Vic Fangio has seen a lot in his 34 years of NFL coaching. He handed over every defensive cover, he witnessed every formation that an opponent could throw at him. There are not many awards at this stage of his professional life.
Saturday will prove to be the exception.
Due to injury failure, Denver Broncos head coach and defensive caller will reveal only three healthy defenders – rookie Michael Ojemudia, former raw free agent De’Vante Bausby and safety convert Will Parks – against 10-3 Buffalo Josh Allen, competitor to invoices and MVP.
Unexplored waters.
“No, I haven’t been in this situation before – and when you say three corners, the third one just got here. So there is a lot to learn and a lot to learn, “Fangio admitted on Thursday.”[I’ve] I’ve never been in this situation before. Hopefully [CB] Michael [Ojemudia] and “Baus” (CB De’Vante Bausby) and [S] Vol [Parks] because nickel can stay upright and can play the whole game and we won’t have to find out. “
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What began as a depth chart loaded with AJ Bouye and Bryce Callahan was reduced following a six-game suspension of the former and last foot condition, which drew him to the injured reserve. Denver also lost CBs Essang Bassey and Duke Dawson to end-of-season injuries.
To say that this is a concern against an Allen-led attack that ranks fourth in yards and touchdowns, sixth in completion and ninth in the score is an obvious understatement.
But the real defensive boss, Ed Donatell, says his secondary “enjoys” the “challenge”.
“We have a lot of good guys. Everyone who had to come is working their tail,” Donatell said Thursday. “This is the only way you can look at it. We are in the business of adapting and they will have a game on Saturday, no matter what happens. All our energy is to adapt and we have a lot of guys to win. This game and they are at hand . ”
To say that the Ojemudia-Bausby-Parks troika has cut work for them is an even greater understatement. The trio must fight Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs, the league’s third receiver, the extraordinary slotman Cole Beasley, the impressive debutant Gabriel Davis and the former bronze Isaiah McKenzie, who is seconded as a general player, able to catch, run or throw at some point.
Denver faced an upward struggle even by force. Still, right? Comparable to fighting Floyd Mayweather with one hand tied behind his back.
Donatell suggested that the game plan will require employees and safeguards to keep the action in front of them. They will give up yards and maybe the first descents, anything to avoid being beaten over the top. The team’s preferred approach to bending, but not breaking, will face the final stress test.
“We’re going to have to step up and play good football,” Donatell said. “It’s no surprise that we play with some guys we hit in line. We were hit pretty hard in the corner, but I feel really good with the veteran management we have in safety. [S] Kare [Jackson] and [S] Justine [Simmons] brings us. They really helped us as coaches to operate. [S] Will Parks is – he’s very lucky at this time of season, when you need a guy who has a guy like him. He brings experience and knowledge and brings that explosion of energy – you know you’re around him. So this is the kind of gift I received. There is a plus for us. It will take a team effort, there is no doubt. Our coaches have come up with a good plan and we feel good about it. “
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