The Broncos put forth their most complete effort of the season against Kansas City yesterday. They ran and passed the ball with great success and stopped the Chiefs from doing the same. That defensive effort was a surprise but when you see names like Boomer Grigsby and Gilbert Harris on their stat sheet you get an idea of where it came from. The offense, though, was expected to be producing at a high level all season and has instead been an inconsistent disappointment. Two of the reasons why there were high hopes for the offense were Javon Walker and Travis Henry. Each guy got hurt, though, and Henry had the drug test battle hanging over his head. The unit struggled without two players expected to play such major roles. When they finally blossomed yesterday, neither of the veterans played a big part. Henry scored a touchdown but it was set up by the running of Selvin Young. The rookie had 156 yards and showed an explosiveness absent from Henry even when he was healthy.
Walker didn't even have Henry's limited role. He was inactive and watched Brandon Marshall renew his claim to the top receiver job with the Broncs.
He had 115 yards, two touchdowns and one penalty for celebrating too much in the snow. Who could blame him for acting like an excited kid, though? Marshall's proven to be a big-time player this season and he and Jay Cutler are going to grow up together in this offense.
Where does that leave the vets? Pay cuts would likely be the only way both players will be back on the club next season. Walker is due $4.4 million in roster bonuses and, talented though he may be, that's much too high. Marshall is already ensconced as the lead and the team just signed Brandon Stokely to a three-year deal so they aren't going to break the bank to keep Walker in town.
Henry signed a five-year/$22.5 million contract before this season and hasn't been close to the player Denver thought they were getting. He turns 30 during next season, a scary age for running backs, and has brought a lot of negative PR with him to the Rockies. When you throw in the fact that the undrafted Young has outperformed him, a pay cut is the least they should ask from Henry.
The Broncos have a lot of work to do on their defense and will need dollars to do some of the fixing. They can't have those dollars on the bench and in street clothes on game day so expect some belt tightening around the Walker and Henry households.
ADVERTISEMENT
_thumbnail.jpg "NASCAR Cowboy Hats")
