Malik Reed, EDGE
Malik Reed was given an opportunity Sunday.
Needless to say, he took full advantage of it.
Given more reps with Jeremiah Attaochu being ruled out on Sunday, Malik Reed stepped up in a big way and got people talking, sacking Cam Newton twice on the day, which is no easy feat.
Reed’s second sack could not have come at a more opportune moment, with 1:09 left to go in the game. The Patriots were in Broncos’ territory, and Reed’s sack sealed the beginning of the end for Newton and company.
While this may not mean Attaochu has lost his spot, it definitely proves that this defense has the depth to keep the ball rolling while missing key players.
Honorable Mention: Broncos’ Defense
While Malik Reed earned his own shoutout for the week, it would be amiss to forget how well the Denver Broncos’ defense fared against high voltage Cam Newton and New England.
The defensive unit finished the day with four forced fumbles, four sacks, and two interceptions. Really, what more can you ask of your defense, especially in Foxboro, one of the hardest places to win in the last decade?
Bradley Chubb, Justin Simmons, Malik Reed, Mike Purcell, and others all came to play on Sunday.
Of course, we can’t forget Shelby Harris, who has probably earned a Game Ball in every game this season. At this point, it would be criminal if John Elway does not find a way to keep Shelby Harris in orange and blue for the foreseeable future.
Realistically, does the man not have the best hand(s) in the NFL?