High profile: WR Marvin Harrison vs. CB Brian Kelly
By JOANNE KORTH
Published October 6, 2003
Though Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is throwing to a variety of receivers, record-setter Marvin Harrison remains his primary target.
With good reason.
In 80 games, Manning and Harrison have connected 549 times for 7,351 yards and 62 touchdowns. In their sixth season together, they rank fifth on the all-time quarterback-to-receiver touchdown list, 23 behind leaders Steve Young and Jerry Rice, who played 13 seasons in San Francisco. Harrison set an NFL record with 143 receptions last season.
"He's a quick-strike guy," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "He can score from anywhere on the field in one play. We respect that. At the same time, we're very confident about what we can do as a defensive club."
The Bucs do not assign cornerbacks to specific receivers, but left cornerback Brian Kelly likely will cover Harrison, who frequently lines up on the right side of Indianapolis formations.
"It'll be a good matchup," said Kelly, whose eight interceptions last season tied for the league lead. "He's definitely one of the premier receivers in the NFL. The thing that stands out the most is his relationship with Peyton Manning, how they work well together. They know how one another thinks."
Harrison does not give himself away, Kelly said. His body language is as consistent as his routes. At 6 feet, 175 pounds, Harrison relies on speed rather than being physical to get open. Kelly, 5-11, 193 pounds, is a physical bump-and-run corner.
"He's not like some guys you can look at and say, "He's good at this, not good at that,' " Kelly said. "He runs a lot of good routes. He's a polished receiver."
