Broncos vs. Texans: Five Broncos To Watch For Saturday Night

Jan 12, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall (right) and linebacker Steven Johnson against the San Diego Chargers during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

A face Bronco personnel and fans could get used to seeing, linebacker Brandon Marshall is drawing high praise with his play in relief of the injured Danny Trevathan.

Marshall has stepped in as “the next man up” and is looking great for not seeing much of the field earlier in his career. He was originally drafted in 2012 by the Jaguars and eventually ended up in Denver, where he spent last season clawing his way back to relativity.

That hard work is now paying off. Marshall started last Sunday against the 49ers and proved he still has what it takes to get the job done in the NFL. He recorded five tackles on the day and exhibited the leadership qualities that were needed when taking over for Trevathan.

Trevathan was the captain of the defense and their best linebacker last season. He exploded onto the NFL scene in 2013, leading all Bronco defenders with 129 tackles.

Trevathan also received defensive play calls through a device in his helmet from defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. It was his job to get those calls to the rest of the defense and he carried out that duty wonderfully.

That responsibility is now Marshalls for the time being, and if his performance in San Francisco is any indication of his future, it’s surely a bright one.

"“If you can hold your own there and make the right calls, you’re going to be ready to do that in a game,” Marshall said after his first start as a Bronco. “And I think that’s the case for me if I just keep working.”"