White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia — There has been a highly visible quarterback carousel for the Denver Broncos since Peyton Manning retired after Super Bowl 50.
The Broncos’ cornerback carousel has gone unnoticed because of how well-known their quarterback carousel has been for almost ten years. However, the team has also had a lot of cornerback carousel.
After Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. parted ways in 2018, the Broncos have struggled to assemble a reliable tandem. That seems to have shifted significantly.
In response to a question concerning Riley Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian’s rise to prominence alongside Pat Surtain II, Vance Joseph stated, “That’s huge for us.” Pat is undoubtedly among the finest in the league. You can strategise using Pat’s skill set, but it’s important to have two other players that can hold their own so you can close the gap and play man or fire-zone without worrying about anything.
Last season, McMillian became one of the most influential nickel cornerbacks in the NFL. Early in the season this year, Moss has shown himself to be one of the league’s top young cornerbacks. That changes everything for Joseph’s defence.
The defensive coordinator noted, “Most good defences have corners who can cover,” emphasising the value of having multiple good cornerbacks. “You can close the middle without worrying about giving up a big play. That’s half the battle of being a good defense.”
Having made three career starts so far this season, Moss is still very much a learning process in just his second year in the NFL.
He’s still a developing athlete. Each week, we sort of discover what he is unaware of, but it usually happens on Wednesday or Thursday, and by Saturday, he repairs it,” Joseph continued. He’s still quite young. Even though he’s playing solid football, I’m constantly reminded of how young he is. In actuality, Riley is asked, “Well, what was that?” He is a baby, though. Every week, it’s honest and organic for him, but he’s still figuring it out. Observing his development has been enjoyable, and every week he gets more and better.
That’s exactly what has also occurred. In the initial After three weeks of play, Moss has improved every week. Moss was actually voted the NFL’s top cornerback in Week 3 by Pro Football Focus.
Regarding the rookie cornerback on Thursday, Joseph stated, “Obviously, I’m proud of what he has done.”
The Broncos think Riley Moss and Pat Surtain are their answers to their cornerback carousel, much as they think Bo Nix will end their quarterback carousel.