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Denver Broncos Gameday: Zaire Anderson’s Time To Shine

By Cameron Parker

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 19: Jeremy Kerley #17 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Zaire Anderson #50 and Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos on a punt return at Levi's Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 19: Jeremy Kerley #17 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Zaire Anderson #50 and Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos on a punt return at Levi's Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The ex-Nebraska Cornhusker and now Denver Broncos linebacker Zaire Anderson is ready to bring his “Bam Bam” to the starting lineup.

Due to a high-ankle sprain from Todd Davis, the Denver Broncos turn their sights to Zaire Anderson. Davis emerged at the start of the season, but lack of discipline and injury puts him in a tough spot. Corey Nelson, another linebacker, is on the shelf. Anderson has spent the bulk of his time on special teams. He is a physical presence and not afraid to lay the lumber to running backs or tight ends.

Anderson earned nickname “Bam Bam” for his big hitter play at the University of Nebraska. There was versatility to Anderson while at Nebraska. Anderson played some safety, but major workload came at linebacker under Bo Pelini. Pelini elevated his game to another level. Once he graduated, Anderson found himself on the Denver Broncos roster as an undrafted free agent. Here is a play against the University of Michigan. Anderson blows up the running back.

Pass coverage can be suspect at times for Anderson, but he is capable of running with backs in coverage. Anderson’s hard hitting nature affords him an opportunity to change a game, forcing turnovers, whether in coverage or run defense. Forcing turnovers is a major issue for the Denver Broncos defense. Remember the fumble Anderson forced versus the Bengals a year ago?

Former Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips was asked last year about a player that has taken a significant leap from year one to two. He said Anderson. Play time is concerning for the Broncos and Anderson, but there is a lot of intrigue for the type of player he is in a reshaped linebacking corps.

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It has been difficult for Anderson to see the field in the two years he has been with the Denver Broncos. Back to last season, it even seemed Anderson’s career was in jeopardy due to huge hit. He lost consciousness against the Oakland Raiders on Jan. 1, 2017. Anderson appears to have not changed his mentality continuing to be a strong depth option for the Broncos.

It is Anderson’s time to shine for the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. It may not be out of the realm of possibility Zaire Anderson replaces Davis as starter.

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