Denver Broncos: 5 players that need to step up big vs. the Jets

Denver Broncos: 5 players that need to step up vs. the Jets

2. Justin Strnad, LB

Some players need to step up big due to their past performance not living up to their tremendous potential.

Other players need to step up big because they are filling some pretty big shoes.

Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game that we all love so much, and oftentimes they can pave the way for other players to step up and earn long-term roles.

That will be the expectation for linebacker Justin Strnad, who will be stepping in for the injured Josey Jewell.

Jewell, who was already one of the more underrated players on the Denver Broncos’ roster, was enjoying a really strong start to the 2021 season before his injury on a special teams play.

Strnad?

He made seven tackles on just 23 defensive snaps in relief of Jewell, and he looked pretty darn good out there all things considered.

Strnad has tremendous range and instincts. What many really loved about his game coming out of college was his three-down versatility in coverage and as a blitzer.

Playing with increased snaps for the first time in regular season action, the pressure will be on Strnad to step into Josey Jewell’s big shoes and although Alexander Johnson will be calling the defense (green dot on the helmet), Strnad is going to have to play fast and disciplined.