This is not a newsflash by any means but the Broncos defense is stacked with talent. DeMarcus Ware, Von Miller, Chris Harris Jr., Aqib Talib, T.J. Ward have all made game-changing plays to help the Broncos get to 6-0. They are big names with big contracts and have earned them thus far. Brandon Marshall has been equally as good, if not better, in 2015.
He is once again leading the team in tackles with 48 total tackles, eight for a loss and has added two sacks, three quarterback hits, a forced fumble and two passes defended to his stats. He is also doing it with two screws in his foot.
After last year’s superb play some people may have expected Marshall to play well in 2015 but the injury he sustained late last season was a serious one. The Lis Franc injury to his foot was surgically repaired after the loss to the Indianapolis Colts in January and required an entire offseason and part of training camp to heal for this season. Marshall admits that it is still affecting him but you wouldn’t know it by watching him play.
“I know how I felt last year and or years past too how I felt after this foot injury. I know that I’m not quite where I was before as far as a body standpoint but I’m improving in other things to make up for it. I got experience and that helps tremendously.”
The experience he gained as a starter through last season and the 116 total tackles he amassed in the 15 games he played in has made him into an elite linebacker. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has validated what people have seen each Sunday from Marshall. He is the highest ranked inside linebacker in the entire NFL. His overall rating of 7.6 is 1.4 points above the next best backer and he has shown a wide range of attributes to fit Wade Phillips’ system. He has been exceptional against the run, is quick enough to go into coverage and has improved greatly as a pass-rusher.
“I just want to go out there and play and prove that I am one of the best in the game,” he said October 8.
Six weeks into the season he has done just that and he will only get better has the season continues.
