WATERCOOLER CHAT
Trouble Brewing a Mile High
Should the Broncos trade Brandon?
It seems since the arrival of the Bronco’s new head coach Josh McDaniels that the kids in the Mile High city just can’t seem to play well. You have to wonder if McDaniels really knew what he was getting himself into when he arrived in Denver this past January.
When the Broncos signed the 32-year old (now 33) to a four-year deal, he was walking into what appeared to be an ideal situation with a heralded franchise quarterback, a pro bowl wide receiver and one of the leagues best offenses. With his pedigree, it certainly seemed the sky could be the limit for the great things he might be able to accomplish.
That was several months ago and today, if you are a Bronco fan to say things appear to be falling apart at the seams that would about cover it. One thing folks may not have remembered to tell McDaniels before his arrival, while he may appear to be younger, he could very well be the more mature.
There’s no question being a head coach in the NFL is a tough life and no one knows better Josh McDaniels who has been through many of the riggers in a very short time. McDaniel’s had to learn the hard way dealing with “today’s” athlete, when he endured the whole “Cutler” debacle. Now that he has survived that mess and has his sights to move forward he faces another potential disaster with another one of his “children.”
Since training camp opened the Bronco’s Pro Bowl receiver has been lobbying with the team for a new deal and has been very vocal about his discontent with the current terms. The difficult situation McDaniels has had to face, every move he now makes is being highly publicized as well as scrutinized following his handling of his former franchise quarterback (Cutler).
The bottom line with the past is, it’s in the past and what is done is done. The situation at hand is clearly different and has a very different stigma. While Marshall has done all the right things on the field to warrant his demands, it’s been his actions off the field that have given the team a moment of pause. Entering camp, Marshall was facing a very serious trial date (August 12th) and the possibility of a long term suspension by the league pending the results of this trial.
While many experts are questioning what McDaniel’s plan actually is, they must also realize that his arrival was going to shake-up the locker room and cause some disruption. Change is never easy, but in Denver change was needed especially when you consider where this team was going a year ago. Improvement has to be the goal and of course having the best talent on the field can only make that possibility easier. Players like Marshall and Cutler can only help your cause along, but only if they want to join the cause.
What to do with Marshall….
Marshall has made it no secret, he wants to get paid. He has also gone as far as to aske for a trade. What he has also done in recent days is shown he lacks maturity and any commitment to the team. He has also yet to make any positive impressions as he did a last training camp when he was facing a league suspension to open the 2008 season. This year’s version of Marshall has been filled more with antics and distractions; press releases stating trade demands and insubordination during practice.
Painted to a corner McDaniels and the Broncos played the only hand they could. Marshall was suspended and this team was once again in the middle of turmoil. From the outside looking in, McDaniels has managed to keep his troops focused and moving forward, but you have to wonder how long before the team is affected.
With Marshall out (suspended until Sept 6th), the rumor mill has begun to spin and there is a lot of talk circulating. The big question has to be for McDaniels and the Broncos “what do you do with Marshall?” Would they really trade him? The real question is, “should they?”
Following his recent act resulting in the suspension, you have to wonder can he be trusted to be a team player and just where is his head? Clearly Marshall wants to collect coin, but is he going about this the right way. Over the past two seasons the Bronco’s 4th year receiver has been one of the top five producing receivers and probably deserves a pay-raise. The only thing and one thing you can’t get around that you can account for why the Broncos would wait to re-sign, Marshall’s off the field behavior.
Marshall just like the Broncos is in a catch-22. He’s put himself in a difficult situation with his domestic issues and can ill-afford to have any problems recur. The Bronco’s understand the delicate matter with his situation (possible suspension), and even though he’s a great talent at the same time he remains a big risk to re-sign right now.
For the moment Marshall’s legal troubles have subsided, but his recent actions have put him in the team’s doghouse. Considering what has already happened this offseason, if you are McDaniels and the Bronco’s, you can’t think trade your first priority has to be to get this kid (Marshall) back on the field.
Trading Marshall should not even be a consideration, but if you’re planning to bring him back he’s got to get his head on straight and see the bigger picture. Marshall is under contract and set to become a free agent following the 2009 season. It would certainly bode well for the Bronco’s to re-sign him now and avoid a bidding war should Marshall become unrestricted, but Brandon must know his asking price will be greatly influenced by his performance. He must also know, he can’t perform if he’s on the sideline or off the field altogether.
September 6th will arrive soon enough and only then will we likely see where this story is going to end. So far McDaniels has survived one disaster in Denver, for the folks in Denver hopefully he can avoid another potential. If you are a Bronco fan, you are hoping Marshall is done with his immature antics and ready to play football.
Only time will tell; in three days.
Question: Should you draft Brandon Marshall or avoid him altogether?
With the highly volatile situation in Denver, Brandon Marshall normally viewed as a number one fantasy receiver becomes a huge risk to draft early. The question is not just when should you, but should you even draft Marshall.
The Fantasy GM
No matter where you sit in your fantasy draft, Marshall is still draft worthy. While Brandon will be a high risk reward pick, you have to consider timing for selecting the mal-content in your draft.
If you are drafting early and have a shot at some of the better WR talent, Marshall is going to offer premium value to you as a number three receiver. While we believe he will play, the missed time will in all likelihood be followed with a slow start. There’s also no guarantee he’ll remain in Denver, so he’s probably not worth risking too much, so avoid drafting early.
There are a good 12-15 receivers that can offer good value in the early rounds, to draft Brandon as your number two could be a risky move, but one you can recover from with a third receiver pick to follow shortly thereafter.
Most fantasy owners are going to look away from Marshall early due to his situation, but you had better believe the reward is worth the risk if you can manage your draft position well. Marshall should not go before the fourth round, any sooner and you run heavy risk but the later offers better value.
Good luck in your draft.
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By David G. Ortega
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