Now I’m worried.

I too have found myself being bewildered.

But I do have to take exception with one thing you said:

Either Brandon has gone over the deep-end or we have a real ‘ego’ problem with our coach.

I have yet to hear or read anything from Brandon saying that this affair had anything to do with McDaniels. Complaining about the medical staff does not reflect on McDaniels. Being unhappy with his contract (which Marshall has denied) is not in the realm of McDaniels’ duties. Being unhappy that he has not been dealt is not McDaniels’ fault. McDaniels has repeatedly said he hopes Marshall will be here after his suspension. He has taken slow, careful steps with Marshall. Only choosing suspension after the practice that has appeared in video on more than one site.

So I fail to see how this points to an “ego problem” with our coach.

You’re right on a lot of these points. I don’t think anyone here wants Brandon Marshall the PLAYER gone. It’s foolish to want a talented young receiver gone. However, his actions lately against the team have never been an issue—until now.

I don’t doubt he’s got a good reason to be skeptical of the teams medical staff. He’s got every right to be, but to downright disrespect your coach and more importantly disrespect your teammates the way he did on Wednesday is wrong. He says he has no issues with McDaniels at all and he shouldn’t have a problem with the players either. But it speaks a different story when he acts out against the coach and the team when he does something like that.

I would say that right now, Brandon Marshall the PERSON is taking bad advice from whoever he is listening to. No player in any sport should act like that. He’s said on record that he’s sorry but I feel the same way a lot of fans feel. He’s only sorry that he got caught. He’s not sorry for what he did. He’s sorry that someone caught him and exposed it publicly.

At this point in time, Brandon’s actions have spoken far louder than his words have and those actions make me not want him around. This is a fragile team right now, and someone acting as he has is going destroy anything good we have going for us this year unless it’s handled now.

It is my belief that Josh Mc Daniels made every effort to bring BM into the fold. BM’s actions on Wednesday were something I have never seen in professional football and I have been a Bronco fan since 1964. Even TO never went this far. Brandon’s actions made the Bronco’s actions necessary. Daniel Graham, Brandon Stokely and others have stated that a player has to leave the business side off the field. They made it clear that he had crossed the line.

Having Brandon here AND making a sincere effort would be great, but I’m extremely doubtful.

Mike, slide your glass over, have some KoolAid… I’m buying, my friend!

Go Broncos!

BMarsh has largely brought this on himself. As you say, I and many others do not want Brandon the Player to leave. I must disagree however with blaming McDaniel’s ego.

I have not met Brandon personally, but he seems like a nice guy. That image is tarnished by his run-ins with the law and I believe most of those run-ins were instigated by his psychotic girlfriends.

I remember Little and Gonsoulin and Taylor. I’m not sure what your point is in bringing up those great players who worked their tails off for very little money to make the Broncos what they are today. Brandon’s behavior is a disgrace to their memory.

Finally, gee whiz. We’ve lost one player and maybe another. Out of how many guys on the team? If I had heard any whiff of a locker room revolt I would be very very concerned. But I have not. So I’m not worried either way. Either he stays or he goes. The team will still prepare to win football games. The team will always be more important to me than the individual players.

This a just some angst that you are feeling. As much as I would love to see Brandon on the field, I want Brandon the man to get his priorities straight. I feel that it is an honor to play in the NFL. Only the best of the best play on Sunday (yes I know, even the conquered fader nation included).

While I am younger than you, Mike, I do appreciate the history of this proud franchise. I am reminded of 1996 when Mike Shanahan decided to let Anthony Miller go and went with Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey at the top two WRs that year. Many people had their doubts then, but Miller was a selfish player that didn’t completely buy into the system (plus a huge cap number too). We did well after that.

A man that gets to play and make over $2 million in a year. That’s not a bad way to live. I am sure there are millions that are out of work or underemployed that would kill for a chance to work and get paid a fraction of that.

Brandon has a ton of growing up to do. Denver can’t wait that long for him to do so. Don’t be suprised if this suspension is extended for the regular season.

The sun will come up again tomorrow. All is NOT lost!

Go Broncos!

I’m sorry I am too young to have watched Floyd and Goose, but Marshall is acting like a spoiled 4 year old at the grocery store.

ps I don’t care how far you walked to school either.

This off season has been tough on BroncoNation as a whole. I don’t blame Josh; I think he’s handled the situation behind closed doors and very professional in the media. The way I see it is, Brandon wanted an extension/raise or to be traded to where he could get his raise. After Cutler left, there’s no way a new regime can allow a second player to force their way out. The regime would lose respect and credibility. It would send a message to Royal, Hillis, and ‘the Ryan’s’ to demand to be paid or traded too. Why not? They’ve also out performed their contracts, didn’t have an injury and haven’t been in trouble.

Understanding his previous production, the new regime (not even primarily McDaniels) likely said let’s see how your legal issues work out, prove your hip works, show up to TC and we’ll see what we can do to accommodate you. Brandon then got acquitted from his last case and it was like the next day that his agent was in there saying ‘show me the money’. Contracts aren’t demanded they’re negotiated, and they take a lot of time generally. Brandon knows he needs money, so has to go to training camp. So he decided to throw temper tantrums and dis-respect while there. Coach now says, you’re suspended for just enough time so that you might be able to play in week one to help us and to not lose money. The next move is Brandon’s. But whether it is two weeks or two months, Brandon will play for Denver for at least part of this season until his value goes up and he can be traded or extended on the team’s terms not his own.

Wow, sorry so long. I just meant to say breath, it’ll be ok. It’ll work out becuase neither side can allow it not too. Brandon needs the money or he wouldn’t have even gone to training camp.

despite the fact that I think Marshall is over-rated, he is a very good receiver at times. But one of the most interesting phenomena in sports is that sometimes teams are better off without their best player. Look at the Nuggets last year. Is Iverson a great player – yes. Where the Nuggets better without him? Apparently so.

Is Marshal a very good player – probably. But the Broncos may actually be better off without him. A team is not merely a collection of good players. It requires a certain chemistry and players who do not add to that dynamic can often be counterproductive regardless of how much talent they have.

Here’s another perspective to throw out there, the economic side:

There have been countless worse situations in the NFL over the years than the little hissy fit this punk is throwing right now. Think about it, he is in the last year of his contract, we didn’t pay him a 6 year – $55 Million contract last year, he is on the books for a little over $2 Million IIRC. Even though we are losing a great talent, he is not hurting out pocketbook. He was also not a first round draft pick, he was a gem where we got him in the 6th round, a regular “Italian Job” type theft where we took him. Looking back on it, we see why we got him where we did, because he’s a petulant, worthless brat.

I have tried to give Baby Brandon the benefit of the doubt in this whole thing, I loved watching the guy catch balls for us. I think it is obvious he has crossed the line, and I think he has played his last football with our club.

Even though the topic is skimmed along on the surface repeatedly, the “team” aspect of this issue cannot be overlooked. Come with me on a jaunt into my past real quick… I coached a youth soccer team a few years back (soccer and football player here) when I was 22 years old, my boys were 14 and 15 (a slight McDaniels parallel there with the age difference b/t coach and team). The boys were great and we had a good year, but there were 2 kids who decided they wanted to clash with me every once in a while, now whether that was a result of them being 15 and growing up or a shortcoming in my coaching style and leadership is unknown, probably a combination of both. But, without doubt, the result was those two kids dragging down the development, growth, and “fun factor” for the whole team.

I truly feel that one bad egg can affect the entire team and we are better off without him. I think he’s done here, and I’m fine with it. As EndZone stated, he is only one cog on this team, and with both him and Cutler gone, I think we have a team that has bought in, is focused on what needs to happen, and will get it done.

I agree 100%. I love the Broncos. I’ve been a big fan for over 26 yrs. I have seen this go from one of the classiest organizations in the league, to the biggest joke in the league in less than 7months. Great job McD. I agree with everything you say Mike Clark and your confusion doesn’t make you any less of a fan. The questions you have regarding the organization’s handling of the players is a good one, and I think they can’t even answer some of the actions they have made. I didn’t like what Marshall did and the suspension was just. I also see value in pro-bowlers, and loosing another one would not be good. Great Post!!!

I couldn’t have said it any better!!!!Great Post!!!!!!!

The dude abides with you. I am too young, I admit, to have watched those players you mention. However, and I am going to do a larger article on this in the future, I think as a fan, I’ve matured enough to enjoy the journey now as much as the destination. The struggle pleases as much as the victory, not to go all Zen on you or anything.

Given this, and I know it sounds strange to say it, I am actually enjoying all of the change that is going on with the Broncos, although I feel a little sad for Jay and Brandon because they they clearly have some growing up to do. Mike, enjoy the ride. The season will be here soon. Trust that things will work out the way the should.

Be like water, my friend. Be like water — Bruce Lee

maybe this is the only a way a guy like brandon is going to fit in this system.

maybe this is the signpost that turn a runaway train into a locomotive headed in the right direction.

maybe 15 is just a kid who has never been told no when it counted- including the past 3 seasons.

maybe he still has formative years.

maybe we are in la-la land…

i hear ya mike, i can not help but be disillusioned. people are who they are and often DO NOT surprise us. and at this point it would surprise me if 15 gets his sh#$ together and shows up to play this year.
but i do believe, that if he does, the kid has the tools to be great. really great. because all of the discipline and consistency issues we see Brandon struggle with off the field are uncannily similar to how he struggles on the field. we can only hope that figuring out one he figures out the whole.

I think that speaks volumes.

Fan since 72 here and I have watched and experienced much of the history you elude to in your post…But IMHO, I do not think that McDaniels is at all unaware of the history that has been the Denver Broncos…He is a young and confident coach that wants to help bring back exactly what you are concerned about “us” losing site of…I believe that he is not just a student of the (todays) game but a devoted student of the history of the game as well…And I would bet that he knows all about all the Bronco Teams that we watched and that shaped the lore you refer to…

Go Broncos 13-3 Baby (until otherwise reported!)

  I am working night shifts right now and do not have time to read all the responses. Please forgive me if my response is a repeat or re-iteration of solved matters in previous responses.

 I am 37 years old, and do not know the true impact of Mr. Little. but, I am very concerned that “Bronco Football” is not going to remain “Bronco Football”.

  The Broncos were always a smash mouth team that ran the ball down your throat. That was what was so awesome about the Steelers too. But, now we are seemingly headed twards the New England way, and the Rocky Mountain way was what I loved.

  I fell in love with the Broncos when I was eight years old. I will see where this new style goes, and I will go with it, but traditions always seem to fade, and changes are inevitable (remember assuming the Chargers to be an automatic win?).

  Even if this isn’t our year, my brother, remember what a Cheifs fan told me: “At least your team has won a Super Bowl in your life time”.

  As Broncomaniacs, we have been blessed, and we will again someday. Take heart, and keep the faith mike. 13-3 will happen again. Someday. I will be there to enjoy it when it happens, as I know you will be also unless the good Lord calls us home before then.

Before you go any farther down this road and ioin in with the McDaniels is stupid (or arrogant) crowd… Think!

Remeber the whole Kinnison fiasco? He was a decent reciever who Shanny brought in to fill a role and be our #1 reciever. All is good in Bronco land until Kinnison decides he has personal matters to attend to and leaves his team high and dry for a game with no word to anyone.

Remember how Shanahan handled that one? Without batting an eye, the guy was gone. He asked to come back and found that the door he walked through had closed forever. How many felt that was the wrong way to handle it? How many felt we were a better team with Kinnison here? How many went through angst over Kinnison’s leaving and how many of you blamed his leaving on the ego of Shanahan? And when you think about it, weren’t we better off with the recievers we had who wanted to be here and play for this team?

Even when Kinnison apparently straightened himself out and got his career going again with KC, was anyone here sorry that he left and mad at Shanahan for chasing out a good player. Or did the betrayal of all things Bronco hurt bad enough that you all agreed with Shanny’s handling of the situation?

To his credit, McDaniels has not closed the door on Marshall and refused to talk to him. He is trying his best to wake the kid up and put some sense into him. Will it take? I’m not hopeful, but I think McDaniels is doing everything in his power to both help Marshall and to protect the team the “other 79 guys who are out there every day busting their butts to make this football team into a winner.”

This isn’t about the team kissing Marshall’s ass to get him to stop acting the clown. Its about a man growing up and accepting his responsibilities while he still can. Marshall’s window to make something of life is getting smaller all the time.

By the way, i have been a fan since this franchise was started. We have never been a smash mouth football team in the mold of the Steelers. We have always been a finess team on offense. The Orange Crush defense was not even the rock wall that say, the 85 Bears were. They were designed to be a bend but don’t break defense that only became a wall inside their own 10 yard line.

The systems installed by Fasel and Shanahan were designed to use the pass to open up opportunities to run the ball and they were fantastic with the personnel we had. But being a team dedicated to the run does not make a team a smash mouth, 3 yards a cloud of dust kind of offense.

excellent article and good point to ponder. the question is though if our “rookie” head coach has an “ego problem” that shows us what spoiled people our “pro bowlers” Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall are is that a bad thing? I try to tell the kids around me that it doesn’t matter how someone else act but how you REACT to them. Josh may be head strong and firm willed but if he is the bad guy here he isn’t the one showing it. Perception is REALLY what matters. Case in point:

~When asked if McDaniels tried to trade Cutler he said that he listend to offers but said no.
~Cutler forces his way out of town because he feels betrayed.

I don’t know the facts but I do know what I saw of Cutler made me glad we dealt the Prima Dona

~Coach McDaniels says everyone must work and earn their spot.
~Brandon Marshall thinks he doesn’t need to and acts childish

I don’t know the facts but I do know that Marshall looks liek the fool here not McDaniels!

Again perception to me makes it look like Josh McDaniels will not tolerate me first attitudes and wants the TEAM approach to everything. Is that true? I don’t know but I know how it appears

Were/are unhappy- 0.025%. I’m seeing the problem exists with the .025%, myself- either you’re with the team, or you’re not. Marshall’s behavior was offensive to his teammates- he’s the one at fault here. Both Dan Graham and Brandon Stokely, leaders on the team, said his conduct offended them. I don’t know how you can’t see how in the wrong Marshall is here, without question.

I’m not confused, at all.

Deep breath Mike- the Broncos will be fine with or without Marshall.

I don’t think the team not being officially ecstatic was appropriate and legitimate. Having your star player on trial is an embarrassment and the organization should not take it likely despite the acquittal. Harvey Steinberg is a great attorney and that was a huge factor in the acquittal. I haven’t known a prosecutor who wanted to waste his time on no case. That was Marshall’s woman that was bruised up and cut with a knife. You better believe something was going on. Trouble is brewing with Brandon. He blew off Rod Smith, who overcame similar problems, and he is a young man with no wisdom and no compass. We attorneys used to have an ethical rule to avoid the appearance of impropriety. A similar rule should apply in any profession or organization.