Broncos’ Phillips: “The More We Get Patted On The Back, The Faster We’ll Fail”

Broncos outside linebacker Shaun Phillips (90) scores a touchdown on a recovered fumble against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Candlestick Park. (Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports)

Put Shaun Phillips right up there with Champ Bailey as the media’s go-to guy for great material in Denver.

Like Bailey, Phillips has been in the league long enough to know what’s going on, and he’s not as guarded with his responses to typical questions. Add in the fact that he likes to talk and he’s honest, and he’s always a great interview. For example, after he had 2.5 sacks against the Ravens in week one, Phillips talked about how people questioned what he could do without Bailey and Von Miller on the field.

“I took it personal that everyone was like, ‘Oh what are we going to do about the pass rush,’ but I’ve had like 70 sacks in my career,” Phillips said. “What am I some bum or something like that? I took it a little personal, but again, it’s one game and I’m going to enjoy it.”

In preseason play, he said, “I think I’ve been successful without Von so far” in response to a similar question.

Another great nugget emerged from Phillips on Monday when he was asked about the chemistry of the Broncos defense.

“We’re not together yet,” Phillips said. “It was one football game. Everyone is patting us on the back, but the more we get patted on the back the faster we’ll fail.”

The locker room needs guys like Phillips – guys that will give the team a reality check, both in success and in failure.

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