Marshall offers Moss-like impact in Miami
April, 16, 2010
By Tim Graham
Remember how the New England Patriots' offense transformed when Randy Moss joined them?

Chad Pennington believes that's the kind of affect Brandon Marshall will have on the Miami Dolphins.

"I think it's comparable to when New England acquired Randy," said Pennington, the Dolphins quarterback and college teammate of Moss' at Marshall -- the university, not Brandon.

Pennington's comments ran in a Miami Herald story by David J. Neal.

"Before New England acquired Randy, they were a consistent offense, but they weren't as explosive," Pennington said. "You've seen what they've done over the last two years with Randy in the mix, especially with their undefeated year.

"Now, they're a little bit different player. They're different in a lot of ways. But as far as the impact, in a lot of ways, I think that's what it's comparable to.''

In 2006, the season before the Patriots traded for Moss, they ranked 11th in total offense, 12th in rushing offense and 12th in passing offense.

The next season, the Patriots ranked first in total offense, 13th in rushing offense and first in passing offense. They averaged 295.7 passing yards a game and 50 touchdown receptions.

In a blog from Palm Beach Post reporter Edgar Thompson, Dolphins starting quarterback Chad Henne explained how Marshall's presence will open up the passing game for Brian Hartline, Davone Bess and Greg Camarillo, too.

"You're going to get a lot more double coverage on Brandon, and that'll give us some access to our other receivers and let them work," Henne said. "So overall I think for our receiving corps a lot of guys are going to get some more balls because the attention is going to Brandon."

Marshall isn't necessarily an "explosive" player like Moss. What he brings is great hands, consistency, and gives the QB a big target that can catch the ball anywhere in his vicinity. I would compare him more with a Boldin than a Moss.

I'd compare him with more of an Andre Johnson.

He doesn't have Andre Johnson's track speed, but other than that it is very close. That is why Dre is a top 2 WR in the NFL though and Marshall is 3rd IMO.

I'd compare him with more of an Andre Johnson.

Best WR in the NFL bar none.

Do you know what the phrase means? It means he sets the bar for everyone else in the league. Are you telling me that Larry Fitzgerald isn't the measuring stick in the NFL today?

Yes. Andre has everything that Fitz has and then some.