Denver Native (Carol)
08-30-2010, 12:11 PM
Broncos insider article received via email:
DENVER, CO. (Gary Miller, CBS4) ― Sunday night, the Denver Broncos' defense showed some signs the coaches, fans and even the players have been waiting for. In their win over the Steelers, they put pressure on the Pittsburgh quarterbacks, and were led by two players who look like they're finally starting to fulfill their potential.
It's not only fair, it's accurate to have labeled Jarvis Moss and Robert Ayers as first round "busts". Moss was the Broncos first round pick in 2007, and for three years they have waited for him to live up to expectations. Ayers was the top pick in 2009, and he'll be the first to tell you his rookie season was a blur. It flew by, and he was consistently a step behind. But now three games into preseason, both players are making the most of their opportunity to play key roles in the Broncos defense.
Ayers is starting with the first unit, and he's been able to put consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He now understands where he should be and what it takes to get there. Ayers re-dedicated himself during the off season. He accepted responsibility for his disappointing first season and did everything in his power to make sure it wouldn't happen again. He threw himself into the offseason workout program and his playbook. He promised himself he'd be a much better player this year. Ayers believed he could be a difference maker and so far he's proving it on the field.
The coach has noticed the difference. Josh McDaniels has spent the spring and summer telling anyone who'll listen Robert Ayers is a new man. Someone he believes will make the Bronco defense much better this season. He's saying the same thing these days about Jarvis Moss as well.
For three long years, Moss did nothing but disappoint the Broncos. He was underweight and overmatched. Not strong enough to make any kind of impact on the defensive line. In fact, last year, he disappeared for a few days during training camp, not sure if he wanted to keep playing football.
When he returned, he still couldn't crack the lineup. His appearances were few and ineffective.
Now in his 4th year, and perhaps in his last chance, Moss is starting to show the potential the Broncos saw when they drafted him 4 years ago. He's long and lean with a lightning quick first step. He's consistently beating slower offensive lineman and creating havoc for opposing quarterbacks. He's more of a situational player than Ayers, but he's definitely showing the ability to contribute.
On a Bronco defense searching for playmakers, they may have found them in two recent first round draft picks who, if preseason is any indication, can't be called "busts" anymore.
DENVER, CO. (Gary Miller, CBS4) ― Sunday night, the Denver Broncos' defense showed some signs the coaches, fans and even the players have been waiting for. In their win over the Steelers, they put pressure on the Pittsburgh quarterbacks, and were led by two players who look like they're finally starting to fulfill their potential.
It's not only fair, it's accurate to have labeled Jarvis Moss and Robert Ayers as first round "busts". Moss was the Broncos first round pick in 2007, and for three years they have waited for him to live up to expectations. Ayers was the top pick in 2009, and he'll be the first to tell you his rookie season was a blur. It flew by, and he was consistently a step behind. But now three games into preseason, both players are making the most of their opportunity to play key roles in the Broncos defense.
Ayers is starting with the first unit, and he's been able to put consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He now understands where he should be and what it takes to get there. Ayers re-dedicated himself during the off season. He accepted responsibility for his disappointing first season and did everything in his power to make sure it wouldn't happen again. He threw himself into the offseason workout program and his playbook. He promised himself he'd be a much better player this year. Ayers believed he could be a difference maker and so far he's proving it on the field.
The coach has noticed the difference. Josh McDaniels has spent the spring and summer telling anyone who'll listen Robert Ayers is a new man. Someone he believes will make the Bronco defense much better this season. He's saying the same thing these days about Jarvis Moss as well.
For three long years, Moss did nothing but disappoint the Broncos. He was underweight and overmatched. Not strong enough to make any kind of impact on the defensive line. In fact, last year, he disappeared for a few days during training camp, not sure if he wanted to keep playing football.
When he returned, he still couldn't crack the lineup. His appearances were few and ineffective.
Now in his 4th year, and perhaps in his last chance, Moss is starting to show the potential the Broncos saw when they drafted him 4 years ago. He's long and lean with a lightning quick first step. He's consistently beating slower offensive lineman and creating havoc for opposing quarterbacks. He's more of a situational player than Ayers, but he's definitely showing the ability to contribute.
On a Bronco defense searching for playmakers, they may have found them in two recent first round draft picks who, if preseason is any indication, can't be called "busts" anymore.