Jack Williams was ascending gradually, surely. Then his moving escalator turned into stilled stairs.
The increased use of 3-4 sets by the Broncos’ defense the past two weeks came at the expense of their nickel package. Williams had been promoted from special teams to dime cornerback following the trade of Domonique Foxworth, then supplanted Karl Paymah as nickel back for the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
But in the previous two games against run-first Tampa Bay and Jacksonville, the rookie didn’t get more than 10 defensive plays total.
“Our focus has been in stopping the run, so you can’t argue with that,” Williams said. “I’m sure there will be times when teams like to air it out and I’ll get a few more snaps.”
Perhaps, Monday night at New England. Matt Cassel, the Patriots’ quarterback since Tom Brady suffered a season-ending knee injury in the season opener, has attempted at least 31 passes in each of his past three games.
“What’s surprised me is the Patriots are still running their offense like they have Tom Brady at quarterback,” said Ron Jaworski, a former quarterback who will help call the Broncos-Patriots game on ESPN. “They are a spread-the-field football team, and I think they put an incredible burden on Matt Cassel to make consistent reads over a 60-minute game. It’s hard to do for an inexperienced quarterback. That part has surprised me. I thought they would scale it down a little bit. They have not. They have kept the pedal to the metal.”
Injury update.
Broncos outside linebacker Boss Bailey (ankle) is probable for the Monday night game at New England, 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 last week, although Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said it would be a while before the back returns to 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 against Jacksonville, as did ankle-hampered receiver Eddie Royal, who was upgraded to probable for the Patriots.
Defensive tackle Josh Shaw has been suspended by the team for disciplinary reasons and will not play against the Pats.
Defending Moss.
In the past, the Broncos had cornerback Champ Bailey shadow receiver Randy Moss.
That was in 2005-06, when Moss was playing for the Oakland Raiders. In four head-to-head games, Moss was held to a combined 17 catches for 253 yards and one touchdown.
Moss was rejuvenated following his trade last year to New England, setting an NFL record with 23 touchdown catches in 2007. With Brady out, Moss has only two touchdown catches through five games this season.
“He’s still a tough receiver to cover,” Bailey said. “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.”
