Bradley Roby says defense needs to step up after Sanders injury
Emmanuel Sanders has been ruled out for 2018. Denver Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby envisions Sanders’ injury affecting both sides of the ball.
The Denver Broncos suffered another blow to one of their starters on Wednesday as wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders went down with a torn Achilles during practice.
Sanders’ injury means there will be a major setback in the team’s quest of making the 2018 playoffs. Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby said that Sanders’ injury will force the defense to step up their game.
He’s right. The injury to Sanders makes things extremely difficult for the team. He was very reliable as a receiver and also was effective in trick handoff plays.
The Broncos have thirteen interceptions this season along with one defensive touchdown. Getting more defensive scores would greatly help the team win games.
Bradley Roby said Sanders' injury puts more pressure on defense:
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) December 6, 2018
“Anytime you lose a guy like that, especially Emmanuel, it’s going to affect the offense. If it affects the offense, we have to pick our side up. We have to be that much better come Sunday."
Things on defense became difficult after the news that the team’s number one cornerback, Chris Harris Jr, broke his leg and will miss at least most of the remaining regular season games.
Harris Jr hopes to make a comeback this season if Denver finds their way into the playoffs. Those chances took a big dip today when Sanders went down during practice.
Due to the key injuries, pass rushers Von Miller and Bradley Chubb cannot lose focus. They have both been very dominant, combining for 22.5 of the team’s 37 team sacks.
Sanders’ production is going to be missed. The team needs to continue the “next man up” mentality. That next man will be rookie Courtland Sutton. Sutton has caught 28 passes for 558 yards and three touchdowns.
Next. Broncos sign Andre Holmes to replace Sanders. dark
Heading into week 14, Sanders is the team’s leading wide receiver. He caught 71 passes for 868 yards and four touchdowns.
The Broncos will now have ten players on injured reserve. Along with Sanders, the team lost tight ends Jake Butt, Jeff Heuerman and Troy Fumagalli, safety Jamal Carter, offensive linemen Matt Paradis, Ron Leary and Max Garcia, and linebackers Jerol Garcia-Williams and Deiontrez Mount.
There were times during the season where Roby had struggled. The defense—especially the secondary—needs to play to their full ability the next four weeks in order for the team to make a promising run at the 2018 NFL playoffs.