Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe is suspended for the first four games of the season, and no one is taking it harder than no. 95 himself.
“I really don’t have any words for it other than I’m disappointed in myself,” Wolfe said. “I let the fans down, I let my teammates down, my coaches and the whole organization. At the end of the day, I’m going to sit out four games and I’m going to come back strong. Like I said, I’m going to be pissed off and I’m going to be hungry.”
Hungry — dare I say — like the Wolfe…
Last season, Wolfe applied pretty average pressure on the quarterback based on Pro Football Focus grades, but he averaged a couple of QB hurries per game and finished the season with four sacks. Since moving to the defensive end position in the NFL primarily after playing more interior defensive line in college, Wolfe hasn’t been the sack artist he was at Cincinnati, but it wouldn’t have been fair to expect that of him.
What the Broncos need from Wolfe, when he comes back, is a player that is hungry for a second contract. Up to this point in his Broncos career, he’s been a solid starter for the defense.
For what it’s worth, throughout the process of being suspended, Wolfe has been very open and honest about everything. He was asked on Friday whether or not he’s approached his daily work differently because of the looming suspension.
“That’s in the back of my head, but I’m not even thinking about that suspension right now. I’m thinking about what we can do to get better as a team in this moment and at this time. One play at a time, that’s just how I’m taking it.”
One play at a time, and when the regular season comes, one week at a time. Wolfe is going to need to work hard during his suspension to keep in shape, as he will not be allowed at team facilities. The Broncos will have to get by without him, but the hard-working Wolfe should be able to be counted on to keep himself physically where he needs to be.
“I’m going to go train my [butt] off, that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to train every day and embrace the day. I’ll come back in even better shape than I left camp.”
Perhaps the suspension was just the kick in the pants Wolfe needed to kick things into high gear.