Miami Dolphins

Jets' Marshall bringing own penalty flag to Dolphins game

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:43 a.m. ET

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) Brandon Marshall wants to help out the officials on Saturday night.

The New York Jets wide receiver has criticized Miami's Byron Maxwell for holding on plays too much, so Marshall has a plan to make sure the Dolphins cornerback gets called for some penalties.

He's bringing his own yellow flag to the game.

''He's the same guy,'' Marshall said of Maxwell on Thursday. ''I thought the refs did an amazing job the last time we played them and they threw three, four or five flags. So, this Saturday night, I will be assisting the refs.''

Marshall then turned and reached into his locker and pulled out a prop.

''I'll be carrying my own flag, just in case he decides to conduct himself the same way,'' Marshall said, joking. ''So, I will help the refs out. But I thought they did a tremendous job the last time we played them.''

In that game on Nov. 6, the Dolphins beat the Jets 27-23 in Miami. Marshall finished with five catches for 46 yards, while Maxwell was called for two penalties - although a holding call was declined.

Before they faced each other last month, Marshall had accused Maxwell of holding on ''every single play.'' Well, Maxwell has been called for 10 total penalties this season, according to nflpenalties.com , including two that were declined. Just one holding penalty has stood.

''Actually, there's been progress,'' Marshall said. ''He went from being the league's top guy in holding/not even close, to just being the top guy in holding. He's made progress. Well, he's done a better job of taking it from every play to every other play.''

Marshall borrowed the flag from one of the Jets' practice officials, and plans to give it back on Sunday or Monday.

Carrying the flag onto the field, though, could be considered a uniform violation and Marshall could hear from Commissioner Roger Goodell about it, and face a possible fine.

''It depends on how Roger wants to play it,'' Marshall said with a grin. ''I'm just here to help.''

Marshall said he hadn't practiced throwing the flag, but figured he'd throw it at Maxwell's feet if and when he has to. He also wasn't quite sure yet where he'd stow it in his uniform.

The last matchup was a pretty spirited showdown between the two, but Marshall downplayed it this time around.

''I won't be as hyped,'' he insisted. ''I'm going to let the refs do their job. I thought that the refs did a great job last game. I thought that my point was proven. Guys can get hurt when you hold like that. It's not fun. A receiver gets open and a guy like that holds you.

''That's in the past, but I will assist the refs with my flag, just in case.''

In Miami, Maxwell said Marshall yapped for most of the game. The Jets star also went back and forth with some Dolphins defensive backs on the field before the game.

''I wasn't overly emotional, because that's the game I wanted to play,'' Marshall said. ''But I don't want to play that game. I'm never that guy that talks trash. I'm never that guy that gets too high. Well, sometimes I get too high. But I usually do a good job of taking myself back down to baseline. I find that I'm at my best when I'm just locked in on my job and taking care of my business.''

Marshall's numbers this season aren't anywhere close to the eye-popping statistics he put up a year ago when he set franchise records with 109 receptions and 1,502 yards while scoring 14 touchdowns. Marshall still leads the Jets with 56 receptions for 744 yards and three TDs.

He has been dealing with foot and ankle ailments for most of this season, and the offense has been inconsistent and is on its third starting quarterback in Bryce Petty. He has been limited at practice this week with his foot, ankle and back all listed on the injury report.

''A little sore,'' Marshall said, adding that ''everybody'' is banged-up at this point in the season. ''I've been on a little pitch count this week, so that may continue during the game. I may be in and out for a few plays, may not take as many reps as I usually do, but I've got a lot of faith in our younger guys to step up and make plays.''

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