The Broncos are much-improved against the run since adding an eighth man to the box after the bye week. While primarily using seven men in the box through their first five games, the Broncos allowed an average of 187.6 yards per game. After adding a defensive back to linebacker row, the Broncos have allowed 105.3 yards rushing in four games since the bye, a 44 percent improvement.
Perhaps more significant, the Broncos allowed six rushing touchdowns before the bye, which ranked 28th in the league, but only one rushing TD since, which ranks third over that four-game span.
Chin up. In body, Nick Ferguson has been replaced in the starting lineup by Hamza Abdullah. In position, Ferguson’s strong safety position has gone to Domonique Foxworth. Abdullah has been playing John Lynch’s free safety spot.
Considering Ferguson lockers next to Foxworth and is a couple of feet from where Abdullah dresses, there could be some awkward, downtime moments in the Broncos’ locker room. Yet, Ferguson, Foxworth and Abdullah have been cutting up and sharing laughter this week in the locker room.
“I’m a professional,” Ferguson said.
Lynch, by the way, has been practicing and is expected to play Monday for the first time since suffering a neck injury three weeks ago against Green Bay.
“Real encouraged,” Lynch said. “The strength is coming back.”
It’s unknown whether Lynch will start or how much he might play.
Tough guy award. Give it to Broncos defensive end John Engelberger, who has been playing with a third-degree, or most serious, shoulder separation. How does a guy play with a third-degree shoulder separation? Call it the wonders of cortisone.
Footnotes. Two of the Titans’ top defensive players – cornerback Nick Harper (concussion) and tackle Albert Haynesworth (hamstring) have yet to practice this week. …
Broncos receiver Javon Walker (knee) and special-teams standout Paul Smith (calf) were held out of practice again Thursday. …
Let there be no doubt the NFL is a passing league. To wit: Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall is on pace for 90 receptions, yet is in a three-way tie for 13th in the league. …
Simeon Rice, waived last week by the Broncos, will play Sunday for Indy but won’t start at the defensive end position vacated by Dwight Freeney. Josh Thomas will start.
Mike Klis and Bill Williamson, The Denver Post
