His name is A.J. Nicholson. Or, as some NFL personnel people call him, trouble.
Nicholson, the Bengals’ fifth-round draft choice in 2006, has had various scrapes with the law through the years. So many, in fact, that even Cincinnati, where a good bail bondsman is as crucial as a good quarterback, showed him the door.
So why bring up Nicholson’s name today? Because the Broncos worked him out the other day at Dove Valley.
No, they didn’t sign him. And for all we know, they may never sign him. But his mere presence at their training facility tells you a little something about the state of the Broncos’ linebacking corps.
As in, it isn’t very good.
If Jim Bates’ system is going to work, the Broncos’ 300-plus-pounders in the middle of the defensive line have to occupy blockers. After that, it’s up to the linebackers to make the bulk of the tackles.
Sure, D.J. Williams, Nate Webster and Ian Gold lead the team in tackles. The system is designed for them to do that. But they’re not making enough plays, not at crucial points in games. That explains why opposing teams are averaging 166 yards a game on the ground.
It’s only late September, but we already know one thing about the Broncos. If their run defense doesn’t improve, they’re not going to the playoffs.
Follow Jim Armstrong’s daily Broncos commentaries on The Jimmy Page at 7 a.m. and noon. And read his Third & Short column on Sundays and the day after Broncos games.
He can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
