Two days ago, the Broncos were 4-2, featured one of the best all-around offenses in the NFL, and were primed to take a two-game lead over the Chargers in the AFC West. All they needed to do was beat a reeling Patriots outfit. Instead, Denver got their ass handed to them, and that's putting it politely. Yesterday, cornerback Champ Bailey suggested the Broncos' defense lacked a "sense of urgency," which is ironic since he'll be out for the next four to six weeks with a torn groin muscle. That he'll return in a month and a half is the good news coming out of Denver.
Champ's brother, linebacker Boss Bailey, is done for the season -- he needs knee surgery -- as is backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey, who briefly filled in for Jay Cutler on Monday night. Turns out, he was in there long enough to reinjure his right throwing elbow, which had bothered him since the preseason.
So now, in addition to no experienced backup behind Cutler, the Broncos' already atrocious defense just got worse:
More roster maneuvers, for performance reasons, may be forthcoming. The Broncos are interested in safety Chris Crocker, who was cut Tuesday by Miami. Crocker was one of three free-agent safeties who visited with the Broncos in March. The Broncos decided to sign Marlon McCree and Marquand Manuel, who opened the season as starters. McCree was replaced in the starting lineup last week by Calvin Lowry.Nothing like a just-released safety to shore up an otherwise dreadful unit. By the way, Marlon McCree might want to think about what he'll be doing following his NFL career, because the end is near, my friend. If you can't beat out Calvin Lowry for the starting job, you're not long for tackle football.
Good thing the Broncos decided they didn't need John Lynch. He certainly wouldn't come in handy right about now.
