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NFL Notebook: Broncos' Marshall aiming higher
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Despite a reputation that has bordered on selfishness to go with unquestioned skill as a wide receiver, Denver's Brandon Marshall wasn't talking so much about himself this week as about what still could be.
His NFL-record 21 receptions last week vs. Indianapolis was more like a promise than a fulfillment.
"I'm thinking greatness," he said. "I'm thinking about how can I be mentioned with the Cris Carters, the Michael Irvins, the Jerry Rices, the Art Monks, the Rod Smiths."
Isn't he on that level yet, given his record-breaking performance last week?
"Not even close," Marshall said. "But I will be soon. Every day I get closer."
Marshall, who nearly talked himself out of Denver with a demand to renegotiate his contract in the offseason, has 86 catches for 1,008 yards and nine touchdowns going into the Broncos' game vs. Oakland today.
The East Coast snow storm has forced starting times for today's Bears-Ravens game in Baltimore and 49ers-Eagles game in Philadelphia back to 4:15 p.m. to allow more time for city and stadium personnel to clear streets.
After missing three practices last week, the game vs. Cincinnati last Sunday and then more practice time this week because of migraine headaches, the Vikings' concern for rookie speedster Percy Harvin is growing beyond the immediate future. Coach Brad Childress said Harvin, a leading candidate for NFL offensive rookie of the year, visited another doctor this week and admitted physicians were looking at all possibilities. Harvin has suffered from migraines since he was 10, but this appears to be his most serious bout with them since he was a sophomore at Florida in 2007. Still, he managed to return to practice Friday and hopes he can play tonight vs. Carolina.
This week's decision by Oakland to start third-stringer Charlie Frye at quarterback today vs. Denver over 2007 No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell does not bode well for Russell's future. Said coach Tom Cable: "As of right now, where we're at as a team, Charlie gives us the best opportunity to succeed." Ouch! Russell is due to earn $9.45 million in base salary in 2010.
Philadelphia's DeSean Jackson, who has 10 touchdowns this season (seven receiving, two punt returns and one rushing), is averaging 61.3 yards per score. That's the highest one-season touchdown average in NFL history for players with a minimum of 10 touchdowns. The current record is 50.6 yards per touchdown by Harlon Hill of the Chicago Bears in 1956.
Woodland Hills High and Pitt product Lousaka Polite, the starting fullback for the Miami Dolphins, is having a Pro Bowl-caliber season as far as his teammates are concerned. Says Jason Taylor, who also played at Woodland Hills: "If Lousaka doesn't make it, I am going to boycott something."
First Published December 20, 2009 12:00 am
