One problem with victorious, final-second drama is it can suffocate significant subtleties.
Among the more surprising developments in the Broncos’ 15-14 win against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday was that Hamza Abdullah substituted in for John Lynch at safety for a few plays, cornerback Jeff Shoate played defense for the first time since the Broncos drafted him in 2004, and rookie defensive end Jarvis Moss frequently played the role of run-stopper while coming off the field on passing downs.
“It gives everyone roles and keeps everyone interested,” said Lynch, who played every meaningful defensive down for the Broncos in three previous seasons, but was replaced by Abdullah when Buffalo went to a four-receiver set. I like the approach. I don’t like coming off the field, but I do understand where if you give everyone even one package, it heightens your preparation tenfold as a player.”
Shoate was selected in the fifth round of the 2004 draft, but was limited primarily to special-teams play in seven games as a rookie, then missed most of the past two seasons with injuries.
He came in during one of the unique defensive packages employed by defensive boss Jim Bates and made three tackles.
“It’s been a long time, but it was worth it,” Shoate said.
In the weeks leading up to the draft, enough pages of scouting reports were distributed to replenish the file cabinets of Richard Nixon and Ollie North.
Among the pros, cons, tendencies, vitals and intangibles listed on every player’s report, these words were not likely written anywhere: Jarvis Moss, run-stopper.
To those who forgot the hype on draft day, this is a 180-degree spin move away from Moss’ reputation when the Broncos selected him with the No. 17 pick.
“It felt good to get in there and play well in some situations where normally I wouldn’t play,” Moss said. “I think I got better on Sunday.”
Elvis Dumervil started for the Broncos, but after the first series Moss was used primarily on run downs at one end, with John Engelberger playing the other side. On passing downs, Dumervil and Simeon Rice often came in at the end positions.
“Jarvis has improved his run-stopping ability as far as technique, so we felt comfortable with him in there on first and second down,” Bates said.
Dumervil is expected to start again Sunday against the Oakland Raiders in the home opener at Invesco Field at Mile High. But as Rice gradually works himself into shape after missing the entire preseason, his role is expected to expand beyond that of a third-down specialist in an eight- man defensive line rotation.
“Given last week, yeah, I loved it because I wasn’t quite ready,” Rice said. “Given the fact I continue to improve, I’m looking to be in the same position I’ve always been in.”
Since signing with the Broncos last week, Rice stays on the field long after each practice for conditioning and to teach pass-rushing technique to Dumervil, Moss and another rookie, Tim Crowder.
“He’s the master,” Dumervil said of Rice.
Paymah ready
Karl Paymah is expected to play Sunday after spending the previous two weeks recovering from a frightening concussion. Paymah could replace nickle back Domonique Foxworth, who missed practice Thursday with a sprained ankle.
For Paymah, the challenge will be to get himself mentally ready to hit again after suffering a head blow while making a tackle in the preseason game against Arizona.
“The one thing I know is if you’re thinking about getting hurt, that’s when you get injured in this game,” Paymah said.
Raider mystery
Quarterback Josh McCown returned to Raiders practice Thursday despite a broken right finger and foot injury. Given those ailments, the Broncos won’t be surprised if Daunte Culpepper takes snaps Sunday.
“You study both of them and be ready for whatever they throw at you,” Lynch said.
Money for causes
The City of Denver has donated $155,600 for the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center project that is scheduled to open early in 2008. A fundraiser Tuesday morning at the center site in Montbello will be attended by several Broncos.
Meanwhile, Mark Vandenabeele of Parker has set up the Kevin Everett Rehabilitation Fund at KeyBank. The account number is 765521- 002657. Donations will help Everett defray medical costs from the serious neurological injury he suffered Sunday against the Broncos.
Staff writer Bill Williamson contributed to this report. Staff writer Mike Klis can be reached at 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com.
