Three Broncos Players on PFF Team of the Week
Sep 5, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos strong safety David Bruton (30) reacts to his blocked punt in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Though it probably could have been more, three Denver Broncos players were named to the Pro Football Focus team of the week. PFF is a website dedicated to statistical analysis of the NFL, and they are frequently referenced by the best in the business for their ability to grade every individual play and player.
Their grading system is something that goes completely over my head, but I believe their system is very accurate and well-researched.
The jist of this rambling is that if you are recognized positively by Pro Football Focus (@PFF on Twitter) then you’ve done something well. Their metric doesn’t always work perfectly, because a player like Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie who was targeted once and allowed zero catches didn’t receive the highest defensive grade.
However, being talked about positively by them IS a very good thing, and plenty of Broncos were just that after a blowout performance.
Cornerback Chris Harris, tight end Julius Thomas, and special teamer David Bruton made the PFF All-Week 1 team after their performances against the Baltimore Ravens.
On Thomas:
“We’re not in love with his pass blocking grade, but then what tight end should be able to stop Elvis Dumervil?”
They also said that Thomas proved himself to be a “difference maker.”
Bruton was cited for a “lively showing” on special teams after his blocked punt stole the show and gave the Broncos some serious momentum.
Harris graded higher than his PFF Week 1 teammate Darrelle Revis last week, absolutely shutting things down in the slot for the Broncos and snatching an interception along the way. Harris is picking up right where he left off in his second year with the Broncos, where he emerged as a star in the nickel CB position. He allowed three of eight passes to be caught that were thrown his way to go along with his interception and three tackles.
The Broncos could have easily had a number of other players on this team, namely Peyton Manning who was somehow beaten out by Carson Palmer…? I told you the formula is not always 100 percent.
Also receiving very high grades were Shaun Phillips (who had the highest defensive grade of any Broncos player), Demaryius Thomas, and Duke Ihenacho. It was somewhat surprising Ihenacho didn’t get the spot on the week one team after PFF gave him the game ball for the team’s win.
Either way, this is a resource football fans need to be aware of. For more, check out www.profootballfocus.com