So long, Javon Walker.
At least most people I know have written off Walker. Understandably so. Stuff happens when you tell every reporter who’ll listen how disenchanted you are with your job.
Fine. So get rid of the guy. The last thing any NFL team needs is a big-name player polluting the air in the locker room.
Just don’t lose sight of the real issue. It isn’t about getting rid of Walker or working out a new contract and keeping him. It’s about the Broncos getting better.
I don’t know about you, but I sort of think a wide receiver tandem of Brandon Marshall and a healthy Walker wouldn’t be a bad idea.
The Broncos did, after all, draft Marshall with that very combination in mind.
Why? Because, in a league in which the rules have been tweaked — OK, rigged — to promote the passing game, you need multiple receiving threats to be a big-time offense.
But don’t take my word for it. Look around the league. The names Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison mean anything to you? And while we’re on the subject, maybe you noticed that the Patriots didn’t just trade for Randy Moss last offseason. They also acquired Wes Welker.
Sure, you’ve got to think Mike Shanahan will send Walker packing. We’ve seen other players go public with their gripes and they weren’t long for Dove Valley. But it isn’t about facilitating Walker, who, no doubt, has more prima donna in him than we’ve become accustomed to in Shanahan’s wide receivers.
No, it’s about the Broncos returning to the ranks of elite teams in the NFL.
And let’s get real here. Right now, they’re not even close.
Why? What do you say we don’t overlook the obvious? The Broncos’ passing game is pedestrian compared with the real powerhouses in the league.
Jay Cutler made a lot of strides this season, but finished with 3,497 passing yards. That pales in comparison with Tom Brady (4,806), Tony Romo (4,211), Brett Favre (4,155) and Peyton Manning (4,040).
Maybe the Broncos will be a much improved passing team next season. But if Walker isn’t around, I’ve got to see it to believe it.
Follow Jim Armstrong’s daily Broncos commentaries on The Jimmy Page at 7 a.m. and noon, and read his columns on Sundays at .
He can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
