Royal vs. Marshall

The main, basic three stats for wide receivers are receptions, yards and touchdowns. If you were coaxed into putting down a bet today, would you pick Brandon Marshall or Eddie Royal in a heads-up, best two-out-of-three battle in those three categories for 2009?

The quick, obvious answer would be Marshall. He bested Royal in all three statistical areas last season. But there are many factors which doesn’t make this such an easy call, at least in my mind.

On Marshall’s side, we have an unhappy character coming off hip surgery and currently holding out of minicamp. His health wouldn’t allow him to participate this weekend, but his presence would still be a positive. The Broncos are installing a new offense and holding a battle between two new quarterbacks, Kyle Orton and Chris Simms. As far as I know, Marshall hasn’t run a route in Josh McDaniels’ scheme nor has he grabbed a pass from either quarterback. We also have the lingering concerns about another suspension, and thoughts that Marshall may hold out of training camp.

Royal is participating in minicamp, learning the new offense, and working with Orton and Simms. He should be more comfortable as he enters his second season in the NFL, and many sources point to Royal playing the “Wes Welker” role in McDaniels’ scheme. The short but quick and shifty Royal could catch a ton of balls on quick slants and bubble screens.

Everyone expects Marshall to have more fantasy value than Royal in 2009. But that’s not the exact question I posted at the start of this article. Welker bested Randy Moss in both catches and yards in 2008. With what you know today, would you bet on Royal topping Marshall in those categories in 2009? And, if so, is Royal getting enough love in fantasy circles right now? Or are you convinced that Marshall will still be the sure-fire, top dog in the new Broncos passing attack?

Tags: NFL