To Brandon Marshall’s credit, the Broncos wide receiver handled his lack of snaps in last Sunday’s game exactly as the team brass would hope.
Marshall got plenty of playing time against Cleveland, but there were many key moments of the game, especially in the second quarter, when he watched from the sideline. Jabar Gaffney and Brandon Stokley are preferred options for Josh McDaniels in some offensive sets.
Marshall’s most telling comment this week: “I’ve learned from trying to fight the system.”
Time will tell if he’s right, but Marshall has at least learned the right way to get back on the field this season and in McDaniels’ good graces. On Sunday, he may get a chance to prove he belongs on the field every snap.
Brandon Stokley is questionable for Denver’s game in Oakland, and missed practice Friday with a thigh injury. As the Denver Post points out, Stokley’s injury should help Marshall get more playing time.
And the change might be just in time for Denver.
The team is 2-0, but the passing game is still in its embryonic stages with Kyle Orton and the Oakland cornerbacks are a team strength. There’s a reason Marshall has gained 2,590 receiving yards over the last two years, easily more than Gaffney and Stokley combined: He’s a dominant football player.
And now that Marshall is behaving well, Denver needs as many players like him as they can get before facing a murderer’s row of upcoming opponents.