Player Spotlight: Brandon Marshall (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2008 Player Spotlight Series

One of Footballguys best assets is our message board community. The Shark Pool is, in our view, the best place on the internet to discuss, debate and analyze all things fantasy football. In what's become an annual tradition, the Player Spotlight series is a key part of the preseason efforts. As many of you know, we consider the Player Spotlight threads the permanent record for analyzing the fantasy prospects of the player in question. Last year, we published more than 140 offensive spotlights covering the vast majority of expected skill position starters. This year will be no different.

Each week we will post a list of players to be discussed. Those threads will remain open for the entire preseason, and should be a central point to discussion expectations for the player in question. Importantly, analysis done in the first week of posting will be part of the permanent record in two ways. 1) At the end of the week, we will tally the projections into a consensus. 2) We will select a number of pull quotes from forum contributors who make a compelling statement or observation. Both the projections and pull quotes will be part of a published article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver Broncos

Player Page Link: Brandon Marshall Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide maximum value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsNow let's get on with the conversation! We look forward to your contributions and let me offer a personal thanks in anticipation of the great debate and analysis.

 

[the UFFRM]

I really like this guy this year because I think he will be undervalued due to his questionable maturity, i.e."the wrasslin' incident" and the resulting injuries. He is young enough to bounce back strong from these injuries and there is little to no competition for targets from anyone other than Scheffler who may or may not be able to be relied upon due to his recurring foot problem. IMO the increased health of Cutler in terms of actually diagnosed and treated diabetes will also serve to help Marshall maintain and/or improve his numbers. The Denver O-line will be improved as well with a new LT in Clady which will give Cutler more time to find his #1 option. In the FBG redraft rankings he is sitting on WR14 but with some of the questions about the receivers surrounding him both above and below in the rankings I would not hesitate to snatch him up after WR5 and would gleefully giggle if he's around anywhere after WR10. I see his yards as the same as last year just below 1400 but with an increase in TDs. If he gets his mitts on another 100 balls like last year there is no way he gets less than a dozen TDs. I feel that way because Cutler will be placing the ball much better than last year with a clearer head and stronger arm so Brandon will be hit in stride. 1400/14

 

[a_troll00]

Will Brandon Marshall ever fully recover from his off-season injury? A few weeks back I heard on the Denver sports radio station, 104.3 the fan, on the Irv, Joe, and Jim show that Brandon can't move the fingers on his injured arm. Is this from tendon damage, or nerve damage? Will he ever fully regain the use of that hand? It's still way too early to make any assessments for this upcoming season.

 

[JPeso]

Marshall has set aside his WWE aspirations in hopes of returning to 07/08 form. Marshall is a PPR stud and will continue to get top-end targets, making him one of the most consistent WRs from week to week.

95 catches, 1330 yards, 14.0 YPC, 12 TD

 

[the UFFRM]

Will Brandon Marshall ever fully recover from his off-season injury? A few weeks back I heard on the Denver sports radio station, 104.3 the fan, on the Irv, Joe, and Jim show that Brandon can't move the fingers on his injured arm. Is this from tendon damage, or nerve damage? Will he ever fully regain the use of that hand? It's still way too early to make any assessments for this upcoming season.

I agree that it is too early to make assessments for the upcoming season in the case of an injured player, especially in a case such as this where the injury is non-football related, freakish, and rare. I should have included a disclaimer in my previous post that, "If BM can return to pre-injury form or close to it, yada-yada-yada." Did the radio show mention anything else pertaining to the amount of time it would expectedly take for dexterity or motion to return after the tendon or nerve damage has healed or was it just a status report for that specific time. Could this have already changed since a few weeks back?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

50 catches 750 yds, 5 TD...I assume he will be in and out of the lineup

 

[radballs]

85 receptions, 1,120 receiving yards, 6 TDs

 

[a_troll00]

Will Brandon Marshall ever fully recover from his off-season injury? A few weeks back I heard on the Denver sports radio station, 104.3 the fan, on the Irv, Joe, and Jim show that Brandon can't move the fingers on his injured arm. Is this from tendon damage, or nerve damage? Will he ever fully regain the use of that hand? It's still way too early to make any assessments for this upcoming season.

I agree that it is too early to make assessments for the upcoming season in the case of an injured player, especially in a case such as this where the injury is non-football related, freakish, and rare. I should have included a disclaimer in my previous post that, "If BM can return to pre-injury form or close to it, yada-yada-yada." Did the radio show mention anything else pertaining to the amount of time it would expectedly take for dexterity or motion to return after the tendon or nerve damage has healed or was it just a status report for that specific time. Could this have already changed since a few weeks back?

I haven't heard anything else about the injury. I'm just hoping he can regain full use of his hand so he can catch the football.

 

[Jon_Moore]

If you followed the Broncos passing game last season, Jay Cutler really has a knack for finding the number one receiver. Javon Walker went over 100 yards in each of the 1st 2 games before being hurt in the 3rd. While Walker was out, Marshall went off all season long. Walker returns at less than 100%, Marshall acts as the #1, keeps getting all the targets. Cutler is going to be looking for and finding this kid ALOT. Marshall should be in for a great season with 16 games as the #1.

If the 3rd year is the breakout year, Marshall is in for one heck of one if the injury doesn't hold him ba ck.

94 catches

1204 yards

9 tds

 

[Banger]

95-1300-10

I see no reason why he shouldn't put up numbers like last year with a couple more TD's. He's Denver's best offensive weapon and they will work to get the ball into the hands of their best playmaker.

He was the #9 WR last year in his 1st year as a starter (2nd year player) and his only "downfall" last year was that he only had 7 tds. The Bronco's were putrid in the redzone and while Marshall started off slowly in TD's (only 2 td's in his 1st 9 games) he came on at the end of the season and scored 5 td's over his last 7 games. The disparity may have been due to the fact that Walker may have gotten the redzone looks in the beginning of the season. He had tremendous consistency in his targets, receptions and yards throughout the year. Towards the end of the year they were essentially using him as a RB for a couple plays a game where they would throw him the ball at the line and let him make some plays. He closed the year with 13, 16, 13 and 13 targets (and averaged 10.625/game).

They cut his biggest competition and other than the injury and maybe some attitude problems I'm not sure what there is not to love about this 3rd year wr.

 

[Jason Wood]

Marshall is one of the players I spotlight in our annual magazine, so I'll save the lion's share of my analysis for when that hits the stands. But I think the important things to consider are:

A) He's an all around receiver; ranking well in both yards after the catch and big plays

B) He's clearly the Broncos best receiver

C) Jay Cutler had a solid season despite losing 32 pounds fighting undiagnosed Diabetes, that bodes well for a better passing attack in 2008

D) Marshall was ROUTINELY mauled in the red zone by virtue of the Broncos having no depth at the WR position last year

E) The likelihood that he'll be the most targeted WR in the NFL in 2008 is minimal; so he'll need to do more with less

F) Nothing suggests he's incapable of doing just that

G) Maturity is THE X-factor; as is the derivative arm injury from said lack of maturity

If healthy, pencil the guy in as a stud (in both redrafts and dynasty leagues). But you better make sure he's back in practice and looking OK in training camp before reaching for him.

 

[Banger]

Marshall is one of the players I spotlight in our annual magazine, so I'll save the lion's share of my analysis for when that hits the stands. But I think the important things to consider are:A) He's an all around receiver; ranking well in both yards after the catch and big playsB) He's clearly the Broncos best receiverC) Jay Cutler had a solid season despite losing 32 pounds fighting undiagnosed Diabetes, that bodes well for a better passing attack in 2008D) Marshall was ROUTINELY mauled in the red zone by virtue of the Broncos having no depth at the WR position last yearE) The likelihood that he'll be the most targeted WR in the NFL in 2008 is minimal; so he'll need to do more with lessF) Nothing suggests he's incapable of doing just thatG) Maturity is THE X-factor; as is the derivative arm injury from said lack of maturityIf healthy, pencil the guy in as a stud (in both redrafts and dynasty leagues). But you better make sure he's back in practice and looking OK in training camp before reaching for him.

Agree completely but on point E) although I agree that he probably won't repeat as the overall leader in targets I would expect him to be in the top 10 in the 150+ range (last year he had 170). He's the type of WR that you want the ball in his hands often because of his freaky YAC ability (the best in the league IMO).

 

[Jason Wood]

Marshall is one of the players I spotlight in our annual magazine, so I'll save the lion's share of my analysis for when that hits the stands. But I think the important things to consider are:A) He's an all around receiver; ranking well in both yards after the catch and big playsB) He's clearly the Broncos best receiverC) Jay Cutler had a solid season despite losing 32 pounds fighting undiagnosed Diabetes, that bodes well for a better passing attack in 2008D) Marshall was ROUTINELY mauled in the red zone by virtue of the Broncos having no depth at the WR position last yearE) The likelihood that he'll be the most targeted WR in the NFL in 2008 is minimal; so he'll need to do more with lessF) Nothing suggests he's incapable of doing just thatG) Maturity is THE X-factor; as is the derivative arm injury from said lack of maturityIf healthy, pencil the guy in as a stud (in both redrafts and dynasty leagues). But you better make sure he's back in practice and looking OK in training camp before reaching for him.

Agree completely but on point E) although I agree that he probably won't repeat as the overall leader in targets I would expect him to be in the top 10 in the 150+ range (last year he had 170). He's the type of WR that you want the ball in his hands often because of his freaky YAC ability (the best in the league IMO).

Sure...I have no reason to think, if healthy, he won't be targeted a ton. I just wanted to point out that if people are going to project INCREASING numbers in 2008, they better expect Marshall to do more with each target, offset by SOME reduction in overall looks.

 

[css2373]

WR's that are head cases can go either way, you have TO and Chad and then you have Jerry Porter. I expect him to do well, top 15, but he will be up and down all season, just like the Broncos.

80 recs 1150 yds 7 TDs

 

[Nigel Tufnel]

 

[Banger]

Marshall is one of the players I spotlight in our annual magazine, so I'll save the lion's share of my analysis for when that hits the stands. But I think the important things to consider are:A) He's an all around receiver; ranking well in both yards after the catch and big playsB) He's clearly the Broncos best receiverC) Jay Cutler had a solid season despite losing 32 pounds fighting undiagnosed Diabetes, that bodes well for a better passing attack in 2008D) Marshall was ROUTINELY mauled in the red zone by virtue of the Broncos having no depth at the WR position last yearE) The likelihood that he'll be the most targeted WR in the NFL in 2008 is minimal; so he'll need to do more with lessF) Nothing suggests he's incapable of doing just thatG) Maturity is THE X-factor; as is the derivative arm injury from said lack of maturityIf healthy, pencil the guy in as a stud (in both redrafts and dynasty leagues). But you better make sure he's back in practice and looking OK in training camp before reaching for him.

Agree completely but on point E) although I agree that he probably won't repeat as the overall leader in targets I would expect him to be in the top 10 in the 150+ range (last year he had 170). He's the type of WR that you want the ball in his hands often because of his freaky YAC ability (the best in the league IMO).

Sure...I have no reason to think, if healthy, he won't be targeted a ton. I just wanted to point out that if people are going to project INCREASING numbers in 2008, they better expect Marshall to do more with each target, offset by SOME reduction in overall looks.

Agreed. I think his TD productivity will increase for a number of reasons.

 

[Banger]

WR's that are head cases can go either way, you have TO and Chad and then you have Jerry Porter. I expect him to do well, top 15, but he will be up and down all season, just like the Broncos.80 recs 1150 yds 7 TDs

The Bronco's were up and down last year, had the Travis Henry saga, their line was decimated, apparently their QB had diabetes and didn't know it and while Marshall was a 2nd year wr he put up these #'s...Targ-rec-yards-tds-fpts8-5-52-1 11.21-5-82-0 8.211-7-133-0 13.37-3-23-1 8.313-7-72-0 7.210-6-77-0 7.77-3-74-0 7.418-9-96-0 9.69-6-85-0 8.56-4-56-1 13.210-4-97-1 15.79-6-67-0 6.713-10-115-2 24.516-11-107-0 10.713-6-75-0 7.513-10-114-1 20.5I haven't analyzed every WR in the league but I'd expect you'd be hard pressed to find a more consistent wr in terms of targets, receptions and yards in the NFL. In Porter's 8 years he hasn't put up a season close to Marshall did. I don't mind him being in the same conversation as TO/Chad.

 

[css2373]

WR's that are head cases can go either way, you have TO and Chad and then you have Jerry Porter. I expect him to do well, top 15, but he will be up and down all season, just like the Broncos.80 recs 1150 yds 7 TDs

The Bronco's were up and down last year, had the Travis Henry saga, their line was decimated, apparently their QB had diabetes and didn't know it and while Marshall was a 2nd year wr he put up these #'s...Targ-rec-yards-tds-fpts8-5-52-1 11.21-5-82-0 8.211-7-133-0 13.37-3-23-1 8.313-7-72-0 7.210-6-77-0 7.77-3-74-0 7.418-9-96-0 9.69-6-85-0 8.56-4-56-1 13.210-4-97-1 15.79-6-67-0 6.713-10-115-2 24.516-11-107-0 10.713-6-75-0 7.513-10-114-1 20.5I haven't analyzed every WR in the league but I'd expect you'd be hard pressed to find a more consistent wr in terms of targets, receptions and yards in the NFL. In Porter's 8 years he hasn't put up a season close to Marshall did. I don't mind him being in the same conversation as TO/Chad.

Just making an indirect statement on how WR's can be huge headaches.

 

[Two Deep]

If his arm and hand operate like that of a T-Rex he's done, otherwise 90-1350 11tds

 

[Andy Dufresne]

If his arm and hand operate like that of a T-Rex he's done, otherwise 90-1350 11tds

If his arm and hand operate like that of a T-Rex, I predict these numbers.

 

[Banger]

If his arm and hand operate like that of a T-Rex he's done, otherwise 90-1350 11tds

If his arm and hand operate like that of a T-Rex, I predict these numbers.

 

[Banger]

85 receptions, 1,120 receiving yards, 6 TDs

Curioius...I've been looking at the various spotlight threads and my projections are nearly identical to yours in all the threads I've posted in with the exception of Marshall. I own Marshall (I don't love him because I own him, I own him because I love him) so I may be a little close to the situation but I'm curious why you have him decreasing across the board. I'm sure it has to do with a reduction in the sick number of targets he got last year but I'd expect there has to be more...

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

85 1233 8

 

[Man who'd fire the Yorks]

All the negatives and positives have been pretty well covered so I won't add anything to that. I'm just gonna say I think he's in for a stellar year with.......

93 catches

1350 yds

13 TD's

 

[Coeur de Lion]

He and Cutler should continue to improve together; both are on the rise. I agree that he won't likely lead the NFL in targets again, but he'll be in the top handful of guys.

90 catches, 1300 yards, 9 TDs

 

[bluesclues]

Top 5 WR in a PPR league.

Underrated and with Fitz, the next generation of NFL WR fantasy studs.

 

[Lash]

If you followed the Broncos passing game last season, Jay Cutler really has a knack for finding the number one receiver. Javon Walker went over 100 yards in each of the 1st 2 games before being hurt in the 3rd. While Walker was out, Marshall went off all season long. Walker returns at less than 100%, Marshall acts as the #1, keeps getting all the targets. Cutler is going to be looking for and finding this kid ALOT. Marshall should be in for a great season with 16 games as the #1. If the 3rd year is the breakout year, Marshall is in for one heck of one if the injury doesn't hold him ba ck.94 catches1204 yards9 tds

add Earl Bennett to the list above, every SEC defense knew Cutler was targeting Bennett nearly every time even sans running game and the pair still dominated so yes he will feed his WR1I think a year of recovery (nerve/tendon damage in the arm/hand just doesn't bode well for a WR) and will temper expectations at77 catches1010 yards7 TDs

 

[LHUCKS]

105/1440/11

5/50 (don't forget the rushing)

Anyone else notice a huge increase in PPG after Walker was out???

Value Play

 

[radballs]

85 receptions, 1,120 receiving yards, 6 TDs

105/1440/11

5/50 (don't forget the rushing)

Anyone else notice a huge increase in PPG after Walker was out???

Value Play

Disagree quite a bit. GL with Marshall this year because with those projections he should be close to being on all of your teams depending on your draft slot.

 

[LHUCKS]

Disagree quite a bit. GL with Marshall this year because with those projections he should be close to being on all of your teams depending on your draft slot.

I suspect he will...he has a high floor IMHO.

 

[radballs]

Disagree quite a bit. GL with Marshall this year because with those projections he should be close to being on all of your teams depending on your draft slot.

I suspect he will...he has a high floor IMHO.

Well, we really disagree there then. Because, my projection is a mid range one based off of all the other issues that could come crashing down for him. Head case, injury, never really the lead guy, and not much of a track record with an extremely young but promising QB on a below average squad. And, let's not forget an aging and retiring offensive line. Once, the best run blocking line in the league and a decent pass blocking line is only getting worse. We'll see.

 

[The Man with the Plan]

Talk to me again in July. It's just too soon right now to make any kind of projection. It's hard to catch 100 passes with one arm.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

This is Denver's best offensive player. He's a standout athlete who must get the ball. Denver showed last season if they couldn't get it to him conventionally, they'd throw WR screens or even give him the ball on reverses. We know the negatives, he may be immature, there's a little uncertainty about the injury but I'm looking past those things and expect a very solid season from Brandon Marshall.

97 receptions for 1150 yards and 9 td's

 

[LBH]

I love his talent, but the injury and his maturity level worry me some.

90 1200 8

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I love his talent, but the injury and his maturity level worry me some.90 1200 8

They can't worry you much.......you have him going up in receptions and yardage

 

[LHUCKS]

105/1440/11

5/50 (don't forget the rushing)

Anyone else notice a huge increase in PPG after Walker was out???

Value Play

this is assuming he's healthy

 

[LBH]

I love his talent, but the injury and his maturity level worry me some.90 1200 8

They can't worry you much.......you have him going up in receptions and yardage

the projections are based on those factors not being an issue for 08. Im just saying they do worry me a little

 

[Banger]

I love his talent, but the injury and his maturity level worry me some.90 1200 8

They can't worry you much.......you have him going up in receptions and yardage

he had over 1300 yards and 100 catchs last year...he did increase the td's by 1 though...

 

[The Man With No Name]

92-1320-9

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

 

[travdogg]

95-1300-10

I think that Denver team is going to surprise people.

 

[FavreCo]

The Rocky Mountain News reports Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall's (arm) recovery is progressing well.

The claw is well ahead of schedule to produce 105-1650-14 TDs.

 

[Banger]

The Rocky Mountain News reports Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall's (arm) recovery is progressing well.The claw is well ahead of schedule to produce 105-1650-14 TDs. :(

I'd say that's possible, not probable (and I'm a huge Marshall fan). That would have comfortably made him the #2 wr last year.

 

[puckalicious]

The Rocky Mountain News reports Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall's (arm) recovery is progressing well.The claw is well ahead of schedule to produce 105-1650-14 TDs.

I'd say that's possible, not probable (and I'm a huge Marshall fan). That would have comfortably made him the #2 wr last year.

That says alot about how sick Moss was last year. I don't think we'll see a WR season like that again in a LONG time. If Marshall gets those stats I will poop my pants since I just got him for very cheap from an owner convinced his hand is now less useful than a pirate's hook.80-90, 1000-1200, 8-10

 

[H.K.]

No need to overthink this one. Marshall is the best receiving option on the roster (by a wide margin) and he will get a TON of passes thrown his way.

100 recepts

1500 yards

12 TD

 

[thehornet]

Disagree quite a bit. GL with Marshall this year because with those projections he should be close to being on all of your teams depending on your draft slot.

I suspect he will...he has a high floor IMHO.

Well, we really disagree there then. Because, my projection is a mid range one based off of all the other issues that could come crashing down for him. Head case, injury, never really the lead guy, and not much of a track record with an extremely young but promising QB on a below average squad. And, let's not forget an aging and retiring offensive line. Once, the best run blocking line in the league and a decent pass blocking line is only getting worse. We'll see.

get your facts straight, Left tackle Lepsis (retired) is 34, but besides that they are very young. Pears, Holland, Myers and Kuper are all under 28, mostly around the 25-26 age. Scheffler is a pass catching tight end, but he is also a good blocker when needed.edit to add: Ben hamilton and Nalen are back from injuries too.

 

[mozzy84]

94 - 1450 - 10 td

 

[GoLobos]

Everybody talks about his injuries, but he seems to be fully recovered as of the latest I'm reading at rotoworld. So that's one thing put to rest. I'm ready to give him full marks on health. I'm still worried about his legal issues... abusing his GF and a DWI. He's got a hearing in September and may face a suspension if found guilty. How do you expect this to play out? Can/will his lawyers use stalling tactics to delay any legal issues until after the season ends?