ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—Wide receiver Brandon Marshall vowed to catch 100 passes this season, even after he was suspended for the Denver Broncos’ season opener for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
His promise looked good after hauling in 31 receptions and three touchdowns in his first three games back from the suspension, highlighted by his Week 2 against San Diego when he had 18 receptions for 166 yards and a touchdown.
Then his production fell off. Over the next eight weeks he had 41 receptions and only one touchdown, and the low point was his two catches for 27 yards against Miami on Nov. 2.
Marshall finally broke out against Kansas City last week with 11 receptions for 91 yards and two TDs, including the game-winner early in the fourth quarter.
Now with three weeks left in the season, Marshall has 83 receptions for 1,033 yards and six touchdowns and is on pace for another 100-catch season.
“It was big for me and it felt good,” he said of the Chiefs game. “On the first touchdown, when I got into the end zone, I kissed it.”
On his second score, Marshall caught a screen pass from quarterback Jay Cutler and plowed through the Chiefs defense for a 6-yard touchdown.
“I was hungry for that end zone,” he said. “I smelled it and went and got it.”
Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan said he was pleased with Marshall’s work away from the ball.
“I thought it was one of his better games blocking, playing a complete game,” Shanahan said. “That’s what you’re looking for, not just catching the ball. That was his best game in a while. I was pleased with his effort, and it’s going to take that type of effort to win this weekend.”
The Broncos play at Carolina on Sunday.
The Broncos’ thinning backfield means Cutler will continue to rely on his receivers to produce. Marshall, who had 102 catches last year, could top that mark with three solid weeks to finish the season.
“For the past two weeks I’ve been feeling great,” he said. “Better than when I reported to camp. It was just a matter of time before I would do some things to help our team win. It feels good, and we’re going to keep this thing going through the month of December.”
Marshall got an extra boost this week when he found out he was the leading fans’ vote-getter among AFC receivers for the Pro Bowl with 416,791.
“It means a lot for me, probably more than anyone,” he said. “I have been through some things and I am just trying to show the fans that I have been doing the right things both on and off the field.”
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BAILEY QUESTIONABLE: Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey practiced this week, but he is questionable for Sunday’s game.
Bailey suffered a slight groin tear against New England on Oct. 20 and has missed six straight games. He was limited in practice this week, but he will test the injury Sunday before a decision is made on his availability.
“He’ll do it before the game,” Shanahan said. “He’ll go out there early, along with a couple of other people, and see how he feels.”
Wide receiver Brandon Stokley (bruised heel) practiced Thursday and Friday and is listed as questionable. Fullback Spencer Larsen (groin) practiced Friday and is questionable. Larsen and Stokley will also test out their injuries before Sunday’s game.
“It’s not a pain issue, just if it’s loose enough to be able to play,” Shanahan said. “You’ve got to be able to go full speed. These guys had some recovery time this week, they’ve been able to practice, but go full gait, I don’t know for sure. We’ll get a chance to test it pre-game.”
Running back Selvin Young, who has been inactive since suffering a groin injury at Cleveland on Nov. 6, practiced all week and is listed as probable for Sunday.
“With Selvin, we have to see how he feels,” Shanahan said. “He’s going testing it out as time goes on. He’s been getting better each day, so he’s feeling a little bit more comfortable.”
