Darrent Williams says the Broncos need to put their four-game losing streak behind them. The Denver right cornerback wondered aloud today whether all his teammates are ready to do what is needed to win the final three games of the season and give themselves a chance for an AFC wild-card playoff berth.
“A few guys are probably ready to hang it up,” said Williams, a second-year pro who experienced a playoff run last season when Denver fell in the AFC championship game. “You can kind of feel it. It’s kind of a feel around some people. It’s just one of those seasons. I’m used to going to the playoffs, and I want to make the playoffs.
“Right this time, it’s easy to say I’m going to finish these three games and take a little vacation.”
Denver star left cornerback Champ Bailey said it’s inexcusable if any players are taking that approach.
“I don’t know if it’s true, but it better not be,” Bailey said. “I’ve seen it happen to teams and it won’t happen here. We have too much veteran leadership for it to happen. If it does, get off the field and we’ll get someone else in there. We have to fight through this.”
Bailey said the players are responsible for the team’s defensive struggles.
“We have to iron out our own (stuff),” Bailey said, analyzing the team’s 48-20 loss at San Diego on Sunday. “Other than that one touchdown by (tight end Antonio) Gates, it was all on us. Guys were out of their gaps and little stuff like that. We’re killing ourselves right now.”
Williams said players are down because of the slump.
“It’s taking a toll,” Williams said. “There may be plays where there isn’t total effort every play and that’s because of the losing. I know every guy on this team tries hard, you can see it in the film. Guys want to win, but when you lose, it gets you down. We have to get out of it.”
Defensive captain John Lynch said he expects full effort when the team plays the Cardinals at Arizona on Sunday – not a letdown. “I don’t think it will happen with this team,” Lynch said.
Said defensive tackle Gerard Warren: “We have to check ourselves individually. Film doesn’t lie. We all have to get better.”
