Marshall ready for second shot at Packers

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Don't think for one minute that Brandon Marshall didn't know what he was saying when he walked to the podium at Halas Hall today. The whole "Peanuts" music and the tree story, the dislike he said he felt for the Packers, he knew exactly what he was doing.

The Bears "Top Dog" was simply deflecting all the talk about losing and having their backs against the wall to himself. He put the pressure on his back and made it clear he wants to carry the load. Marshall challenged every member of the Packers secondary. He called them out like you rarely hear an NFL player do, and I loved every minute of it.

Marshall has played one game in the storied rivalry and was held to just two catches for 24 yards. By far his lowest output of the season. The Packers refused to let Marshall take over the game with coverage underneath and over the top, and even though Marshall said he wants to see one-on-one coverage he knows that isn't happening. Teams don't change schemes when they've had success with a certain scheme or approach.

Marshall also knew Bears fans would love hearing him talk so negative about the Bears biggest rival. He's selling what Lovie Smith has preached to his team, that beating the Packers is their No. 1 goal. Unfortunately, it's rare when that happens, considering Green Bay has won seven of the last eight meetings, including the 2010 NFC Championship game. So for now, it's been very one sided.

Perhaps Marshall's tough talk will resonate with his team and they will rise to the challenge, and play like a team that's in the thick of the playoff race. Otherwise, it could be the beginning of a very tense final two weeks of the season.

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