Broncos-Cardinals: Denver Wins First Game of Josh McDaniels Era, 19-0

Denver, CO–The Denver Broncos (1-3) avoided their first winless preseason since 1960 when they shut out the Arizona Cardinals (0-4) at Invesco Field at Mile High 19-0.

 

Game Recap

The Broncos started with the ball and scored the games first points after a drive that included a beautiful throw, catch, and run involving Tom Brandstater and Chad Jackson that went for 43 yards.

After the catch, Correll Buckhalter had two rushes for 21 yards, putting the Broncos in a goal-to-go situation.

Denver was unable to punch the ball in the end zone, and settled for Matt Prater field goal to put them up 3-0.

The Cardinals’ first drive looked promising at times, including a 36 yard strike from quarterback Kurt Warner to Larry Fitzgerald, but two penalties forced them into obvious passing situations, and the Broncos were able to capitalize and force a punt.

Each team forced the other into a three-and-out on their next possessions.

After a Ben Graham punt put the Broncos on their own 23 yard line, Tom Brandstater appeared to say “We’ve got ’em right where we want ’em,” and he orchestrated an impressive drive.

Denver marched 77 yards down the field thanks to a couple of outstanding hook-ups between Brandstater and veteran Brandon Lloyd, and the drive was capped off by a one yard Darius Walker touchdown run.

The following Cardinals drive resulted in the Broncos’ first turnover of the preseason:  An interception of Kurt Warner by reserve hybrid linebacker/defensive end Darrell Reid.

Reid’s interception resulted in a 37 yard Matt Prater field goal, putting the Broncos ahead 13-0.

Another three-and-out by the Cardinals resulted in yet another Broncos drive that ended in a Matt Prater field goal, putting Denver ahead 16-0.

Arizona quarterback Matt Leinart was picked off on the following drive by rookie safety David Bruton, and the Broncos were in good position to take a 19-0 lead at the half, but decided to go for a fourth-and-four and were unable to convert.

The following Cardinals drive ended in another turnover, a fumble forced by Denver defensive lineman Nic Clemons that was recovered by Bruton.

The fumble gave the Broncos great field position, but Brandstater tried to force a pass to Chad Jackson near the sideline and he was picked off.

The Cardinals started the second half with the ball, but gave it up fairly quickly.  Tyler Palko threw a pass that almost seemed to be intended for Broncos safety Vernon Fox, and the Broncos were in business once again.

A fairly bland Bronco drive resulted in Matt Prater’s fourth field goal of the game, putting the Broncos ahead for good 19-0.

The rest of the game was filled with three-and-outs, and the defensive battle ended with the home team on top. 

Broncos 19, Cardinals 0

 

Random Game Thoughts

• Josh McDaniels and the Broncos earned their first win of 2009, and it could not come soon enough.
• The Broncos made up for three games without forcing a turnover, forcing four total on Thursday night.
• Kenny McKinley and Brandon Lloyd combined for 10 receptions and 106 yards, and they continue to impress as reserve wide receivers.
• LaMont Jordan’s one run tonight was not impressive.  He may be passed by Darius Walker for the fourth and final running back spot.
• The reserve offensive linemen were impressive for the first time this preseason.
• The Broncos have arguably the best depth in the NFL in the secondary.  David Bruton, Alphonso Smith, Darcel McBath, and Jack Williams are all great prospects for the future.
• The Broncos’ defense has been extremely consistent throughout the preseason.  Their run defense only allowed one first down via the ground game, and only 68 yards rushing overall.
• Kurt Warner and the first team offense were absolutely shut down on Thursday night.
• It is going to be tough for the Broncos to keep less than seven wide receivers.

Top Performers

1. David Bruton would get my game ball tonight, and quite honestly, he has been superb all preseason long.  The Broncos drafted the Notre Dame safety in the fourth round to be primarily a gunner on special teams, and throughout the preseason he has been excellent at doing just that.  Thursday night, he picked off a pass and recovered a fumble while recording three tackles.
2. If the Broncos choose to keep 10 defensive backs, I think it is pretty clear that undrafted rookie DJ Johnson has earned the final spot.  He has been making plays throughout the preseason, and tonight led the team with five tackles.
3. Jarvis Moss had his best game I have ever seen.  The third year player was all over the place, and he looked like a former first round pick playing with a bunch of rookies and scrubs.  Moss had a sack, a forced fumble, and three total tackles, one for a loss.  He just made it harder for this team to potentially cut him.
4. Robert Ayers and Tim Crowder each had a sack tonight.  This was big for both of them.  Crowder is fighting for his job, and Ayers has not been very impressive this preseason.
5. Darius Walker has earned a roster spot, in my opinion.  He led the team in rushing this preseason and has had two touchdowns in the last two games.  He runs hard, is quick, and is a good receiver.  LaMont Jordan’s “dud”-like preseason has been less than inspiring.  Walker rushed for 68 yards on 21 carries tonight.
6. Give the game ball to kicker Matt Prater.  Prater was four-for-four in field goal attempts, and the Cardinals only returned two of his six kickoffs.  A phenomenal performance to say the least.
7. Kenny McKinley had a preseason high seven receptions, and he continues to impress.  He leads the Broncos this preseason with 16 receptions and 213 yards.
8. Brandon Lloyd made another highlight-reel catch on Thursday night.  His chemistry with the quarterbacks is going to make it extremely difficult for the Broncos to keep any less than seven wide receivers on their active roster, as crazy as it sounds.

Like I just said, the Broncos are going to have a tough time keeping less than seven wide receivers.  Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley, Jabar Gaffney, Kenny McKinley, Chad Jackson, and Brandon Lloyd should all make the team, based on this preseason and training camp.

With the injured thumb of Jabar Gaffney, I think the Broncos will undoubtedly keep at least six wide receivers.  They also have been no strangers to four and five wide receiver sets, so it would not be surprised if they kept the extra guys around for depth.

The problem is going to be figuring out who to get rid of.  Do they keep six defensive linemen?  Which hybrid linebackers do not make the cut?  Will they keep 10 defensive backs?

Do not get too attached to any one player Broncos fans because come Saturday, 22 will be cut.  The good problem for the Broncos is that they are going to have a tough time deciding which ones.

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Back From The Dead, Don’t Crucify The Broncos Yet

I have taken a long hiatus, but have returned in hopes of silencing the delusional losers who seem hellbent on the Denver Broncos having a terrible season.

When I look at the entire scope of things that have transpired over the past few months, I find it odd that many think the Broncos haven’t improved themselves.

Yes, Jay Cutler is a talent who bewitches fans with his tight spirals and impressive athleticism.

Nevertheless, he is a charlatan and a fraud; a fact that Bears fans will learn soon enough.

Meanwhile, I’m hoping for Kyle Orton to be ready for the Broncos’ season opener at Cincinnati September 13.  If not, perhaps Tom Brandstater will prove to be a quick study, as he’s already impressed with his powerful arm in limited opportunities.

Of course, Brandon Marshall, if he proves penitent, can return any time he’d like to which would greatly enhance our prospects, if he’s focused.

Ultimately, I think he realizes the only way for him to get his jack will be as a Bronco, as he faces continual suspension and benching or amassing Pro Bowl numbers.

I also expect to see Eddie Royal emerge as a Pro Bowler while future Hall of Famer Ryan Clady bolsters the league’s best offensive line.

Brian Dawkins, Andre Goodman, Chris Baker and other new faces on the defense will strengthen us considerably on that side of the ball as well.

To me, Tony Scheffler is the X factor as if he continues to create mismatches in the open field, it gives Orton (yes, he’s the man until proven differently) another weapon to dismantle defenses.

I think we can win 10 games, although 11 is the ceiling as far as I’m concerned.

Of course, in subsequent seasons, we’ll only improve.

Before we crucify coach Josh McDaniels, let’s give him a chance.  The season’s almost on.  GO BRONCOS!!!

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Broncos-Cardinals: Things to Watch For in Denver’s Pre-Season Finale

The Josh McDaniels era continues on Thursday night as the Denver Broncos host the Arizona Cardinals.

Unfortunately for McDaniels, he is still seeking that elusive first victory as an NFL head coach, and despite the fact that week four of the preseason is considered to be the most unimportant football game of the year, this particular matchup is very critical for the Broncos.

The new regime in Denver has not gotten off to the most promising start, and sitting on an 0-3 record this preseason, the starting offense has only scored 17 points in three contests.

With injuries to Kyle Orton and Chris Simms, rookie quarterback Tom Brandstater will be making his first career NFL start, but it remains to be seen if he will be joined by any other first team players.

The Broncos are holding out hope that first round pick Knowshon Moreno will get some playing time tonight although it has been reported that Correll Buckhalter will begin the season as the team’s staring running back.

Here are some things to watch for in tonight’s game:

• Can Brandstater lead the Broncos to victory?  This is a huge game for Tom Brandstater.  He needs this experience in case he is called upon when the Broncos travel to Cincinnati on opening day.  The rookie out of Fresno State was less than impressive in his first appearance against Seattle, but settled in somewhat last week against the Bears, leading the offense to two touchdown drives.  This will be the final test for Brandstater, who likely will start the season on the practice squad, especially if the Broncos make a play for quarterback Kevin O’Connell who is a long-shot to make the Lions’ final roster.
• The Broncos’ wide receiver situation should shape up tonight.  With Brandon Marshall’s situation in question and Jabar Gaffney having broken his thumb, it will be interesting to see which wide receivers are kept on the 53 man roster.  Players on the bubble are veterans Brandon Lloyd and Chad Jackson, and rookie Kenny McKinley.  Jackson has been working with the first unit, but Lloyd and McKinley have been the ones making noise this preseason.  The Broncos easily go seven deep at the receiver position when fully healthy, but it remains to be seen whether or not they will keep seven on the final roster.  It will definitely be hard to lose any one of Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley, Jabar Gaffney, Chad Jackson, Brandon Lloyd, or Kenny McKinley.
• Backup offensive linemen will be seriously tested.  They have been, for the most part this preseason, awful.  Russ Hochstein was acquired for depth, and it is likely the team will make quite a few cuts up front after tonight. 
• The young defensive backs will have their time to shine tonight.  The Broncos are going to be facing Brian St. Pierre for most of the night tonight as Matt Leinart is out with an injury, and the likes of Josh Barrett, David Bruton, Alphonso Smith, Jack Williams, and Darcel McBath will have a chance to prove their worth on this team as backup defensive backs.
• There is a chance we could have our second sighting of Knowshon Moreno.  His production in 2009 is huge.  The Broncos passed on a lot of defensive talent to acquire Moreno in the draft, and he needs to have a big year in this offense.  Likewise, it is going to be important for Robert Ayers to step up in this game.  He has not had an impressive preseason thus far.

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Broncos Must Trade Brandon Marshall To Avoid Future Trouble

Seemingly, the irony of wide receivers is that most are starting to convert into well-behaved heroines, shaking off their moody ethics.

Before imploding into insubordinate wideouts, in New England, Randy Moss has mellowed into a primary target for Tom Brady. Terrell Owens stopped crying and has evolved into an integral superstar in Buffalo, grabbing attention at a local airport when he arrived. And Chad Ocho Cinco is seemingly content in stabilizing Cincinnati.

With unity spreading around most teams, the Mile High City is amid turbulence and surrounded by an unhinged soap opera that has lasted longer than the Days of Our Lives. When a disgruntled Brandon Marshall indicated misery at practice, times became rocky and a ruckus developed.

The Denver Broncos punished arguably their best player with a suspension for his conduct detrimental to the team. Assuming rookie coach Josh McDaniels wants to dismiss any player that plagues fortune in his first season, their primary option is to trade Marshall.

Getting rid of a dispirited player prevents slight problems from escalating into serious problems. The Broncos’ situation is just like a dreadful marriage which will never work out if one individual in the relationship is dissatisfied.

That is exactly what McDaniels, the coaching staff, and executives are experiencing in Denver, a propitious receiver who isn’t satisfied. Because of Marshall’s frustration, insisting that he was upset with the team’s misdiagnosis of a hip injury that required offseason surgery, it has produced enough tension to finally wave good-riddance.

There’s no question Marshall is an elite receiver who had 206 receptions the past two seasons, but his off-the-field misconduct is unnecessary, at a time when Denver is still rebuilding and adapting to newly acquired Kyle Orton.

Having an egregious attitude and unlawful troubles off the field is why Denver refused to give Marshall a new contract. Ever since he asked for a long-term deal, his emotions abruptly reversed into a self-centered and arrogant receiver who still hasn’t realized it’s about the team and not the individual.

If the Broncos trade their top diva, it won’t benefit them this season. Instead it revokes disastrous nuisance from making a season in limbo more fragile than anticipated.

But dealing him isn’t easy, and is seemingly inevitable. Because his reputation comprises of distasteful humor, Marshall’s marketability is devalued from most teams’ standpoints.

He’s the problem-child in the league. He’s the disappointed one. He’s the newest laughingstock.

And with problems like that, he’s obviously a risk. But there’s one team amenable to take on the dispirited receiver, optimistic they can uplift his mentality.

So were the New York Jets tampering with Marshall?

After collapsing a year ago, the Jets weren’t efficient in moving the ball down the field. And with a mobile quarterback as proficient as Mark Sanchez, a speedy receiver blends to construct a lethal quarterback and receiver tandem in the tough AFC East division.

It wouldn’t be difficult to ensure that the Jets would compile more than 31.5 percent of receiving yards. Following reports from ESPN’s insider Adam Schefter, the Jets are interested in the troubled wideout, but unsure if they are willing to deal Harris.

For a moment, there were talks Marshall could reunite with former quarterback Jay Cutler in Chicago. The Bears are another team without a prolific receiver, and the Windy City seems like a perfect location to once again play alongside Cutler. Since Marshall was his favorite target, he’s familiar with his style and approach, and can quickly become a primary receiver and regain stardom.

Whichever team is willing to take on the indecisive Marshall, it is obvious the Broncos must trade him and it’s evident that he has no intentions in repairing a fractured relationship. Bearing with ongoing issues involving Marshall is enough to implode solidity and divide a team. And it even looks bad on McDaniels, if he fails to resolve the matter after trading off a dreary Cutler.

Holding on to a troubled player who walked as the rest of his teammates ran in pre-practice warm-ups, kicked the ball skyward, and knocked down passes instead of catching them are good explanations in trading away Marshall. He’s now the equivalent to an old Moss, Ochio Cinco, and T.O., a superstar who continues to infamously wreck his reputation.

But something has to be done, with McDaniels and the Broncos controlling the leverage. That’s when you wave and say good-riddance.

 

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Pro Football 101: Fantasy Busts Zeros In on Wide Receivers In 2009

 

 

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

A Boy and His Broncos

In turbulent times such as these, it’s important to get back to the roots. With players like Brandon Marshall and Jay Cutler bringing us to the height of frustration, it is critical to remember why we love this team and why we continue to give them our allegiance. Let me tell you why a boy from behind the burnt orange curtain of, Austin, Texas is a true Broncomaniac.

 

When I was five years old, my dad (an ear, nose and throat surgeon under contract with the United States Army), relocated to a small town called Alamosa, Colorado. Alamosa is nestled deep in the Rocky Mountains, at the very bottom/center of the state. It is a town of potato farmers, carpenters, small time musicians, Adams State College faculty and other hard working men and women who create the lifeblood of a community of 15,000.

 

First of all, take a look at the picture I’ve provided. You’ll notice there’s no argument that this team dominates the Rocky Mountain Region. In fact, the closest NFL team is over 600 miles away. This is why the Broncos claim a strong fan base in Wyoming, Montana, Utah, New Mexico, Idaho, Nevada and Oklahoma. Needless to say, the entire state of Colorado’s football identity is defined by the blue and orange.

 

When I was seven years old, hardly capable of understanding the greatness of the team I would grow to love, my dad threw a party for Super Bowl XXII against the Redskins. Wrapped up in the excitement, my sister and I painted our faces orange and blue in preparation for the game. We got destroyed. My parents’ friends left early with their heads hanging low. Two years later, the same thing happened, only this time the 49ers were the culprit. Being so young, I felt little disappointment, but developed a pride for the team that would take hold of me much later on.

 

When we played the Packers in Super Bowl XXXII, we achieved the upset we’d been waiting for and achieved a goal we’d been searching for all those years. I drove my Ford Explorer downtown and , cruised up and down a packed main street honking my horn and cheering for two hours. It was the greatest solidarity I had seen in that little town. When it happened again a year later, I was so entrenched in my teenage rebellion that I was all but focused on our reign at the top. My eighteen-year-old mind was ready to leave Alamosa, Colorado, my parents, my local high school authority figures and all the things I didn’t know I would miss so much.

 

Four-and-a-half years at Arizona State was awesome. I got my first taste of live football and keg parties that didn’t end with underage kids jumping out of windows and fleeing from the cops through chico bushes. For awhile, I forgot about Mike Shanahan as he struggled to keep a once-great team afloat.

 

When I graduated and started working full time, I fell into the routine of most football fans. On Saturday I continued to root for the Devils and on Sundays I began reconnecting with the team I had forgotten about a few years before. I also realized that we were struggling more than a little bit. What really got me hyped was when Jake the Snake Plummer became our leading man and turned more than a few Arizona folks into fellow Broncos fans. You have to realize, this was a few years before the Cardinals were even respectable.

 

Luckily, some of my high school friends had also made Tempe, Arizona home and my friend Kyle Barron hosted two back-to-back playoff parties. I watched our matchup with the Patriots with great anticipation. I was amongst a host of Broncos fans from all over the country and I realized there was something special about this team; about this vibe they created. Unfortunately, we lost that second game to the Steelers. It was also the symbolic end of the Snake.

 

Since then, I have moved to Austin, Texas and grown more and more annoyed with the fanaticism of Longhorn fans. Mack Brown and his team deserve a lot of respect, but it makes you realize who your team is. Although most of my family are alumni, jumping on the UT bandwagon just doesn’t do it for me. For the last few years, the Denver Broncos have been the connection to my childhood, to Colorado and to a team spirit that, thankfully, I have rediscovered.

 

Yes, last year I had high hopes and thought Shanahan would soon put the pieces together on defense. I thought Cutler would be our next Elway. I thought Marshall would be our next Rod Smith or better. Most importantly, I maintained optimism. I was reaching the pinnacle of my Broncos fandom.

 

Over the 2009 offseason, I have been floored by the changes we have undergone. I have come to understand that a new coach was a good thing, and yes, I will give McDaniels the benefit of the doubt. I was steaming mad after the Cutler trade. I realize though, especially amidst the boos of his latest visit to Mile High, that he wanted out of Denver the second he realized he wouldn’t be coddled by a coach that revolved the team around the quarterback. In the McDaniels/Cutler blame game, an old geezer named Bus Cook has largely escaped his due criticism. Keep that in mind.

 

We’re still dealing with a superstar wide receiver that, while he is one of the keys to our team, remains a glaring distraction. We still don’t know if Knowshon will produce or be a Know-Show. However, we’ve got players that bring me back to my childhood. Players like Peyton Hillis and Eddie Royal. Players who realize they play for a team that will give back to them what they contribute. Players who realize they now play for a coach who is as great, if not more, of a mastermind of NFL offense than his successor. These are players who are proud and will not whine.

 

I want to thank Sayre Bedinger, Chaz Mattson and the rest of you for doing a great job of sharing your gifts of writing and football knowledge to the readers on this site. Most of all, I’d like to thank each and every one of you who write and read these articles because they love this team. I am thankful to the fans who look forward to every Mile High Salute and proudly send it back. I am proud to say I am at a new pinnacle of hope for this season and the future.

 

Go Broncos!!!

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Attention, Brandon Marshall: NFL Needs Receivers, Not Guys Who Can’t Get a Grip

I would really hate to be a Denver Bronco fan right now.

First, your premier quarterback throws a hissy fit because new Head Coach Josh McDaniels threatens to trade him, and now Brandon Marshall. Marshall decides he also wants out of Denver, so how does he deal with it? Well, pretty much the same way his good pal Jay Cutler decided to deal with it: throw a temper tantrum.

Now, Cutler’s reason to be traded held more water than Marshall’s reasoning. McDaniels wanted to trade for his former prodigy when he was an offensive coordinator in New England quarterback Matt Cassel, therefore setting off franchise quarterback Jay Cutler which ultimately sent him on a one-way ticket to Chicago.

Marshall wants to be traded for no reason.

But regardless of why he wants to be traded, Marshall is far from classy in his way of asking for one. You see, in the real world (not Brandon’s world), when an athlete wishes to be traded, he calmly asks his coach/manager who begins to shop him around. Not Marshall, who simply acts like an imbecile at practice by batting balls away that were thrown to him, punting balls away from the ball boys rather than politely handing it to them, and publicly commenting on his situation, calling out McDaniels and the Broncos organization.

Because of his actions, the Broncos have in fact suspended Marshall for “conduct detrimental to the team.” In my opinion, a fantastic move McDaniels, way to take control of your club.

You see, for Head Coach Josh McDaniels, he’s publicly commented that “Marshall isn’t going anywhere,” which is a complete 180 degree turn-around from how he handled the Jay Cutler situation. It seems that finally Josh McDaniels is getting an idea of how this whole NFL Head Coach thing works. By suspending Marshall, he’s sent a message that says “I’m still in control, and I can choose whether or not to trade you away or make you sit.”

Nonetheless, it’s a shame what Brandon’s doing to the Broncos. Not only have they lost their star quarterback, but Brandon is still Denver’s top wide receiver. Now that offense is in shambles, and regardless if Brian Dawkins is there or not, that defense doesn’t look too great either.

It’s time for Brandon to stand up and be a man, get back on track, and help Denver win some football games in 2009.

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Marshall, Marshall, Marshall: Denver Receiver’s Name May Be Called by N.Y. Jets

“There are no discussions whatsoever taking place between the Denver Broncos and any team in the National Football League regarding Brandon Marshall,” Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said. “We are looking forward to having Brandon back on the sixth of September and starting our preparation for Cincinnati with him.”

About an hour later, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Broncos were interested in New York Jets middle linebacker David Harris, and that two sources confirmed the interest.

As it is understood by Schefter, the Broncos would like a player who can help them this season, as well as a draft pick that will help them next season and beyond.

Marshall’s unofficial asking price was a first and a fourth round pick, so a trade return of Harris and a third round pick would be enticing to the Broncos, especially for a player that has serious attitude issues.

 

Projected Trade

Jets get

WR Brandon Marshall

Broncos get

MLB David Harris

2010 third round pick

 

This seems like a very even trade for both sides. The Jets get a premier wide receiver for rookie Mark Sanchez to sling the ball to, and the Broncos continue to revamp their defense with a young, up-and-coming linebacker and a high draft pick in 2010.

Acquiring an extra third round pick would also equip the Broncos to move up in the 2010 NFL Draft if they so choose.

Still, this trade seems unlikely. McDaniels’ statements could be seen as a smokescreen, as he said roughly the same thing about quarterback Jay Cutler.

If the Broncos deal Marshall, it would be upsetting on multiple levels. Not only would they have given in to his petty demands, but they would also be sending a message to the other players on the team that all they have to do is throw a temper tantrum and they can leave.

I still believe the best option for the Broncos is to keep Marshall for the 2009 season and trade him next offseason.

It is a gamble, but one they have to take.

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Entry To The Brandon Marshall Circus Is Too Expensive.

I’m sure a lot of you are getting a little tired of all the Brandon Marshall articles; especially ones that revolve around a possible deal that would land him in New York as part of the improving New York Jets.

Well today, two NFL sources relayed information to ESPN analyst Adam Schefter that the Denver Broncos would ask for inside linebacker David Harris in any potential deal.

For a Jets fan who was unsure as to whether he would welcome the circus to New York, the entry price has just tilted the scales in favor of a decision.

If you were to ask me the top two aspects of the 2009 New York Jets team that I was most excited about, I would say the play of Mark Sanchez and the combination of David Harris and Bart Scott as the inside linebackers.

Now we are being told that if we want to bring a man with more issues to be resolved than a episode of this is my life by Isiah Thomas, we’ll have to break up this partnership before it ever had the chance to show it’s true potential.

That price for me is simply too steep.

David Harris led the Jets in tackles in 2007 with 127, 90 of those being solo, and he also racked up 5 sacks. He took a step back in 2008 as he battled injuries, recording a solid 75 tackles, 52 solo and a single sack.

Do people seriously think that breaking up a partnership that by all accounts looks to be one of the most productive ILB tandems in the NFL in 2009, for a man who brings attitude and legal issues is a good idea?

Not for me.

To add to that, rumors suggest that the Broncos will also look for draft picks in any potential deal- a 4th or 5th round selection. Not to live in the past, but the mid rounds have been kind to the New York Jets over the previous year. Leon Washington/Kerry Rhodes and Jerricho Cotchery were both fourth round selections.

Throw in that Brandon Marshall is coming off a injury plagued off-season where he barely participated, and you wonder what the Jets are even thinking.

On the other hand, David Harris has spent the off-season working hard.

In the three pre-season games, I would argue that not only has he been the most consistent player on the Jets roster, but also the most impressive. Sack’s, Interceptions, tackles- he is popping up all over the field, and the obvious chemistry he is building with Bart Scott should have every Jet fan excited for the future.

Despite speaking against any potential deal for Brandon Marshall, I have persisted to admit that this obvious talent on the field may be a great asset to this team, whose perceived lack of ability at the WR position is penciled in to be their downfall in 2009.

However, for a team that is looking to play smash mouth football, would we be comfortable with Cummings, Westerman or Izzo starting opposite Bart Scott?

I wrote a piece a few days ago on Jamaal Westerman, where I highlighted his future potential, however, 2009 and a starting spot I fear is a little too soon for that potential to be realized.

So the price of David Harris alone is too much for this team. But Harris and a future draft choice?

Well, you can rest assured that this Jet fan will not be running away to join the circus.

http://twitter.com/D_Wyatt13

 

 

Jets Trade Talks For Brandon Marshall Heat Up

Talks between the New York Jets and the Denver Broncos regarding disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Marshall heated up on Wednesday night.

Well, sort of.

The Broncos’ initial asking price was said to be a first round draft pick (at the minimum), and considering their apparent distaste with their defensive depth (especially at linebacker), they are interested in acquiring defensive help.

Unfortunately for the Jets, that “help” is turning out to be quality linebacker, David Harris.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Broncos appear to be willing to make the swap, but only if Rex Ryan and the Jets defense can handle losing one of their best defenders.

While the Broncos are not content with Andra’ Davis on the inside, the Jets are fairly thin at the position themselves, as second-year man Vernon Gholston is being thrust into the line-up while Calvin Pace serves a suspension to start the season.

Still, talks remain on-going, despite “tampering” rumors that surfaced within the past 24 hours.

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

« Previous Page — Next Page »

BroncosZone Latest

• The Denver Broncos Must Face Their New Reality
• Denver Broncos: The Beginning of a New Era, Or The Beginning of the End?
• Hey Denver, Where’s the Love for Josh McDaniels?
• Josh McDaniels Is the Poster Boy for “Too Much, Too Soon”
• Denver Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall: “I Love Being a Bronco”