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Week 2 Preview: Cincinnati At Denver

Kim Constantinesco — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:17:11 +0000

The last meeting between the Broncos and Bengals was certainly memorable. (Denver Broncos)

To continue on with our analysis of the Broncos’ 16 game regular season schedule, let’s move on to week 2.

This is the Broncos second consecutive home game, and it’s imperative the team starts the season 2-0 because the next three games are against the Titans, the Packers, and the Chargers. Not to mention, the Broncos play four of five games on the road beginning in November.

In week 2, the Cincinnati Bengals come to town. The last matchup between these two teams in 2009 saw an “Immaculate Reception” by Brandon Stokley, which jumpstarted the Broncos 6-0 start.
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Broncos Ramblings

Kim Constantinesco — Thu, 20 May 2010 17:30:45 +0000

Brandon Marshall’s third off season surgery in three years is boosting the confidence of residents on Revis Island. I’ve heard that Newark Airport will be littered with McDonald’s bags and television sets come December. Is it a coincidence that Marshall had his surgery just two weeks ago rather than when the season ended with a new potential contract hanging over his head? I think not.
Here in Denver, we like to think there’s a serious QB competition going on. Josh McDaniels doesn’t think that’s the case in the short term, however. He maintains that Orton is his starter while the other three QBs continue to learn the system. We’ll see how much hoopla there is surrounding Orton’s status as soon as fans turn out for training camp and witness the preseason games. My prediction is that there will be a Tebow chant as soon as Orton throws an INT. And he thought Chicago was a rough town to play in!
T.O. going TO Oakland? That would be a dream come true. This is just a rumor for now, but there’s no better person to stick the dagger in Owens’ career than the Crypt Keeper himself. Al Davis and crew had a respectable draft, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him pull one of his off-the-rocker desperation moves this time of year. He’s the captain of crazy town and perhaps wants to shed the volatile image he had with another veteran diva wideout in Randy Moss. Go ahead, Davis. Bring T.O. to Oakland. It will make the Broncos corners’ jobs much easier.
It’s been brought to my attention that a group in Florida have declared themselves BroncoGators. I hear the mammal keeps one eye on land and one eye in the water, following the Denver Broncos on land and the Florida Gators in the water. They are fans of Tebow and the Gators that want to continue to support him in his quest for success as a pro. It makes sense considering the Jaguars have trouble filling their stadium and fans only need to switch shades of orange and blue. To the BroncoGators following here, welcome aboard!
The late season skid marks we saw out of the Broncos last year are said to be completely preventable, especially with the new defensive group we have up front. Brain Dawkins has become a believer in new defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale’s approach. If Dawkins gives the thumbs up this early on, then improvement must be on the way.
Mike Shanahan picked up the Broncos perceived “throw-away” when the Skins’ signed Vonnie Holliday. Holliday started in three games last season and posted five sacks. I think he was a good pick up for Shanahan who is implementing the 3-4 in Washington.
Finally, now that school is out for the summer, Broncos rookies are allowed to work out at Dove Valley. While college classes were still going on, the rookies were not allowed to work out at the team’s facility. I wonder if another rookie session at Red Rocks Amphitheater is just around the corner. Get that altitude edge.

Verdict: Marshall Suspension Justified

Kim Constantinesco — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:19:08 +0000

I watched him practice. I saw it coming. The dropped (catchable) balls, the lack of enthusiasm, distancing himself from the other receivers and QBs, his inability refusal to learn the playbook. Check, check, check, and check. Don’t send him his check let alone give him a new contract. A squeaky wheel may get the oil, but the diva-like behavior of an NFL receiver should get him a seat on the wood. He (in white, pads off) likes to stand on the sideline anyway these days.

I applaud the Broncos for suspending a guy like Brandon Marshall. He’s not above the organization, and even if this seems like another Stephon Marbury v. New York Knicks situation where the team is paying him to sit on the bench, at least we’re not condoning his behavior. We’re putting guys out on the field who work hard in practice and want to play the game of football even if they don’t have the same amount of pure talent as Marshall. Why is it always the wide receivers who create the most drama? Forget about Brett Favre and Michael Vick for the moment. Guys like T.O., Randy Moss (a few years ago), and Chad Ochocinco need the spotlight. Apparently, Marshall does too. The position that draws guys to the endzone and gives them the highlights on Sports Center also draws them to more drama than a Rosie O’Donnell v. Donald Trump feud.

Marshall confuses the hell out of me. He tells Michael Irvin on his show that as long as he can play, that’s the most important thing. I’ll tell you that if he had half the passion that Brain Dawkins has for the game, I’d be much more likely to cut Marshall a break. The truth is he’s had two incredible seasons and he’s a Beast on the field, but don’t start calling him the Almighty Marshall yet. Half the battle for a football team is getting guys to click on and off the field. If he’s not willing to work on himself in those two areas at this time, he doesn’t deserve to be out there. You would think he’d ride out this season, perform well, and see what’s available around the league after the season is over. We all know he’s going to get a huge contract somewhere, eventually.

I’m willing to say that if the behavior continues, trade him away this season. I know we already lost Cutler and losing Marshall would take a lot away from the offense, but if he doesn’t want to be here, reap some benefit from his departure even if the payout for us is a couple years down the road. Punt that one into the NFL history books.

What should the Broncos do with Marshall? Drop a line below.