Marshall looks to rebound vs. tough Bucs' secondary

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published October 4, 2008 at 9 p.m.

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Photo by Jack Dempsey © AP

Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall will have his work cutout for him in this week's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Photo by Chris Gardner © AP

Tampa Bay cornerback Ronde Barber will most likely be matched up against Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall during Sunday's game.

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Such is football life for Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall these days. But after a seven-catch, 77-yard, one-touchdown day in the loss against the Chiefs – a fairly good day for many wideouts in the league – Marshall has spent much of the week talking about how to get back on track and about his fumble in the game.

"I took that pretty rough,'' Marshall said.

"He's our playmaker, we have to get him the ball,'' said wide receiver Brandon Stokley.

This week he gets a Tampa Bay secondary intent on removing big plays from the equation. And after his first real dose of double coverage this past week from the Chiefs, Marshall can expect plenty of attention from the Buccaneers.

It is four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Ronde Barber, who lines up on the defensive left, that Marshall could see fairly often across from him.

Barber has had a tough go thus far in the season's early going having surrendered a touchdown to Green Bay's Greg Jennings last week after he stumbled early in the route. He also stumbled earlier in the season against the Saints on a play that eventually became an 84-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees to Devery Henderson.

The Bears, in a 124-yard day from wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, also pointed several plays at Barber.

At just over 180 pounds, Barber is going to be giving away almost 50 pounds to Marshall and Marshall's wingspan is much bigger as well. The Buccaneers, in their defensive scheme, likely won't have a safety too far away in the deeper routes and there will be some linebackers in the passing lanes on the shorter to intermediate routes.

Barber makes plays with his speed and is an opportunistic a player as the league has seen in some time. He plays the ball well in the air and has reeled in more than a few deflections in his time as well.

His 10 career touchdown returns off fumbles or interceptions have him tied for third in league history.

Marshall is bigger and stronger, but doesn’t have Barber's experience. Marshall has to avoid getting frustrated – the Buccaneers traditionally try to muscle up on receivers in the 5-yard chuck zone – and get himself some room to work off the line of scrimmage.

If he consistently makes himself some space, he'll get into his routes and have some opportunities to run through the Buccaneers’ defense.

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