The NFL fined Broncos cornerback Dre Bly $20,000 on Friday for what it considered inappropriate comments regarding the officiating after last week’s 24-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Bly was irked by two calls. One was an illegal contact penalty against him in the third quarter when it appeared he was pushed down by Jacksonville receiver Reggie Williams. The other was a crucial pass interference penalty late in the fourth quarter against Marlon McCree when replays showed the Broncos safety didn’t make contact until after the thrown ball had passed by the receiver.
“The first couple of games, I guess they’ve been evaluating us and saying we won games we shouldn’t have won,” Bly said after the game. “So I guess they’re going to get a call against us.”
The fine was significant as the NFL often levies punishment in the $5,000 range. Bly will appeal the fine.
Shaw suspended.
The Broncos suspended defensive tackle Josh Shaw for disciplinary reasons.
Shaw was not at practice Friday and is already designated as “out” for the game Monday night at New England. Shaw has missed the previous three games with a groin injury but was considered close to being physically ready to play this week.
Injury update.
The Broncos listed outside linebacker Boss Bailey as probable for Monday’s game, while rookie running back Ryan Torain heads a large group of players listed as questionable.
Torain, out since suffering a dislocated left elbow in training camp, practiced this week, although coach Mike Shana-han said it would be awhile before the back gets in game shape. Also listed as questionable were receiver Brandon Stokley (concussion), running back Selvin Young (groin) and tight end Tony Scheffler (groin).
Young and Scheffler missed last week’s game, as did ankle-hampered receiver Eddie Royal, who was upgraded to probable.
Vs. the Champ.
One of the league’s marquee matchups of the season could come Monday with New England receiver Randy Moss, who caught an NFL-record 23 touchdown passes from Tom Brady last year, playing against the Broncos’ Champ Bailey, who is widely considered the game’s best cornerback.
“Do I want him?” Bailey said, repeating the question. “I wouldn’t mind. That would be a good battle. I know a lot of people like to see stuff like that.”
Moss has only two TD catches through five games this year as Brady suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first quarter of the first game. When Moss played for AFC West rival Oakland in 2005-06, he was held to 17 catches for 253 yards and one touchdown in four games against the Broncos.
“They’ve gone well for me because, unfortunately for him, he hasn’t had a great quarterback throw him the ball,” Bailey said. “I’m just glad when we play him this year he doesn’t have Brady throwing him the ball. It won’t be too tough, but he’s still a tough receiver to cover. He’s still among the best, if not the best. With the way he plays, he’s so capable of making the big play at any moment.”
Mike Klis, The Denver Post
