The Denver Broncos received a significant setback heading into their bye week, as head coach Sean Payton confirmed that standout cornerback Riley Moss will miss multiple weeks with an MCL injury. The news is especially troubling given the team’s precarious depth in the secondary, exposed during their 41-32 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Struggles in Moss’s Absence
Moss has been a revelation in his first season as a starter, becoming a key component of Denver’s defense. However, his absence left a glaring hole in coverage. Cornerback Levi Wallace, who stepped in for Moss, had a rough outing, allowing six receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns on ten targets, including a 70-yard score by Browns receiver Jerry Jeudy.
Wallace, signed to a one-year, $1.3 million deal in the offseason, has struggled this year, allowing a career-high 70.4% completion rate. His performance against Cleveland led to his benching in favor of rookie Kris Abrams-Draine, though the rookie also faced difficulties.
Defensive Woes
The secondary’s struggles weren’t limited to Wallace. Nickelback Ja’Quan McMillian allowed 69 yards on ten targets, while linebacker Justin Strnad and safety Brandon Jones surrendered 75 and 78 yards, respectively, each giving up a touchdown. McMillian did redeem himself with a 69-yard pick-six, joining linebacker Nik Bonitto in scoring on an interception return.
Still, the Broncos defense looked shaky without Moss, underscoring his importance to the unit. ESPN’s Joe Buck even quipped during the broadcast, “He may ask for a raise after tonight if his absence means this much to the defense.”
Moss’s Impact
Moss has been one of the most targeted defenders in the NFL this season but has consistently held up under pressure. Among cornerbacks targeted at least 70 times, only three have allowed a lower completion percentage, and none have been targeted as often as Moss.
The second-year player, currently in the second year of a four-year, $5.4 million rookie contract, represents a considerable bargain. His absence puts additional pressure on a Broncos defense already facing challenges.
Tough Road Ahead
The Broncos, sitting at 8-5 and fighting for playoff positioning, will need to navigate a difficult schedule coming out of the bye. They face the 6-7 Indianapolis Colts at home, followed by back-to-back road games against the Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) and Cincinnati Bengals (4-8).
The Chargers boast the league’s top-ranked scoring defense, while the Bengals feature a potent offense led by Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix may need to engage in another shootout if Denver’s defense can’t recover from Moss’s absence.
Leave a Reply