Broncos youngsters might have stopped the team from shelving this season and playing for the future. A crazy twist? Sure, but what else would you expect from this Broncos season?
If Denver (3-3) turns around its season, its victory over road favorite Pittsburgh on Sunday night will be looked at as the starting point. And the saviors of the game – along with venerable 37-year-old kicker Jason Elam – were the team’s young players.
One of the oldest teams in the NFL during training camp, the Broncos suddenly are green – the result of several injuries and the emergence of youngsters. Both the short-term and long-term outlooks have changed with 10 games remaining in the season.
Three months ago, Denver was relatively experienced on both lines and some other key spots. Today, as the Broncos prepare for Monday night’s game against Green Bay at Invesco Field at Mile High, Denver has a youthful glow.
Against Pittsburgh, Denver seemed faster, more aggressive and ready to make plays on both sides of the ball in a 31-28 victory.
“It was weird to look around and see younger faces than mine,” said 24-year-old Broncos nickel back Domonique Foxworth, who played for the injured Champ Bailey. “It can do nothing but help us. Guys like me are forced into leadership roles because of it, and as a result you get more leaders on the field and you have experienced young guys. We’re going to need every bit of it.”
The Broncos’ youth movement is showing up everywhere. At the start of the season, there were obvious areas young faces would prevail, starting with 24-year-old second-year quarterback Jay Cutler. Among the other young players expected to play big roles were receiver Brandon Marshall, 23; tight end Tony Scheffler, 24; right tackle Erik Pears, 25; and defensive end Elvis Dumervil, 23.
But because of a glut of injuries, starting with left guard Ben Hamilton and center Tom Nalen – both out for the season – the Broncos added Chris Myers and Chris Kuper to the starting lineup. Myers, who started the first five games at Hamilton’s left guard position, was switched to center against the Steelers. Kuper made his first NFL start at left guard.
Rookie defensive linemen Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder and Marcus Thomas played major roles against Pittsburgh, along with Dumervil and defensive tackle Antwon Burton.
“The story isn’t over,” Broncos defensive line coach Bill Johnson said. “It’s only starting. This is pro football, (and) guys have to develop quickly. We need guys on both sides of the ball, and they are delivering.”
The youth movement is sure to continue as more injuries occur, and Selvin Young, a 24-year-old undrafted rookie, likely will take over the starting tailback job if Travis Henry loses his lawsuit and appeal against the league regarding his failed drug test.
Young has played a key role as a backup, and is working with young receiver Glenn Martinez – now the No. 3 receiver while Javon Walker is out with a knee injury – on kickoffs.
“You just have to be ready in this league,” Young said. “And I’m ready.”
In Denver, many young players appear to be.
“This is what I’ve been waiting for,” Myers said. “You hate that guys get injured, but I’ve been sitting here for three years ready to step up and help the team. All young guys feel that way. And to get the chance to show what we’ve learned while we’re sitting and to help the team win feels really good. But we have to keep stepping up all season.”
Bill Williamson: 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com
