Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton doesn’t have to look at Brandon Marshall’s statistics to know the team’s star wide receiver is becoming a bigger target every week. Orton said Marshall’s increased work ethic and enthusiasm in practice are reflected is his recent production.
Marshall, who was suspended in the preseason for conduct detrimental to the team, has caught nine of his 16 passes and his two touchdowns in the past two games. His receiving yards-per-game and average yards-per-catch has increased over the four victories.
“He’s certainly a special player that can make types of plays that probably other people can’t,” Orton said today at his weekly news conference. “He’s worked extremely hard the last couple weeks. His attitude’s been great, and I know all the players are happy for him, to see him producing like he is now.”
Marshall delivered the winning touchdown in last Sunday’s 17-10 victory over Dallas. It was a 51-yard highlight-reel, catch-and-run play that could change how defenses play him in the future. But Orton isn’t worried about the increased attention Marshall may receive.
“(Opponents) certainly have to know where’s he’s at every play,” Orton said. “He’s a type of guy that might get double-coverage, and a type of guy that if they are going to single-coverage him, they’ve got to be worried about that. Anytime (a defense) has to prepare for a individual player it makes it that much tougher for them.”
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
Brandon Marshall’s week-by-week stats:
Opp. Rec. Yds. Avg. Long TD
At Cincinnati 4 27 6.8 9 0
Cleveland 3 34 11.3 25 0
At Oakland 5 67 13.4 23 1
Dallas 4 91 22.8 51 1
