Wide receiver Brandon Marshall dominated the Sunday night game for the Dolphins against the Jets. A sweet run after catch set Miami up with a first down at the 11 down by eight. Marshall had 10 catches for 166 yards at that point, but he did not contribute any catches after that and the team lost 31-23.
I was incredulous watching the final minute unfold, upset that the Dolphins didn’t go to Marshall on their final plays. They had him isolated on the right side on first down, but Chad Henne completely overthrew him on what appeared to be a fade pattern. Henne appeared to look towards Marshall on second down, but he decided not to throw to Brandon on any of the next three plays.
The analysis done on NFL Network’s Playbook show suggests Marshall tired out at the end of the game and did not give a good effort to get open in the team’s final four plays. I saw the segment (watch it at nfl.com) and partially agree with what they said, but it seems like they were going overboard with the criticism.
Marshall obviously feels that is the case, as he expressed his displeasure with the criticism Thursday. Marshall apparently felt somewhat betrayed, figuring the NFL Network was there to support the league and its players. He also questioned the credibility of the commentators, saying about Sterling Sharpe “From my understanding, he’s not a Hall of Fame guy.”
That’s where Marshall is wrong.
First of all, one doesn’t have to be a former player or coach to comment about what he or she sees on the field. Secondly, they don’t have to be a Hall of Fame player to be able to comment either. Lastly, Marshall is uninformed because Sterling Sharpe was a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time first team All-Pro player in his seven seasons before a neck injury ended his career. If Marshall wants to play the credentials game, then Sharpe certainly has a right to speak about Marshall’s effort. As upset as he is, Marshall would be better off keeping his feelings to himself.
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