Broncos CB Champ Bailey: ‘This is the Best I’ve Felt in a Long Time’

December 30, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) moves in to tackle Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Devon Wylie (19) during the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

While the Broncos and their fans await news of whether or not star defensive players like Wesley Woodyard, Chris Harris, and Robert Ayers will be able to play on Sunday, there are some very positive things happening for cornerback Champ Bailey, who has been inactive for the team’s first five games.

Bailey says right now, he’s feeling as good as he has felt since injuring his foot.

“They kind of gave me a time frame of when they thought I would be ready,’’ Bailey said. “But it’s really based on how much I can tolerate, and this is probably the best I’ve felt, this is the best I’ve felt in a long time.’’

Seeing no. 24 out there for the Broncos would be a very, very welcome sight to all players, coaches, fans, and everyone who likes good football in general. Bailey is approaching his mid-30s, and is still one of the top shut-down cornerbacks in the NFL.

People who only watch the NFL in the playoffs will remember Bailey’s poor performance against Torrey Smith and the Ravens, but prior to that game, Bailey had given up just one touchdown all season long.

The dude is still dominant.

And getting him back to face the Jaguars will be important, especially if the Broncos are a few men down defensively. Denver gave up 48 points and an ungodly amount of passing yardage to Tony Romo and the Cowboys last week, and I’m not saying Chad Henne is capable of that but he’s still an NFL quarterback with some solid playmakers at wide receiver in Justin Blackmon and Cecil Shorts III.

Getting back Champ Bailey would be huge for the Denver defense, and it’d sure be nice for him to get some time on the field before the Broncos’ prime time game against Indianapolis in week seven.