Getting 'Marshalled'

At 6-5 and 230 pounds, Denver receiver Brandon Marshall, left, has been called "a defensive lineman playing wide receiver." At 33, Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis still deals out plenty of punishment.

There you are. An isolated, beaten cornerback sprawled out, face first, on the field. You have a mouth full of dirt and grass. Your hands are grasping nothing but air. You have divots from Brandon Marshall's speeding cleats firing back into your eyes.

Terrifying thought.

It's happened dozens of time since 2006 and it's bound to happen hundreds more times to earnest but unfortunate defensive backs. It should be referred to as "being Marshalled."

Indeed, having Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall break a would-be tackle and rumble down the field for more yardage or even a touchdown is a common phenomenon in the NFL. It happens several times a Sunday.

"Brandon Marshall is a defensive lineman playing wide receiver," Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers said. "He wants to inflict punishment on you. He wants you to try to tackle him so he can shove you off of him and get more yards." At 6-5 and 230 pounds, the sculpted Marshall has many things going for him that contribute to his uncanny talent of being able to break tackles and get yardage after the catch. Not only is Marshall big, but he's very fast and he plays mean. He plays with a purpose. Catching the ball is just half the deal for Marshall. Once he gets the ball in his mitts, Marshall is full steam ahead. He is all moving parts, with three or four defenders hanging on him. Be the first to meet a football-toting Marshall and be sure to be bruised and battered. And don't expect to bring him down. Not by yourself, at least.