Denver Broncos Must Adjust to Changes at Safety with Rahim Moore Out

Broncos safety Mike Adams (20) celebrates after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports)

With starting safety Rahim Moore out indefinitely due to having emergency surgery to repair lateral compartment syndrome, once again it’s the next man up for the Broncos.

Specifically, that man is ten-year veteran Mike Adams, who has 67-career starts both at safety and at cornerback.  Adams was the Broncos’ starting safety before Duke Ihenacho emerged in camp this year. In fact, Adams had a career-high 80 tackles and 11 passes defended in 2012.

“Being able to have a guy like Mike step in whenever Duke [Ihenacho] is out or Rahim is out is big,” cornerback Chris Harris said. “You have to have a lot of depth. I don’t know what the game plan is going to be, but I’m pretty sure that Mike will be able to step in.”

Obviously Moore played such an important role in the secondary. He had 44 tackles, two interceptions, and he played in nearly 99% of the Broncos’ defensive snaps this season.

In addition to Adams filling in, David Bruton will play a bigger role coming in when the team is in its nickel package. Omar Bolden should see more action as well.

The question has to be asked: Will Champ Bailey be asked to switch over the safety once he’s able to return? If that’s not in the Broncos plan at all, we shouldn’t be surprised if the Broncos sign a veteran free-agent to add more depth, assuming that Moore will be placed on the IR.

The Broncos have been hit with injuries all season long specifically on the offensive line. If resilience runs in the Dove Valley water then the Broncos’ secondary should be just fine.

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