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| DRC (45) AFC Defensive Player of the Week running back a pick six off Washington Redskins QB, Kirk Cousins. Photo by (AP - DenverBroncos.com) |
Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie (DRC) of the +Denver Broncos was awarded the +NFL's AFC Defensive Player of the week today for week 8 of the current NFL season. DRC played a fantastic game to compliment an impressive performance to his caliber of play this season. The Broncos pass defense may have had a lot of yards given up as well as an above average amount of points allowed.
Critics have a way to put too much love into critiquing numbers and stats especially in a day in age when there is some sort of numbers ratings derived from computer algorithms used to rate everything in sports just for the sake of putting a number or scale on it. Although, the eye test normally confirms or denies the critique or acclaim that is directed towards another. DRC is not the reason for it and his stellar performance against a hot Redskins offense on Sunday was outstanding enough to catch the eye and get the honor above any other defensive player in the AFC, the conference the Broncos are part of, of course. In a way, reaffirming that the pass defense does not necessarily fall on DRC.
In reference to the critics and their numbers, their are so many factors for the Broncos defense to be slightly skewed towards such statistics. The main reason and worthy of touching upon, is that the Broncos have a record setting offense for scoring, pass yards, pass TDs, and number of TD receptions for players. This factor in of itself, in football as a coaching staff, knowing this allows the defense to not have to be so precise and a bit 'further' back with their main focus on stopping big plays for quick TDs and also forcing FGs over TDs knowing that their offense is averaging just below 43 points per game this year. As pointed out before the Broncos defensive struggles coincided with Hammer (Wesley) Woodyard's absence over a few weeks as well. Von Miller missed the first six games and was back in only his second game of action. A noticeable activity increase up front for the Broncos front line in getting pressure and making life difficult on opposing QB's, since Miller has returned. Several players to note about it in another post.
DRC, a great free agent signing, on behalf of the Broncos, John Elway, and the front office to put the caliber of player in Broncos "Orange and Blue." Broncos defense played, "No doubt their best performance of the season...," as Head Coach, John Fox described afterwards. The Broncos defense allowed a season low in total yards offense (226) and passing yards (154) as well as forcing 5 turnovers (of which took place in just one quarter). In a game where the offense unusually committed 4 turnovers, it was the right time for the "Orange Crush" to come up with the momentum swinging (and "Mo") continuing plays that bailed out some of the offense's mistakes.
A big congrats to DRC for his great performance and being awarded for it by the NFL. DRC has been key for the Broncos this year in several ways, one of which, is the fact that they have had Champ Bailey in sweats for all but 1 and a half games played. Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio is certainly glad to have him lock up with the opposing teams top outside WR's. DRC can play either side of the defense on the edge and had given some versatility to their formations and schemes. He also plays the majority of special teams snaps, creating lanes and holes for the dangerous return specialist of the Broncos, Trindon Holliday.
Hopefully the bye week keeps the ignition at the level the defense has begun to show. If so, DRC will be playing an important role for the Broncos D in doing so, we imagine.
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