Fabian Moreau didn’t let Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs out of his sight.
On Green Bay’s second play of the third quarter, quarterback Jordan Love attempted a deep throw to Doubs, but Denver’s veteran cornerback applied tight coverage and broke up the pass before staring down the second-year wideout.
In Denver’s 19-17 win over the Packers in Week 7, Moreau replaced second-year cornerback Damarri Mathis in the starting lineup and didn’t disappoint. He had four tackles and allowed two catches for seven yards on five targets, making a case for more reps moving forward.
“He played very clean,” defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said Thursday. “Thatap his role. When you’re a corner opposite of (cornerback) Pat (Surtain II), you have to be ready for all kinds of looks and different concepts and routes.”
Moreau was told he would be in the starting lineup in the middle of the week, as Joseph thought he would improve the defense.
Mathis had started the previous six games. And even though he made strides towards the end of his rookie season, Mathis has struggled to carry that momentum into his sophomore campaign. He has allowed 311 receiving yards (12 yards per catch), while opposing quarterbacks have a 74.3% completion percentage and a 129.3 passer rating when targeting him.
With the Broncos being one of the worst passing defenses in the league, it was clear they needed to shake things up.
“He’s been a guy who has been really consistent for us (when) playing some dime and nickel,” Joseph said. “He’s a veteran guy. It was a move we made to make us better, obviously.”
Denver signed Moreau in August after rookie cornerback Riley Moss underwent core muscle repair surgery. At the time, head coach Sean Payton liked Moreau’s veteran experience, physicality and ability to excel in special teams.
Moreau, who was drafted in the third round by the Washington Commanders in 2017, has played for four teams during his seven-year career. Last season, he started 11 of 14 games for the New Giants, totaling 66 tackles and 10 passes defended.
Moreau played a combined 28 defensive snaps in his first five games with the Broncos. Against the Packers, Moreau didn’t leave the field as he played in all 64 defensive snaps. Meanwhile, Mathis was held to three.
Safety Justin Simmons said Moreau’s insertion into the starting lineup was a seamless transition. He thought Moreau “did a heck of a job” contesting passes in Week 7.
“Obviously he’s seen a lot of ball and seen a lot of things throughout his tenure in the league,” Surtain said. “He stepped up big and thatap what we’re expecting from him. He’s a tremendous player. He was flying around, making plays. Thatap what we needed.”
Moreau’s performance against the Packers was a clear indication that he needs to remain in the starting lineup
Mathis was solid as a rookie, recording 65 tackles and seven passes defended in 16 games (11 starts). But he has taken a step back, recording one pass defended in seven games, and clearly the defense needed a jolt.
Time will tell if Moreau should be the guy to start opposite Surtain for the rest of the season. For now, he’s the Broncos’ best option.
“It was a good start, but we have a lot to work on,” Moreau said. “I just want to keep winning.”
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