Denver Broncos Game 1 Position/Player Grades
Aug 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Phil Bates (88) is tackled by Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) during the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerbacks
- Aqib Talib: B+
Aqib Talib played really well before he left with an injury. His best play, however, came in run support on an end-around. He came up, got underneath the runner, and brought him down. It also looked to be the play that he hurt himself. In coverage he stuck to his man and was physical with receivers off the line.
- Kayvon Webster: C+
Being a more physical defense seems to bode well with Webster. However, he still had struggles in coverage. His cover assignment would get a step on him and Webster doesn’t have the speed to recover to gain the ground back. If he doesn’t lose a step to his man, he is able to stick with them.
- Bradley Roby: D+
Being a rookie, there is no need to overreact in response to his poor performance. Roby did a good job sticking with his man, only to be beaten by a better throw. But, there were times he looked lost and just relied on his instincts. Run support needs work, but a lot of it will come with experience. He is physical and athletic, despite his mistakes, he showed potential.
- Omar Bolden: D+
Bolden played great on special teams, as a gunner. On defense, he was up and down. He stuck with his man a lot, only to get beat by a better throw. However, he also got beat by the receiver. His tackling was under par as well. Despite that, he looks like the fifth best corner. His special teams play helps as well.
- Tony Carter: F
Nothing positive can be said about Carter. He was beat all game. Looked lost, which is something you don’t want to see with his time spent with this defense. Also don’t remember seeing him on special teams. Playing special teams is major for someone as low as Carter on the depth chart.
- Jordan Sullen: B-
Unlike Roby, Sullen didn’t show signs of being a rookie. He looked like he has been a part of the defense for a while. He played hard and stuck close to his assignment in coverage. Has was aware of what was going on around him. He was quick to react and was always involved in the play. If he keeps it up, he could push for that #5 spot.
- Jerome Murphy: C+
When Murphy was in coverage, he often played soft coverage. He gave space to his assignment. He was able to recover and make the tackle quickly. In run support he did well, but could’ve done better. A few times he got blown back and taken out of the play. Altogether, he put together a solid showing.
- Chris Harris, Louis Young: N/A
Neither played due to injury. Chris Harris is still recovering from an ACL and Young has missed some time with a groin injury.
Overall: B-
The group performance by the cornerbacks was strong. They all have complimentary skill sets and the coaching staff did a great job keeping them balanced.