Dolphins' Marshall: Jets' Revis Gets 'Jordan Rule'

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Brandon Marshall thinks Darrelle Revis has something in common with Michael Jordan.

No, not jaw-dropping dunking ability. The Miami Dolphins wide receiver told New York reporters on a conference call Wednesday that the Jets' Pro Bowl cornerback receives preferential treatment from officials.

Revis was defending Marshall on Oct. 17 when he intercepted a pass from Matt Moore and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown in the Jets' 24-6 win. Marshall, who'll face Revis again Sunday at Miami, implied that Revis committed a defensive pass interference penalty on the play.

"My technique could've been better, but at the same time, I think they gave him 'the Jordan Rule,'" Marshall said. "You get a little close to Michael Jordan, they're going to call a foul. It works that way in football. Some guys you know they are scared to throw the flag on, and he may be getting that rule."

Marshall added that one would've been thrown "nine times out of 10" if someone other than Revis covered him.

"I am one of the faces of football, but it's not as big as Darrelle's," Marshall said, "so when they have to pick, they pick Darrelle."

Marshall has 77 catches for 1,177 yards and six touchdowns, and was selected for the Pro Bowl. He said he has noticed in his film study that teams appear to be throwing in Revis' direction more than in previous years.

"Darrelle is one of the best corners in the league right now, but he's still human," he said. "I look at my matchup against Darrelle and it reminds me of a boxing match. It's 12 rounds. It's a fight. We're both physical players, we're both tough, smart players and it's fun. I love competing versus the best and look forward to the challenge again this week."

Marshall added that he and Revis have a "cool" relationship off the field and they "go at each other" during games, but don't cheap shot each other or talk trash.

The Dolphins wide receiver clearly isn't afraid to speak his mind, though. When he was asked about how much the loss of safety Jim Leonhard means to the Jets' defense, Marshall said Brodney Pool and "No. 33" were doing a good job in his absence.

"What's 33's name?" Marshall then asked.

He was told it's Eric Smith, and was then asked what he thought of his play this season.

"He's got to get Cruz on that play, man," Marshall said, laughing. "He's got to make that play."

Marshall was referring to the 99-yard touchdown reception last Saturday by the Giants' Victor Cruz, who hurdled a diving tackle attempt by Smith on his way to the end zone.

Before the teams' last meeting, Marshall promised to get kicked out of the game by getting into a fight. Instead, he played the whole game — and he has no grand plans for this one.

"I was thinking about getting kicked out again, but I'm looking forward to next season," Marshall said. "I don't want to start the home opener at home suspended."

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