Marshall eager to see Jaguars again
Sunday is the most anticipated game of the regular season for Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall. Yes, Jacksonville.
It’s significant because he finally gets an in-person opportunity to prove that the NFL franchise that cut him three times made a mistake. It’s been more than three years since he was last released by the Jaguars, but Marshall still has a bitter taste in his mouth when asked about them.
“There’s a lot extra in this game, man. I can’t wait. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” said Marshall, who was a Jaguars fifth-round draft pick in 2012. “The scouts, the executives, some coaches, some players, there’s a lot of people still back there from my time. That gives me a little extra push, a little extra oomph. It puts a little extra sauce on this game.”
Marshall said then-Jaguars general manager Gene Smith and the coaching staff questioned everything from his athleticism to his attitude to his ability to even be an NFL player. When he signed his four-year, $32 million contract extension in June, he thought back to his days with the Jaguars.
While the Jaguars are likely regretting their decision to let him go, Marshall is more than happy as his fourth season with the Broncos is winding down. He became the core of the Broncos’ inside linebacker group after Danny Trevathan left in free agency.
Marshall admitted his expectations were huge — Pro Bowl, allpro and, of course, another Super Bowl title. While the last goal is possible, he knows the first two are unlikely to happen because he hasn’t had the season he expected.
“Honestly, I feel like I’m having an average year,” Marshall said. “I don’t have any sacks, any interceptions. I haven’t made as many plays as I’ve had over the last couple of years. I haven’t forced any fumbles, recovered any fumbles. I’m just run of the mill. I’m in the middle of the pack in tackles. I’m trying to correct that.”
Marshall said the extra attention that came from his decision to kneel during the national anthem for the first eight games of the season had no impact on his play.
“I got used to it,” Marshall said. “So it’s not like it’s making me relax more now, but it is one more thing off my plate.”
Marshall’s numbers are, like he said, “run of the mill.” He’s tied for fourth on the team in tackles, with no other significant splash stats. His value, however, as fellow inside linebacker Todd Davis explained, goes beyond statistics.
Davis pointed to Marshall’s leadership, communication skills and overall versatility as reasons his season has been under the radar.
“Maybe I have to stop worrying about the big plays,” Marshall said. “It’ll come. I’m just going to keep grinding and have a good run at the end of the season. Hopefully, I’ll have my best game as a pro against Jacksonville.”