Brandon Marshall: The New York Jets New Red Zone Threat

Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver

Brandon Marshall

(15) on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

There hasn’t been much talk about the acquisition of Brandon Marshall. It’s understandable, as the Jets did bring back two beloved players on the other side of the football in Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie. But make no mistake, the trade for Brandon Marshall was huge. Marshall revitalizes the Jets offense in a way we haven’t seen in quite some times.

Just his influence in the red zone changes everything. For his career, 48 out of Brandon Marshall’s 85 red zone receptions went for touchdowns, just under 50%. Last season, Marshall was targeted 15 times, caught seven passes, six of them for touchdowns. Marshall uses all of his 6’4″ frame to make his presence felt, and his opponents feel that presence.

Tonight, I am going to show you two plays from last season, both from week two. These are two out of the three Brandon Marshall touchdowns from that night, just to show you how good he is in the red zone.

Next: Play Number One

Here is Marshall lined up in the slot. In this one, he is going to run a “Corner-Post” route. He starts to the corner, as if he is going to the pylon in the back corner of the end zone, but changes, cutting towards the goal post. When Marshall makes his move, he gets his man to commit to the corner so strongly that when he cuts to the post, the back turns the wrong way.

It’s hard to tell since the camera is far away, but look inside the circle. Can you see that the defensive back has turned is back to run with Marshall? That is exactly what Marshall is looking for. When he breaks back for the post, the defender will have no chance to make a play.

Next: The Play Unfolds

Brandon Marshall’s skillful route running is on display. He makes a great cut to the inside, with the defensive back turned the wrong way. Between the great move and Marshall’s 6’4″ frame, the defender really has no chance. Even the fact that Jay Cutler‘s throw isn’t great, they have no chance to stop Marshall. That is because Marshall has terrific hands. Take a look.

Brandon Marshall punctuates the play with a sweet one-handed grab, touchdown Bears. Marshall can run a great route, and get up in the air with all of his 6’4″ body to make a great catch when he has to as well.

Now we are going to take a look at another one from the same week, when his body gets the job done.

Next: Play Number Two

Again, Brandon Marshall is lined up in the slot to the left. He is off the line, minimizing the chance at being pressed by the defender. This time, Marshall is simply going to use his body, but running towards the goal line, turning around, and using his body to box out his opponent, like a basketball player going for a rebound.

Again the distance makes it a little bit difficult, but you can tell that Marshall is in position, boxing out the defender. He has separated his opponent from the path of the football, and at 6’4″, the only way he could make a play on Marshall would be to interfere with him.

The throw comes in from Cutler, and Brandon Marshall takes in his second touchdown, and has an easy time doing it.

Brandon Marshall revitalizes the Jets offense. He can run great routes, show good hands, and is one of the top red zone threats in the business.

The New York Jets faithful will have a great time watching this Brandon Marshall play football.

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