Marshall Redemption

My style's rugged like Timberland
When I clock lyric then women give me more love than Wimbledon

PROPS and DROPS from the Broncos' exciting win versus the Cowboys and the Buffs' Thursday loss to West Virginia:

PROPS: The winning TD pass to Brandon Marshall was near text book on how to play WR in the National Football League. Marshall and Kyle Orton notice that Terrence Newman is playing up on him and have the play already in mind; Orton throws a low pass in which Marshall oulearps the defender (who in this case is no slouch) and takes the ball from him; he comes down with twofeet in bounds and immediately surveys the field; he outruns four Cowboy defenders to the middle of the field; he breaks a tackle and switches direction; he again outraces the Cowboy defense to the corner of the endzone; confused Bronco fans who thought he was a "punk" just a few weeks ago go nutso. There aren't many WRs in the league who can do what Marshall pulled off.

DROPS: Penalties have to be reduced especially in the Donk offense. The unit is already a bit behind and it cannot get in deep holes with dumb penalties. It is surprising because McD runs such a rigid system with accountability yet there are still too many 2nd and 3rd and longs.

DROPS: The running back situation for CU bucks all rhyme, reason, and football 101. Rodney "Speedy" Stewart started for the Buffs and was moving versus WVU much like he did last year. Yet, what happened later in the half and beginning of the 2nd? He was standing on the bench while a hodgepodge of backs toted/blocked for CU. When Demetrius Sumler is in at any time, it signals passing down, as Coach Hawk has said numerous times he is their best blocking back. Brian Lockridge is electric, but he gets no momentum as he gets one carry here and there. And, let's just call the Darrell Scott situation what it is: a complete clusterfuck. Somewhere along the line, Scott pissed off the coaches who are too stubborn to get their best players on the field if they aren't perfect off the field. Scott will look good for Coach Neu in 2011.

PROPS: Brian Dawkins showed yesterday why the Donks took a flyer on him and brought him in late in his career. He was flying all over the field and only four games in to his Orange and Blue tour, he has become the leader of the defensive side. His punishing hits actually seemed to affect the Cowboy WRs as they ran soft over the middle throughout the game. And who was that blazing across the field to chase Hurd down on the Cowboys last gasp play? Dawkins.

DROPS: The elephant in the room has always been Cody Hawkins, and this game was a giant elephant crap on his part. Overthrown receivers, underthrown receivers, and picks galore. Detractors can point to Cody's lack of talent, but this is a kid that was offered by Wisconsin, Oregon, and Boise among others. Perhaps a lack of talent, but more so a lack of coaching. Cody is the perfect "game manager"; a QB who can hit short, efficient passes, hand to the backs, and surprise with an occasional downfield toss. However, the (again) stubborn CU staff is still thinking that he is Eli Manning rather than a Todd Reesling type.

DROPS: Mike Bohn, stop with the WAC/MAC scheduling. College football is played on Saturdays. We're a month into the season and there's been one Saturday game. Do you know what that means for Commish on Saturdays? Cutting branches, painting, runs to the recycling center, cleaning the garage, and more honey-dos than a fruit stand. Yes, exposure is nice, but not when your getting your tail whooped on national TV. That and the scratches and blisters on my hands makes me look like I've spent years in a coal mine.

PROPS: Yes, Elvis Dumervil is the sack master, but keep in mind how he is doing it. His one on one matchups with tight ends and backs (he manhandles running backs staying to block) are caused by the Denver no-name DL up front. Especially present is nose tackle Ronnie Fields, who won't wow you unless you really watch. He won't bull rush on power and isn't really fat to tie up two OL, but he is active. Constantly moving and stunting in the middle of the line and causing chaos, allowing the four LBs to do their thing.


PROPS: Hey, I bet you didn't know that New England is coming to town next week!? Did you know that Josh McDaniels used to coach there? That their coach was McDaniels' mentor? That they wear matching sweatshirts!?


RELATED: EPMD f/ K-Solo and Redman- "Headbanger" - (Yo, where's my hoody?")