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Script turning sour for Smith
Veteran receiver came back with high hopes for team, himself
By Ryan Thorburn (Contact)
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
ENGLEWOOD — Rod Smith almost had a chance to run the perfect go route.
In 2005, Smith was named to his third Pro Bowl after leading the Denver Broncos with 85 receptions (fourth in the AFC), 1,105 yards and six touchdowns.
But the franchise's all-time leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns came up one game short of the possible John Elway-style ending to his remarkable career when the Broncos fell to Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship.
Smith, now 36, returned for a 12th season hoping for one more run at a third Super Bowl. Instead, it appears the former undrafted free agent's incredible run is about over as the disappointing Broncos (7-5) limp into the final four games of the regular season.
"We've got way too much talent for us to think this season is over," quarterback Jay Cutler said after his first start turned into Denver's third consecutive loss.
Most of the offensive talent — Javon Walker, Brandon Marshall, Tatum Bell, Tony Scheffler — appears to have a bright future with Cutler.
Smith's present numbers, however, aren't very pretty. No. 80 is currently not in the top 50 in the NFL in either receptions (38) or yards (382).
During Sunday night's 23-20 loss to Seattle, Cutler completed one pass to Smith. He lost a fumble on the play after a 6-yard gain.
"You haven't seen a whole lot of plays like that, at least since I've been here," Mike Shanahan said.
Denver's head coach was actually talking about Marshall's 71-yard touchdown reception. The rookie broke three tackles on the electrifying play that tied the score with 2:37 remaining in the fourth quarter.
While Jake Plummer was leaning on Smith during practice throughout the season, Marshall was developing a chemistry with Cutler that led to a bold pregame prediction.
"Before the game, I told Jay that I play my role. I'm backing up Javon and Rod ... two great receivers," Marshall said. "But I told him if I get a chance to get in there I'm going to make a play happen."
Walker wasn't happy with the number of footballs being thrown his way by Plummer throughout the season or Cutler on Sunday. But Denver' new No. 1 wide receiver isn't complaining about the change at quarterback.
"I don't look at (Cutler) as a rookie. He has all the ability and the tools where he's better than most of the guys out there who are in their third or fourth year," Walker said. "It's really just us coming together as an offense, trying to put together some drives and score points, and try to finish this year out on a good note."
Sounds like the Broncos have turned the page to 2007.
http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2006/dec/06/script-turning-sour-smith/
Veteran receiver came back with high hopes for team, himself
By Ryan Thorburn (Contact)
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
ENGLEWOOD — Rod Smith almost had a chance to run the perfect go route.
In 2005, Smith was named to his third Pro Bowl after leading the Denver Broncos with 85 receptions (fourth in the AFC), 1,105 yards and six touchdowns.
But the franchise's all-time leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns came up one game short of the possible John Elway-style ending to his remarkable career when the Broncos fell to Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship.
Smith, now 36, returned for a 12th season hoping for one more run at a third Super Bowl. Instead, it appears the former undrafted free agent's incredible run is about over as the disappointing Broncos (7-5) limp into the final four games of the regular season.
"We've got way too much talent for us to think this season is over," quarterback Jay Cutler said after his first start turned into Denver's third consecutive loss.
Most of the offensive talent — Javon Walker, Brandon Marshall, Tatum Bell, Tony Scheffler — appears to have a bright future with Cutler.
Smith's present numbers, however, aren't very pretty. No. 80 is currently not in the top 50 in the NFL in either receptions (38) or yards (382).
During Sunday night's 23-20 loss to Seattle, Cutler completed one pass to Smith. He lost a fumble on the play after a 6-yard gain.
"You haven't seen a whole lot of plays like that, at least since I've been here," Mike Shanahan said.
Denver's head coach was actually talking about Marshall's 71-yard touchdown reception. The rookie broke three tackles on the electrifying play that tied the score with 2:37 remaining in the fourth quarter.
While Jake Plummer was leaning on Smith during practice throughout the season, Marshall was developing a chemistry with Cutler that led to a bold pregame prediction.
"Before the game, I told Jay that I play my role. I'm backing up Javon and Rod ... two great receivers," Marshall said. "But I told him if I get a chance to get in there I'm going to make a play happen."
Walker wasn't happy with the number of footballs being thrown his way by Plummer throughout the season or Cutler on Sunday. But Denver' new No. 1 wide receiver isn't complaining about the change at quarterback.
"I don't look at (Cutler) as a rookie. He has all the ability and the tools where he's better than most of the guys out there who are in their third or fourth year," Walker said. "It's really just us coming together as an offense, trying to put together some drives and score points, and try to finish this year out on a good note."
Sounds like the Broncos have turned the page to 2007.
http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2006/dec/06/script-turning-sour-smith/