Denver Native (Carol)
08-24-2010, 08:58 PM
http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2010/08/24/broncos-do-the-linebacker-shuffle/4716/
It is hard to keep up these days with all moves the Broncos are making in their linebacking corps.
First they added Jason Hunter (a defensive end-turned outside linebacker) and Worrell Williams (an inside linebacker just like big bro DJ) last week. On Tuesday, the team released inside linebacker Akin Ayodele, who started the first two preseason games.
So what does this all mean to the depth chart?
When the defense runs out for the first defensive series against Pittsburgh on Sunday, the starting lineup of linebackers will likely look like this: outside — Robert Ayers and Jarvis Moss; inside — Mario Haggan and D.J. Williams.
The top reserves inside are Wesley Woodyard (better in passing situations) and Joe Mays (better against the run), while Baraka Atkins, Hunter, Jammie Kirlew and Kevin Alexander will likely be fighting for two roster spots at outside linebacker behind Ayers and Moss.
The team decided to release Ayodele now since Haggan has been moved back inside, and Woodyard and Mays — the depth at the position — are also key special teams players while Ayodele was not.
It is hard to keep up these days with all moves the Broncos are making in their linebacking corps.
First they added Jason Hunter (a defensive end-turned outside linebacker) and Worrell Williams (an inside linebacker just like big bro DJ) last week. On Tuesday, the team released inside linebacker Akin Ayodele, who started the first two preseason games.
So what does this all mean to the depth chart?
When the defense runs out for the first defensive series against Pittsburgh on Sunday, the starting lineup of linebackers will likely look like this: outside — Robert Ayers and Jarvis Moss; inside — Mario Haggan and D.J. Williams.
The top reserves inside are Wesley Woodyard (better in passing situations) and Joe Mays (better against the run), while Baraka Atkins, Hunter, Jammie Kirlew and Kevin Alexander will likely be fighting for two roster spots at outside linebacker behind Ayers and Moss.
The team decided to release Ayodele now since Haggan has been moved back inside, and Woodyard and Mays — the depth at the position — are also key special teams players while Ayodele was not.