Marshall, BrandonThe fallout from the Denver Broncos’ atrocious finish to the 2009 season continues, as players go through the annual rites of cleaning out their lockers and trying to explain their status.

The Denver Post reports that no player appears as devastated as pass rusher Elvis Dumervil, the NFL’s sack leader with 17 (a new franchise record), who can’t quite explain what went so wrong in the 44-24 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday.

Dumervil calls his team’s performance a “total embarrassment” and apologizes to Broncos fans who watched the game.

In a lengthy interview with 104.3 FM The Fan, wide receiver Brandon Marshall (pictured) wishes he could have finished the season on a better note, saying he is “blessed” to be a Bronco and would do anything in his power to remain part of the team. He also says he has the utmost respect for coach Josh McDaniels.

Bleacher Report voices the frustration of many Broncos fans by pointing out that it’s nearly impossible to tell if Marshall is being sincere, since he’s always had nice things to say about fans but then throws temper tantrums in public.

Meanwhile, the Broncos may get a reprieve from the $7 million they’re paying former coach Mike Shanahan to tan and play golf. He’s likely to be named the new head coach of the Washington Redskins today, with breathless coverage of Shanahan’s cross-country, private-jet flight dominating sports outlets (via Westword). Maybe Shanahan’s rumored $10 million annual salary will get the Broncos off the hook for at least some of the $7 million they pay him.