TXBRONC
09-16-2009, 08:12 AM
http://www.denverpost.com/premium/broncos/ci_13345455
Smith happy with his play in debut
By Jeff Legwold
The Denver Post
Posted: 09/16/2009 01:00:00 AM MDT
Rookie cornerback Alphonso Smith wasn't a first-round draft pick, but in many ways he will play one on TV each week.
Smith is the player the Broncos acquired for a first-round pick when they moved up to draft him in the second round. And he finished his first game Sunday with a smile on his face, having played a pile of snaps in the Broncos' 12-7 victory at Cincinnati. He was matched up against some of the Bengals' top receivers.
"It was a good feeling to be out there and contributing," Smith said. "I know there's a lot of things I'll have to fix when we look at it this week, but I just tried to compete on every play."
Smith let a chance at an interception slip through his hands when a tipped ball found its way into his grasp Sunday. He was credited with five tackles, including one for a loss on a Cincinnati running play.
In the nickel package — where Smith plays as the fifth defensive back — the Broncos limited the Bengals' top three receivers to two receptions for 29 yards.
Smith said he had a clear view of the Broncos' winning play when Brandon Stokley caught a deflected pass and completed an 87-yard touchdown reception with 11 seconds left.
"It was all a good feeling, kind of a strange way to open up. My 'welcome to the NFL' game," Smith said. "I saw Stokley running up under it with nobody around him. That was the craziest thing I've seen in my life, though. What a way to win."
High praise.
Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, who spent three years as the Ravens' defensive coordinator after one year as the team's wide receivers coach, made a rather high-profile comparison when talking about Broncos safety Brian Dawkins.
"He reminds me a lot of Ray and I coached (linebacker) Ray Lewis for a few years," Nolan said. "(Dawkins is) very mature in his way, very serious about football, does not hold back at all in what he thinks and sees, but he's not overbearing. And guys will respond to that."
Franchise's finest.
The Broncos announced their all-time team Tuesday as part of their 50-season celebration. Voted on by fans, the first team included Pro Football Hall of Famers John Elway at quarterback and Gary Zimmerman at offensive tackle. Floyd Little, a seniors committee nomination for the Hall of Fame's Class of 2010, was selected at running back along with Terrell Davis.
The first-team selections will be honored Oct. 11, a home game against New England featuring throwback uniforms.
Footnote.
With one of the NFL's best returners, Cleveland's Josh Cribbs, coming to Denver this weekend, the Broncos will have to adjust their coverage unit because Spencer Larsen's shoulder injury is expected to keep him out at least a few weeks.
Jeff Legwold, The Denver Post
Smith happy with his play in debut
By Jeff Legwold
The Denver Post
Posted: 09/16/2009 01:00:00 AM MDT
Rookie cornerback Alphonso Smith wasn't a first-round draft pick, but in many ways he will play one on TV each week.
Smith is the player the Broncos acquired for a first-round pick when they moved up to draft him in the second round. And he finished his first game Sunday with a smile on his face, having played a pile of snaps in the Broncos' 12-7 victory at Cincinnati. He was matched up against some of the Bengals' top receivers.
"It was a good feeling to be out there and contributing," Smith said. "I know there's a lot of things I'll have to fix when we look at it this week, but I just tried to compete on every play."
Smith let a chance at an interception slip through his hands when a tipped ball found its way into his grasp Sunday. He was credited with five tackles, including one for a loss on a Cincinnati running play.
In the nickel package — where Smith plays as the fifth defensive back — the Broncos limited the Bengals' top three receivers to two receptions for 29 yards.
Smith said he had a clear view of the Broncos' winning play when Brandon Stokley caught a deflected pass and completed an 87-yard touchdown reception with 11 seconds left.
"It was all a good feeling, kind of a strange way to open up. My 'welcome to the NFL' game," Smith said. "I saw Stokley running up under it with nobody around him. That was the craziest thing I've seen in my life, though. What a way to win."
High praise.
Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, who spent three years as the Ravens' defensive coordinator after one year as the team's wide receivers coach, made a rather high-profile comparison when talking about Broncos safety Brian Dawkins.
"He reminds me a lot of Ray and I coached (linebacker) Ray Lewis for a few years," Nolan said. "(Dawkins is) very mature in his way, very serious about football, does not hold back at all in what he thinks and sees, but he's not overbearing. And guys will respond to that."
Franchise's finest.
The Broncos announced their all-time team Tuesday as part of their 50-season celebration. Voted on by fans, the first team included Pro Football Hall of Famers John Elway at quarterback and Gary Zimmerman at offensive tackle. Floyd Little, a seniors committee nomination for the Hall of Fame's Class of 2010, was selected at running back along with Terrell Davis.
The first-team selections will be honored Oct. 11, a home game against New England featuring throwback uniforms.
Footnote.
With one of the NFL's best returners, Cleveland's Josh Cribbs, coming to Denver this weekend, the Broncos will have to adjust their coverage unit because Spencer Larsen's shoulder injury is expected to keep him out at least a few weeks.
Jeff Legwold, The Denver Post