Chiefs Brandon Marshall benched for Chiefs-Broncos game - Page 3

baitism · 01-01-2010, 10:43 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4788055

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Just when they finally patched things up, Brandon Marshall and Josh McDaniels are back to square one, and another reconciliation appears farfetched.

McDaniels announced Friday he's benching Marshall, his Pro Bowl wide receiver, for the team's pivotal season finale against Kansas City on Sunday.

"Our word for the week has been accountability. And we're looking to put the 45 guys on the field on Sunday that want to play together, want to help us try to win and qualify for the playoffs," McDaniels said. "... And anybody that showed any indifference to that, we'll play without them.

Marshall suggested he couldn't have played anyway after pulling his right hamstring at practice this week.

In an extraordinary half-hour at Dove Valley, McDaniels insinuated on the podium that Marshall was exaggerating the extent of his injury and was unaccountable to the team. The Pro Bowl receiver responded from his locker by noting McDaniels never played in the NFL and hinting he might be getting called out by his coach because the Broncos' season is unraveling.

Since a sizzling 6-0 start, the Broncos have gone 2-7.

They'll try to make the playoffs Sunday without their 100-catch receiver or tight end Tony Scheffler, demoted to the scout team, and maybe minus wide receiver Eddie Royal, who has a head injury.

Marshall was voted to his second straight Pro Bowl on Tuesday after becoming just the fifth wide receiver with three consecutive 100-catch seasons. He spoke Wednesday about how fulfilling it was to bounce back after a tumultuous offseason that included a rocky start to his relationship with McDaniels, who rejected trade requests and demands for a new contract. McDaniels also suspended him for nine days during training camp for insubordination at practice.

Minutes later, Marshall was clutching his right hamstring after pulling up lame on a route and hopping to the sideline.

Marshall said an MRI showed no structural damage, "but when you try to explode and take off, if you don't have it, you don't have it."

He missed Thursday's practice, and when asked if his star receiver would work out Friday, McDaniels said Marshall would be deactivated for the game and noted it was "a coaching decision," not an injury issue."

"There's a number of players that are going to play on Sunday with things that are much more difficult to deal with than what he has," McDaniels said, a phrase he repeated three times during his news conference.

"It's never going to be acceptable while I'm here and while this staff is here and while we're trying to build our staff with this philosophy. I don't know if it was acceptable before, but it isn't going to be now and it never will be. And this isn't about sending a message, it's about fielding a team that wants to go out there and win and give us the best opportunity to do that."

Co-captain Daniel Graham said that while Marshall has been a good teammate this year, McDaniels was doing what was in the team's best interests.

Marshall said he respected his coach's decision, but couldn't play effectively with his tweaked hamstring. He also couldn't believe McDaniels was questioning his toughness.

"I don't think coach ever played in the NFL, so for my hamstring to be feeling the way it felt, it's tough for me to go out there and expect to play at a high level," Marshall said. "I've battled through a whole lot of injuries before. I played the whole year last year with a tear in my hip. So, I don't think my toughness is in question here."

Marshall also took offense to the suggestion he wasn't buying into McDaniels' program.

"I'm a guy who's been giving it up a lot for this team," said Marshall, who has 101 receptions for 1,120 yards and 10 touchdowns. "I approached this year in a professional manner and I'm going to continue to do that. If he decides to take some personal shots because of the way the season's unfolding, it's not my fault. "I've made big plays when I'm supposed to."

What about accountability?

"Well, accountability and injury is different, you know?" Marshall said. "I pulled, well, I wouldn't say I pulled my hamstring, it's definitely not that bad, but it's tough."

Marshall said he hopes he's available next week if the Broncos make the playoffs, which would make for an awkward situation given all the accusations flying around Friday.

Are the Broncos laying the groundwork for a separation? Will the sides ever be able to patch up their differences?

Marshall is in the final year of a contract that pays him $2.2 million this season. His earnings power might be limited this offseason if there's no new collective bargaining agreement, leaving him as a restricted free agent. That means the Broncos could offer only a modest raise of about $1 million -- providing they want to keep him.

McDaniels said he didn't know if contractual issues were at the root of his latest dustup with Marshall, but suggested the receiver was putting selfish interests ahead of the team's.

Asked if Marshall will even be in the stadium Sunday, McDaniels said: "I don't know."

Was this the last straw?

"Anything I do moving forward is going to be in a professional manner," Marshall said. "I'm not going to get into any he said/she said like we've done in the past. I think that's childish, and like I said, I don't think there's any question about my toughness, the way I play the game. It could be first-and-10 and if I gain 15 yards, I'm still fighting for 16 yards."

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

Sounds like McDaniels needs 53 Lance Longs.

Consistent1 · 01-02-2010, 07:03 AM

I have a question. Has Eddie Royal had nagging injuries, or some issue, that have kept him from being all that effective this year? Think I may have watched part of two Denver games this year, and one where was where Royal went off as a returner. It seems to me that he is somewhat of a factor in them falling off so much. If Royal isn't even playing that well, Marshall just says ho-hum, let's go grab 100 plus balls. There almost has to be a touch more to this story with Marshall than a injury argument. There are people out there that advocate garbage like the Colt's did to "protect" guys. Why would you not let Marshall sit out practice and be ready for the damn game? He doesn't get paid to practice. What am I missing? I would like to hear the Denver guys perspective on Royal's impact also.

Mile High Mania · 01-02-2010, 07:32 AM

Well, McD has assured that us that Marshall will be with another team in 2010...

**BossChief** · 01-02-2010, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Consistent1

I have a question. Has Eddie Royal had nagging injuries, or some issue, that have kept him from being all that effective this year? Think I may have watched part of two Denver games this year, and one where was where Royal went off as a returner. It seems to me that he is somewhat of a factor in them falling off so much. If Royal isn't even playing that well, Marshall just says ho-hum, let's go grab 100 plus balls. There almost has to be a touch more to this story with Marshall than a injury argument. There are people out there that advocate garbage like the Colt's did to "protect" guys. Why would you not let Marshall sit out practice and be ready for the damn game? He doesn't get paid to practice. What am I missing? I would like to hear the Denver guys perspective on Royal's impact also.

Brandon Marshall thinks he chooses when he is hurt or injured.

He doesn't.

McD said in his interview that the team docs said it isnt as bad as he is making it out to be.

**BossChief** · 01-02-2010, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

Well, McD has assured that us that Marshall will be with another team in 2010...

I kind of took it that way as well. He was almost talking about Marshall in a past tense, wasn't he?

Mile High Mania · 01-02-2010, 07:39 AM

I have issues with a coach doubting a player in regards to an injury... it just doesn't sound right. And, if this BS has been going on all year, they've done a good job hiding it... all of a sudden we just did a 180 and we're right back where we were prior to week 1.

suds79 · 01-02-2010, 07:50 AM

I love it.

Marshall kills us (and everybody else) twice a year and despite the fact that he's a head case, he's a fantastic WR.

I'll be pumped to see him shipped out.

Chalk it up as a small victory from a KC fan's prospective when there hasn't been much else to look forward to.

-King- · 01-02-2010, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Brandon Marshall thinks he chooses when he is hurt or injured.

He doesn't.

McD said in his interview that the team docs said it isnt as bad as he is making it out to be.

Well last year the team docs said his hip injury wasn't bad, and it turn out to be a serious injury that needed surgery.
Posted via Mobile Device

Mile High Mania · 01-02-2010, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Brandon Marshall thinks he chooses when he is hurt or injured.

He doesn't.

McD said in his interview that the team docs said it isnt as bad as he is making it out to be.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KcChiefsKing

Well last year the team docs said his injury wasn't bad, and it turn out to be a serious injury that needed surgery.
Posted via Mobile Device

"I was told last year too (by the Broncos' medical staff) that I didn't have a tear in my hip, and I've gotten several MRIs on my hip last year," said Marshall, who had offseason hip surgery.

Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/premium/br...#ixzz0bSpS41Gi

Scheffler is also benched... not that he's been a huge factor, but that nice li'l draft class from a few years ago is all but gone after this year. And, I'm not too sure about the youthful prospects left behind.

McDaniels is slowly getting back into the doghouse with me. I think he comes off incredibly more arrogant than any accomplishments warrant... he's still earned nothing as a HC and on Sunday, anything happens now.

**DaFace** · 01-02-2010, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

I have issues with a coach doubting a player in regards to an injury... it just doesn't sound right. And, if this BS has been going on all year, they've done a good job hiding it... all of a sudden we just did a 180 and we're right back where we were prior to week 1.

Yeah, that makes me wonder as well. I mean, I have no doubts that Marshall COULD be dogging it, and he may be able to play. Still, I've never known an x-ray that could really tell how bad something hurts.

Warrior5 · 01-02-2010, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

Well, McD has assured that us that Marshall will be with another team in 2010...

He was made for Oakland.

RippedmyFlesh · 01-02-2010, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KcChiefsKing

Well last year the team docs said his hip injury wasn't bad, and it turn out to be a serious injury that needed surgery.
Posted via Mobile Device

Which says denver is slighly dysfunctional as opposed to marshall going TO.

RippedmyFlesh · 01-02-2010, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

I have issues with a coach doubting a player in regards to an injury... it just doesn't sound right. And, if this BS has been going on all year, they've done a good job hiding it... all of a sudden we just did a 180 and we're right back where we were prior to week 1.

I agree.I may hate him because he is a donk but I have seen him make tough catches and take hits to know he's not a pussy.It's not always how much something hurts if it makes you ineffective you can't play.

InChiefsHeaven · 01-02-2010, 11:01 AM

If he's unrestricted after this season...godammit Scott...get it done...

Mr. Laz · 01-02-2010, 11:11 AM

just means that Denver doesn't think it needs Marshall to win against the Chiefs.

|Zach| · 01-02-2010, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

just means that Denver doesn't think it needs Marshall to win against the Chiefs.

I don't think that is the reason. We had a good close game against a division winner last week, this is for the playoffs for them and they would be going without...

-Brandon Marshall (out)
-Tony Scheffler (out)
-Eddie Royal (questionable. DNP on Wed. Head/neck injury) May not play
-Peyton Hills (won't see any significant action as usual)
-Daniel Graham (questionable)

01-01-2010, 10:43 PM
baitism Starter Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Overland Park, KS Casino cash: $3599551	Brandon Marshall benched for Chiefs-Broncos game http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4788055 ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Just when they finally patched things up, Brandon Marshall and Josh McDaniels are back to square one, and another reconciliation appears farfetched. McDaniels announced Friday he's benching Marshall, his Pro Bowl wide receiver, for the team's pivotal season finale against Kansas City on Sunday. "Our word for the week has been accountability. And we're looking to put the 45 guys on the field on Sunday that want to play together, want to help us try to win and qualify for the playoffs," McDaniels said. "... And anybody that showed any indifference to that, we'll play without them. Marshall suggested he couldn't have played anyway after pulling his right hamstring at practice this week. In an extraordinary half-hour at Dove Valley, McDaniels insinuated on the podium that Marshall was exaggerating the extent of his injury and was unaccountable to the team. The Pro Bowl receiver responded from his locker by noting McDaniels never played in the NFL and hinting he might be getting called out by his coach because the Broncos' season is unraveling. Since a sizzling 6-0 start, the Broncos have gone 2-7. They'll try to make the playoffs Sunday without their 100-catch receiver or tight end Tony Scheffler, demoted to the scout team, and maybe minus wide receiver Eddie Royal, who has a head injury. Marshall was voted to his second straight Pro Bowl on Tuesday after becoming just the fifth wide receiver with three consecutive 100-catch seasons. He spoke Wednesday about how fulfilling it was to bounce back after a tumultuous offseason that included a rocky start to his relationship with McDaniels, who rejected trade requests and demands for a new contract. McDaniels also suspended him for nine days during training camp for insubordination at practice. Minutes later, Marshall was clutching his right hamstring after pulling up lame on a route and hopping to the sideline. Marshall said an MRI showed no structural damage, "but when you try to explode and take off, if you don't have it, you don't have it." He missed Thursday's practice, and when asked if his star receiver would work out Friday, McDaniels said Marshall would be deactivated for the game and noted it was "a coaching decision," not an injury issue." "There's a number of players that are going to play on Sunday with things that are much more difficult to deal with than what he has," McDaniels said, a phrase he repeated three times during his news conference. "It's never going to be acceptable while I'm here and while this staff is here and while we're trying to build our staff with this philosophy. I don't know if it was acceptable before, but it isn't going to be now and it never will be. And this isn't about sending a message, it's about fielding a team that wants to go out there and win and give us the best opportunity to do that." Co-captain Daniel Graham said that while Marshall has been a good teammate this year, McDaniels was doing what was in the team's best interests. Marshall said he respected his coach's decision, but couldn't play effectively with his tweaked hamstring. He also couldn't believe McDaniels was questioning his toughness. "I don't think coach ever played in the NFL, so for my hamstring to be feeling the way it felt, it's tough for me to go out there and expect to play at a high level," Marshall said. "I've battled through a whole lot of injuries before. I played the whole year last year with a tear in my hip. So, I don't think my toughness is in question here." Marshall also took offense to the suggestion he wasn't buying into McDaniels' program. "I'm a guy who's been giving it up a lot for this team," said Marshall, who has 101 receptions for 1,120 yards and 10 touchdowns. "I approached this year in a professional manner and I'm going to continue to do that. If he decides to take some personal shots because of the way the season's unfolding, it's not my fault. "I've made big plays when I'm supposed to." What about accountability? "Well, accountability and injury is different, you know?" Marshall said. "I pulled, well, I wouldn't say I pulled my hamstring, it's definitely not that bad, but it's tough." Marshall said he hopes he's available next week if the Broncos make the playoffs, which would make for an awkward situation given all the accusations flying around Friday. Are the Broncos laying the groundwork for a separation? Will the sides ever be able to patch up their differences? Marshall is in the final year of a contract that pays him $2.2 million this season. His earnings power might be limited this offseason if there's no new collective bargaining agreement, leaving him as a restricted free agent. That means the Broncos could offer only a modest raise of about $1 million -- providing they want to keep him. McDaniels said he didn't know if contractual issues were at the root of his latest dustup with Marshall, but suggested the receiver was putting selfish interests ahead of the team's. Asked if Marshall will even be in the stadium Sunday, McDaniels said: "I don't know." Was this the last straw? "Anything I do moving forward is going to be in a professional manner," Marshall said. "I'm not going to get into any he said/she said like we've done in the past. I think that's childish, and like I said, I don't think there's any question about my toughness, the way I play the game. It could be first-and-10 and if I gain 15 yards, I'm still fighting for 16 yards." Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press Sounds like McDaniels needs 53 Lance Longs.
Posts: 273

01-02-2010, 07:03 AM	#31
Consistent1 _____________ Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $10004900	I have a question. Has Eddie Royal had nagging injuries, or some issue, that have kept him from being all that effective this year? Think I may have watched part of two Denver games this year, and one where was where Royal went off as a returner. It seems to me that he is somewhat of a factor in them falling off so much. If Royal isn't even playing that well, Marshall just says ho-hum, let's go grab 100 plus balls. There almost has to be a touch more to this story with Marshall than a injury argument. There are people out there that advocate garbage like the Colt's did to "protect" guys. Why would you not let Marshall sit out practice and be ready for the damn game? He doesn't get paid to practice. What am I missing? I would like to hear the Denver guys perspective on Royal's impact also.
Posts: 3,096

01-02-2010, 07:32 AM	#32
Mile High Mania #triggering Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Tejas Casino cash: $1007229	Well, McD has assured that us that Marshall will be with another team in 2010... __________________
Posts: 30,896

01-02-2010, 07:39 AM	#35
Mile High Mania #triggering Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Tejas Casino cash: $1007229	I have issues with a coach doubting a player in regards to an injury... it just doesn't sound right. And, if this BS has been going on all year, they've done a good job hiding it... all of a sudden we just did a 180 and we're right back where we were prior to week 1. __________________
Posts: 30,896

01-02-2010, 07:50 AM	#36
suds79 MVP Join Date: Sep 2000 Casino cash: $10005036	I love it. Marshall kills us (and everybody else) twice a year and despite the fact that he's a head case, he's a fantastic WR. I'll be pumped to see him shipped out. Chalk it up as a small victory from a KC fan's prospective when there hasn't been much else to look forward to.
Posts: 5,747

01-02-2010, 11:01 AM	#43
InChiefsHeaven Rockin' yer FACE OFF! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Casino cash: $685437	If he's unrestricted after this season...godammit Scott...get it done... __________________ We have a million reasons for failure, but not one excuse... Die Donks, DIE!! Holy Crap fellas!!! We did it!!! THREE TIMES!!!
Posts: 27,230

01-02-2010, 11:11 AM	#44
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	just means that Denver doesn't think it needs Marshall to win against the Chiefs. __________________
Posts: 95,626

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