ENGLEWOOD, CO - JANUARY 14: Denver Broncos head coach John Fox addresses the media at Dove Valley on January 14, 2011 in Englewood, Colorado. Fox was named the 14th head coach in Broncos history yesterday after spending the last nine seasons as head coacJustin Edmonds/Getty Images

Denver Broncos: Brandon Lloyd vs. Brandon Marshall

David SmithMay 29, 2011

This time a year ago, many Denver fans were up in arms about the trade of one Brandon Marshall to Miami. A large contingent of fans believed that the franchise was in ruins, and it would take half a decade to recover.

A year and a league-leading wide receiver later are your opinions still the same? Read on and let me know what you think.

Brandon Marshall

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Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI - DECEMBER 19: Receiver Brandon Marshall #19 of the Miami Dolphins reacts against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Bills defeated the Dolphins 17-14. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Is it the system that makes the receiver or the other way around? When Marshall was in Denver, he had three 1,000-plus yard, 100-plus catch seasons. He was known as the "Beast" and had the world at his fingertips. After the long drama that eventually led to his trade, let's look at where the young receiver is now.

On the season, he was 86 receptions for 1,014 and only three touchdowns. This is compared to the previous year posting 101 catches 1,120 yards and 10 touchdowns.

It appears that the young man has fallen off the pace with his new team. At least one thing stays the same, the off-the-field distractions.

Brandon Lloyd

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Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

DENVER - DECEMBER 26: Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd #84 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a 41-yard reception against corner back Jason Allen #30 of the Houston Texans during the third quarter at INVESCO Field at Mile High on December 26, 2010 in Denv

With the exodus of Marshall to Miami, Denver was left with a glaring question as to who was going to catch the ball in Denver. With the previous season's woes in the run game, Denver was in need of a threat at the wide receiver position. Lloyd Stepped up in a big way.

On the year, he had 77 receptions for 1,448 yards and 11 touchdowns. This was good enough to lead the league in receiving yards. After a long journey around the league, it appears he has found a home in Denver.

If these numbers continue on this trend, things should be looking up in Denver. Also worthy of note, The NFL Network in all their wisdom and compulsions to create lists, has come out with the top players of 2011 as voted by the players. Marshall was voted No. 61 while Lloyd was voted No. 58.

But as usual, this is just one writer's opinion, what's yours? Drop a line and as always, thanks for posting.