Aug 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Tony Carter (32) during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 21-16. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The enigma that is Tony “Sticky Man” Carter is one that has vexed the Broncos’ coaching staff for the better part of two years. At times during his Bronco career, Carter has been a playmaking difference maker, who has impacted the team in a big way.
At other times, he has cost the team mightily with defensive penalties and an epic faux pas that cost the Broncos a playoff win. That Joe Flacco deep ball that soared over Rahim Moore’s head, was as much Carter’s fault as it was Moore’s.
But I digress. The bottom line is that although Carter has flashed, he has been the epitome of inconsistent. On a defense that has Super Bowl aspirations, the Broncos can’t afford to roster a CB who doesn’t play smart. Carter relies too heavily on jersey grabbing, which as we saw last Thursday night, will not be tolerated at all by NFL officiating crews in 2014.
I am a fan of Carter. And I’ve vociferously defended him in the past. But watching him in Thursday’s preseason matchup vs the Seahawks, I was very disappointed in his performance and it sadly reminded me of how terrible he was in the Super Bowl. It’s getting harder and harder to continue supporting his cause.
The Broncos spent a 1st round pick on a CB in Bradley Roby, and he figures into their plans long-term. But when you also factor in Louis Young and Jerome Murphy, two young guys who have been competing hard in camp and flashing great physical ability, Carter’s place on the Broncos’ final 53-man roster becomes even more precarious. He is on the bubble, no doubt.