Banter continues between Broncos' Marshall, Cowboys' Jones
ENGLEWOOD • The playful competition between Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Adam Jones continued Thursday.
Marshall wore a sign on an exposed part of his shoulder pads for each practice. One read "Adam's no (Pacman)," with the icon for the Pacman video game at the end of the message. Jones used to go by the nickname "Pacman." The second sign was "Game Over."
The banter started Wednesday, when Jones said Marshall couldn't compare with Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens. Marshall beat Jones badly twice in 1-on-1 drills. Marshall beat Jones deep for a catch, then fooled him on a stop-and-go route, causing Jones to grab his shirt as he went by.
"We were 100 percent going deep today on ‘Pacman' Jones - sorry, Adam," Marshall said. "We won today."
Jones, who said he thought Marshall's signs were funny, disagreed. He said 1-on-1 drills are set up for the receiver to win.
"He didn't get the best of me," Jones said.
HIGH POINT
The Broncos and Cowboys avoided a brawl during the morning practice. A brief scuffle between Cowboys offensive tackle Flozell Adams and Broncos defensive tackle Marcus Thomas brought both teams off the sideline, but the situation was diffused and there were no major incidents.
Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said he wasn't surprised the second day of practices got a bit heated but was adamant it wasn't a fight.
"That was just a little pushing," Shanahan said. "That happens all the time, but they kept their composure and they didn't swing. That's what you want."
LOW POINT
Safety Hamza Abdullah will have to fight to win a starting job. He has been with the second team since returning from a groin injury, working behind Marquand Manuel.
"It's not Hamza's fault; guys get hurt and a guy steps in and does a really good job - it's no fault of Hamza's or anything he can do about it," said defensive coordinator Bob Slowik, who added Manuel will start Saturday's preseason game. "Marquand went in and did a heck of a job and earned an opportunity to compete."
QUOTABLE
"It's definitely weird. It's going to be weird playing against Javon (Walker) in the season opener. But that's the way this league is." - cornerback Champ Bailey on reports former Broncos safety John Lynch will sign with New England. Denver plays at New England on Oct. 20.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Broncos have a light walkthrough this morning, which isn't open to the public. They play the Cowboys in a preseason game Saturday at Invesco Field at Mile High.
THREE TO WATCH
Darrell Jackson, receiver: Jackson sat out Thursday because of an ankle injury. Shanahan said the injury wasn't serious but didn't know if Jackson would play Saturday.
Champ Bailey, cornerback: Bailey, who has missed practice since Aug. 4 because of a hamstring injury, said he could return to practice next week and has no concerns about being ready for the season opener.
Anthony Alridge, running back: Alridge limped off during the afternoon practice with what appeared to be a minor leg injury.
BLOG
"Now (John) Lynch's request to be released early in training camp seems strange. Lynch said he was unhappy with his role, but he probably won't have more than part-time status with the Patriots." For reports, visit gazettebroncos.freedomblogging.com.
INJURY LIST
New: Receiver Darrell Jackson (ankle).
Still out: Cornerback Champ Bailey (hamstring), center Tom Nalen (knee), running back Ryan Torain (elbow), offensive tackle Erik Pears (back), linebacker Boss Bailey (ankle), linebacker Louis Green (neck).
