip. I think the show was alleging that the girl may have had a dimple on her thigh, science forbid. So the owner of the company agreed to appear on camera and the small crew quickly made it our offices in downtown Manhattan.

Quickly setting up inside of our busy office, lights, tripods, preinterview and they're off- setup was a small television monitor with side-by-side images of Brittney Spears, the reporter asked that my boss watch the clips for a moment. He obliged, placed the ball of his fist loosely around his chin and said to the reporter, "Let me ask you a question... Have you accepted the Lord Jesus Christ to be your savior?" (My boss was Jewish).

He immediately followed up that little ditty with, "Do you realize what's going on in Iraq? Or Darfur? Get the [omitted] out of here..." Then he turned around and walked away. Leaving a confused crew and reporter gasping for a response.

That story is sponsored by Complete Colorado's (whom I will not link to) new "exclusive" story on Brandon Marshall. Essentially someone; Whom may or may not be trying to use this "exclusive breaking news" to piggy back into a larger market where they can cover other exclusives like whether or not a pop star has cellulite Has searched through some public records and pulled anything that had the receiver's name on it.

Regardless, they've got an "exclusive" story finding that there were as many as six phone calls to 911 stemming from incidents that occurred at or around Brandon Marshall's Highlands Ranch home. The Denver Post's going to be pissed! Why didn't they get to this first? So let me spare you the effort of Googling the article and point out that in five of those phone calls no police report was even filed. In the one report that did get filed it appears that a Denver Bronco, presumably someone other than Marshall, was threatened by a security guard.

They shouldn't just suspend this guy from the NFL, he should do hard time! I'm serious, if this were The McCarthy Era, the man would have been blacklisted already. If this were Salem, witchcraft would be blamed for the way no one can seem to tackle Marshall in the open field. Listen up media, this is Brandon Marshall:

And that's the only one we should be focusing on. Digging through dumpsters in an effort to further kick a man while he is down will do nothing for your life, career, paper or website. Let's give it a rest... Shall we?

Training Camp: Day 3 (Afternoon Practice)

Notes:

• Several of the veterans got the afternoon "off": Champ Bailey, John Lynch, Tom Nalen and DeWayne Robertson, are amongst the most notable. Though the players participated without shoulder pads and only with helmets.

• Nate Webster remained the middle linebacker with the first-team defense.

• Selvin Young:

"I’m not the type of person that stays on one side of the fence my whole life and sees what everybody else sees and tries to accomplish what everyone else tries to accomplish," he explained."I’m the guy who wants to get on the other side of the fence and accomplish what other people never reach for."

• Publicly scorned guard Montrae Holland was allowed to practice and saw time with the first team offense at right guard.

• Eddie Royal, Glenn Martinez, Andre Hall, Clifford Russell and Anthony Aldridge all fielded kickoffs during the PM practice. My money's on Hall and Royal...

• Safety Marquand Manuel:

“You can tell, the pads are on, the gym shorts practices are over with,” Manuel said. “Now we are having real man practices, and you can see who the real men are,” he said. “You can just tell by watching practice that our focus to detail is at an all-time high, the best that I have been around,” he said.

• Mike Shanahan on why Brandon Marshall looks like he's dragging ass:

"Anytime you miss all of those OTA days and the majority of the offseason program, it takes some time to get back in football shape," Shanahan said. "He hasn’t skipped a beat, he’s making plays left and right and he is just going to keep getting better and better as his body gets back into football shape."