Broncos' Cutler criticizes Marshall's behavior

ENGLEWOOD - Brandon Marshall's excuses have worn on Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler.

After Marshall's latest misadventure, in which he suffered a severe arm injury crashing through a television set after wrestling with his brother, an agitated Cutler called out his top receiver and said enough is enough.

"He's not my favorite person right now," Cutler said Tuesday.

Cutler said he supports Marshall and has talked to him many times about staying clear of trouble, including at a basketball game they attended together since Marshall hurt his arm March 22. However, Cutler admitted "it's always something with him."

Aside from Marshall's arm injury, which will keep him out three to four months, Marshall was also arrested twice last year. He was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence and false imprisonment, although that case was dropped. He was also arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Marshall has pleaded not guilty and faces a trial in June.

Marshall will be "ready to go" for training camp if doctors' projections hold true in his recovery from surgery, coach Mike Shanahan told the Rocky Mountain News on Tuesday. He also said it was a "freak accident" but "there's a black cloud over him right now."

"Last week Marshall said the injury was an impetus for him to grow up.

"It's a wake-up call," Marshall said.

Cutler was at his most agitated when that quote was brought up.

"I mean, the DUI was a wake-up call," Cutler said, interrupting the question. "He's had many wake-up calls. He's been in Shanahan's office many times and I've been up there with him. He said the same thing, ‘This is wake-up call, this is the last thing that's going to happen, blah, blah, blah.' Until he goes out and proves it, we'll see what happens."

Tuesday's condemnation of Marshall was unusual for Cutler and perhaps a public sign of his development as a leader. He seemed uncomfortable as a rookie, as Jake Plummer's backup and obvious heir apparent most of the season. Last year, in his first full season as Denver's starter, he issued short answers to most questions. And in his first two seasons, he never publicly called out a teammate.

Cutler said safety John Lynch and other veterans talked to him and linebacker D.J. Williams about becoming more prominent leaders in the locker room.

"It's definitely time," Cutler said. "As the quarterback of this team and leader of this offense, it's time to take the next step."

Cutler commented on other issues as well. He didn't sound concerned about losing receiver Javon Walker, who was released and signed with Oakland. He didn't think Walker would be happy being the second receiver behind Marshall because "Javon likes the spotlight."

He thought Denver might select a left tackle to replace retired Matt Lepsis early in this month's draft, but if not, he has confidence Chris Kuper or someone else can do the job.

And, like cornerback Champ Bailey last week, he admitted he was "a little worried" about losing longtime kicker Jason Elam, who signed with Atlanta.

But his most emotional moments came while talking about Marshall. He was frustrated he won't be able to work much with Marshall during the offseason minicamps, and generally seemed put off that his most reliable target keeps finding trouble off the field.

"It was an accident, but still, things like that can't happen," Cutler said. "Hopefully this is the last. But like I told him, I said, ‘Brandon, they're going to quit giving you chances around here and you're going to have to go somewhere else, and that's going to be a shame.'"

  CONTACT THE WRITER: 476-4891 or frank.schwab@gazette.com.