Chargers’ Marshall accepts new position
Richard Marshall was 9 years old when he first played cornerback.
When he first played safety, he was 26.
The Chargers defensive back has returned to a fairly new position. This month, safety Jahleel Addae injured his hamstring during the second exhibition game. The coaching staff considered its internal options, and there was Marshall, a veteran in a logjam at cornerback. Seeing a chance to improve the team and Marshall’s chances of making it, the coaches have him at safety again.
He is all for it.
“That’s part of being a pro,” Marshall, 29, said. “Whether you want to or not, if they asked you to do it and you can do it and it’s going to help the team, you need to do it. That was my thing. They asked me do it. I didn’t have a problem with going back there.”
Marshall last played safety in 2011 with the Cardinals.
He moved there after Kerry Rhodes fractured his foot in the fifth game, taking reps in sub-packages. The transition for Marshall is easier this time. He’s played the position before, and the duties for a cornerback and safety in the Chargers’ nickel defense are similar.
On Sunday, Marshall debuted at safety.
When the starters were in, he was on the sideline, standing next to Addae while watching Eric Weddle. Marshall would hear the play call and, for mental reps, tell Addae what his responsibilities on the play were. They’d talk during the play. When it ended, the process reset.
Coach Mike McCoy was on staff in 2006 when the Panthers drafted Marshall in the second round. Secondary coach Ron Miles also was his position coach in Carolina.
He re-signed with San Diego in March on a one-year deal.
“We have a good idea what type of football player Richard is,” McCoy said. “Richard just wants to help the football team win, and that’s why he came back this year. He knew what we had here. He had some other opportunities, but the guy is a winner. He does it the way you want it coached. He plays with a lot of energy. He has a great passion for the game, and you love the position flexibility.”
The more a player can do, the more valuable he is.
Marshall was on the roster bubble for much of camp. Shareece Wright, Brandon Flowers and Jason Verrett were roster locks at corner. Steve Williams, a 2013 fifth-round pick, seemed well positioned behind them. With Addae’s status for the season opener in question, Marshall’s ability to play multiple spots very well could be what keeps him in San Diego beyond the final roster cut Saturday.
For certain, it only helps.
