It has taken Patrick Chukwurah four seasons in the Broncos’ system to become a consistent pass rusher.
However, this fourth season nearly never developed.
Chukwurah all but agreed to go to Tampa Bay in March as a free agent. The Buccaneers were offering more money, and the Broncos were told of Chukwurah’s decision to leave. However, when the time came to sign, Chukwurah decided he was too comfortable in Denver to leave. When the Broncos’ offseason workout program started April 3, Chukwurah showed up at Dove Valley to sign a one-year contract.
“I think it worked out for the best,” Chukwurah said. “This is where I wanted to be, and I’m getting an opportunity.”
Chukwurah has made the best out of his move from linebacker to defensive end. He has 1.5 sacks and has been a major factor in Denver’s pass rush in all three games. He has become an ideal rotational pass rusher, something the team has needed.
Previously Chukwurah, a Wyoming product, was a special- team standout only. He still plays special teams, but now he is making a difference on defense.
Pass rushing is a need Denver is always looking to upgrade, and the Broncos will probably work out several pass rushers as soon as next week. Even if they make a move, Chukwurah’s spot in the rotation appears safe.
“Patrick is a high-effort player,” Denver defensive coordinator Larry Coyer said. “He’s always working hard.”
If Chukwurah continues to pile up sacks, he may have another decision on his hands next spring. Perhaps more than any other statistic in the NFL, sacks often result in big-dollar contracts on the open market.
“We’ll see,” Chukwurah said. “Right now, I just have to continue playing hard.”
Calming effect
The Broncos are continuing a trend of having their practice- squad quarterback travel with the team. Preston Parsons – who is on the practice squad and works behind Jake Plummer and Jay Cutler during the week – has traveled to Denver’s road games to St. Louis and New England. Two years ago, practice squad quarterbacks Bradlee Van Pelt and Matt Mauck traveled. Typically, practice squad players don’t travel.
Parsons spends his time on the road on the sideline. Van Pelt and Mauck, who were in their first NFL year in 2004, watched games from the press box with the coaches.
Parsons, 27, was Arizona’s third quarterback in 2002-03. He and Plummer were teammates in 2002, Plummer’s final season in Arizona. Parsons said his familiarity and friendship with Plummer is a major reason he is on the sideline during games.
“Jake gets fired up during games sometimes and it’s good to have a third quarterback out there to talk to him,” Parsons said.
Footnote
Running back Cedric Cobbs may be out for the next couple games with a sprained ankle he suffered Sept. 17 against Kansas City.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
