Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall says one of the reasons why he had such a sub-par statistical season last year is that offseason hip surgery kept him from participating in the team's OTAs. He said his body was never fully in shape. But this year is different, and Marshall has been working hard on regaining his speed.
"Ever since my rookie season I've been rehabbing some kind of injury, Marshall told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "This was the first time I actually spent an offseason getting better at something, and it's paid off. (Personal trainer) Matt Gates did a great job of getting me that speed, that explosion."
Gates concurred with Marshall.
"He's a disciplined guy and when he sets his mind at something he's going to do it," he said of Marshall. "He's lean, about six percent body fat, and fast. We're talking 4.4 (40-time) fast. The guy is moving."

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Head coach Tony Sparano also said there's no question that Marshall is faster in 2011 than he was in 2010. This is all well and good, but if Chad Henne can't get the ball to him consistently, Marshall will have another so-so year. It was good to see them get together on a long catch-and-run last week; I just don't think those kinds of plays are going to occur much unless Henne shows a marked improvement this year or the Dolphins can get a better QB.