Rahim Moore Has Lofty Goals for Himself and the Denver Broncos Defense in 2014
By Matt Petrero
Aug 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos safety Rahim Moore (26) during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
It would be an understatement to say that the past 20 months or so have been tumultuous for Denver Broncos‘ safety, Rahim Moore. To many, Moore still wears the goat horns for his unfortunate misplay at the end of regulation of the 2012 AFC divisional playoff game against Baltimore. In 2013, he was having a very good first 10 games before Compartment Syndrome in the lower portion of his leg cost him the remainder of the season; not to mention almost life and limb.
Rahim considers himself blessed with a “Christian confidence” and as he explained to Sandy Clough on 104.3 The Fan in Denver, he is using that as well as the injury as a source of motivation for the upcoming season. Clough asked Rahim to describe what success, individually and collectively, looks like to him in 2014. Making sure he puts the team’s aspirations first, Moore stated:
"“Let’s start off team-wise because that’s what it’s all about..I want us to be Super Bowl Champions; point blank, period!”"
He then went on to lay out what goals he is setting for himself.
"“Me personally, I want to be the safety that I know I can be, that I trained to be, that I know I was put on this Earth to be.”"
Rahim elaborated with further specificity:
"“(What I want is) to make plays, lead the league in interceptions, and be an All-Pro!” he continued,“The better I play, the better our defense will play”"
Moore then went on to reference how well the Seattle Seahawks‘ safeties played last season, what it meant to their championship, and what he can take from that.
"“If T.J. and I do that, the skies the limit for us!”"
Of course Rahim is referring to his partner in the middle of the defensive secondary, first year Bronco, T.J. Ward.
Sandy went on to talk about the emphasis of takeaways and how the Broncos have not been good in turnover ratio since the back-to-back Super Bowls in 1997 and 1998.
"“You know what? At some point that’s going to have to stop! Because if we want to win the Super Bowl, we’re going to have to get takeaways”"
Clough pointed out that no member of the Broncos had more than three interceptions in 2013. He then suggested to Moore that he would have to get somewhere between seven and nine picks to lead the league. Does the third year veteran out of UCLA think he can make that happen?
"“Absolutely…I will…I promise you!”"
He Emphasized the need for the defense to work together as a unit to accomplish this lofty goal.
"“If we do what we have to do, we play great (team) defense…I want us to lead the league as a group!”"
The conversation concluded with talking about the goals DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller have their sights set on to lead the league in sacks and how that will have to work hand-in-hand with the DBs in order to win the turnover battles.
The IFs have to be turned into matters of fact for these lofty aspirations to be met. Though I have to tell you, I think the only thing that can derail these goals is too many appointments with head athletic trainer, Steve Antonopulos.
Click here to listen to the interview in its entirety.