Riley Moss Shines in Debut as Broncos Defend Unleashed

Updated on: October 11, 2024 10:42 pm GMT

Riley Moss made a significant impression⁢ in his first NFL ​start, showcasing his talent as the Denver Broncos’ starting cornerback. Despite facing ‍seasoned wide receiver Tyler Lockett during the Broncos’ season opener against⁢ the Seattle Seahawks, Moss displayed ​promising skills, leading his ⁤team in ⁤tackles.⁤ This notable performance has placed him under the spotlight as he takes on a critical role in the Broncos’ defense moving forward.

First Start​ Highlights

Moss, ⁢who‍ was drafted in the third round out ​of Iowa last year, had a limited role during his rookie year due to‌ a training camp injury. Now,⁤ fully recovered and more experienced, he secured the starting position opposite All-Pro Patrick Surtain II. During the season opener, Moss faced a significant challenge, as he was primarily assigned to cover Lockett, one of the NFL’s most efficient ‍receivers. Although the Broncos lost 26-20, Moss turned heads with his aggressive playstyle​ and ability to tackle⁣ effectively.

• Key Performance Metrics:

– Led the Broncos ‍with 12 tackles.

⁢ – One-on-one tackles against the Seahawks’ running backs.

– Maintained coverage ⁤under pressure, showcasing resilience against Lockett.

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph expressed satisfaction with Moss’ performance, despite the loss. I thought Riley played well ​in his first NFL‍ start versus a high-end NFL receiver with a high-end quarterback,” Joseph stated.⁣ He highlighted that Moss was consistently in position to ​make plays, an essential quality for young players.

Challenges and Growth Opportunities

While Moss ⁤had a strong⁣ showing, ‍he also experienced the learning curve inherent in ⁣the NFL. He allowed a crucial⁤ completion to Lockett on a game-clinching third⁣ down. In​ reflecting on⁣ this, Moss displayed a keen understanding of the need for improvement. “After the game I was disappointed I let up some of those passes, especially the‌ one ⁢late in the game,” he noted.

Moss is aware that as he continues to ⁣grow in his role, he will⁣ be targeted by opposing offenses, especially given Surtain’s ​reputation as a lockdown corner. “That’s kind of the learning point now: when you’re in position, make the play,” Moss added.

Defensive Cohesion

In addition to Moss’ development, the Broncos’ defense is counting on other players, particularly Jonathon Cooper, to perform consistently throughout the season. Cooper started strong against the Seahawks, recording two sacks and earning a commendable grade from Pro Football‌ Focus.

• Cooper’s Performance:

‌ – 2.0 sacks‌ (Tied for third in NFL)

– 7 pressures‍ (Tied for fourth)

– 79.3 grade (12th among EDGE rushers)

Joseph has ⁢positive‍ expectations for Cooper, highlighting his continuous growth since joining the⁤ team. “He’s only ‌improved each year I’ve​ been here,” Joseph said.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Challenges

As the Broncos prepare ⁢for their next game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Moss will face ‌yet another test of his skills. Steelers quarterback Justin Fields poses a different challenge, and Moss will need to adjust quickly ⁤to maintain his positive momentum.

With the Broncos’⁤ defense aiming for improvement, the contributions‍ of players like Moss and Cooper will be crucial. Joseph noted the importance of defensive performance in alleviating pressure on the team’s offense, which features young ‍talents like quarterback Bo Nix.

• Upcoming Matchup:

-‌ Opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers

-‌ Key Focus: Defending against Justin​ Fields and ‌adjusting strategies.

Moss⁣ is focused on leveraging his ‍experience from the game against Seattle as he prepares for⁤ the Steelers. His willingness to learn and adapt will ‍be vital for both his development and the ⁤overall success of⁢ the Broncos’ defensive ​scheme.

For now, as Moss settles into his role, fans will be watching closely to see​ how he builds on his debut and faces‌ new challenges in the weeks to come

Riley Moss made a significant impression in his first NFL start, showcasing his talent as the Denver Broncos’ starting cornerback against the Seattle⁣ Seahawks.

First Start Highlights

Moss, who was drafted in the third round⁢ out of Iowa last year, had a limited role during his rookie⁣ year due to a ⁤training camp injury. Now fully recovered and more experienced, he secured the starting position‌ opposite All-Pro Patrick Surtain II. During the season opener, Moss faced a significant challenge as he ⁤was primarily assigned to cover Tyler Lockett, one of the ‌NFL’s most efficient receivers. Although the Broncos lost 26-20, Moss turned heads with his aggressive playstyle⁣ and ability to⁤ tackle effectively.

• Key Performance Metrics:

• Led the Broncos with 12 tackles.
• Showcased one-on-one tackles against‍ the Seahawks’ running backs.
• Maintained coverage under pressure, showcasing resilience against Lockett.

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph expressed satisfaction with Moss’ performance, stating, “I thought Riley played well in his first NFL start versus a high-end NFL receiver with a high-end quarterback.” Joseph highlighted that Moss was consistently in position to make plays, an essential quality for young ⁤players.

Challenges and‌ Growth Opportunities

While Moss had a strong showing, he also experienced ​the learning⁢ curve inherent⁢ in the NFL. He allowed a crucial completion to Lockett on a game-clinching third down. In reflecting on this, Moss‌ displayed a keen understanding of the ⁤need for⁣ improvement. “After the game I was⁤ disappointed I let up some of those passes, especially the one late in the game,” he noted.

Moss is aware that as he continues to grow in ‍his role, he will be targeted by ⁢opposing offenses, especially given Surtain’s ‌reputation as a lockdown corner. “That’s ⁢kind of the learning point ⁢now:⁣ when you’re in position, make the play,” Moss added.

Defensive Cohesion

In addition to Moss’ development, the Broncos’ defense relies ⁤on other players, particularly Jonathon Cooper, to perform consistently throughout ‌the season. Cooper started strong against the ‍Seahawks, recording two sacks and earning ​a commendable grade from Pro Football Focus.

• Cooper’s Performance:

• 2.0 sacks ‌(Tied for third in NFL).
• 7 pressures (Tied for fourth).
• 79.3 grade (12th⁢ among EDGE rushers).

Joseph has positive expectations for Cooper, commenting, “He’s only improved⁤ each year I’ve been here.”

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Challenges

As the Broncos ⁢prepare for their next game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Moss will⁢ face yet another test of ‍his skills. Steelers quarterback Justin ‌Fields poses a different challenge, and ⁤Moss will need to adjust quickly to maintain his positive momentum.

With the ‍Broncos’ defense aiming for ‍improvement, the⁢ contributions of players like⁢ Moss ⁣and Cooper will be crucial. Joseph underscored the⁣ importance of defensive performance in alleviating pressure on the team’s offense, which features young talents like quarterback Bo Nix.

• Upcoming Matchup:

• Opponent:⁤ Pittsburgh Steelers.
• Key Focus: Defending against Justin Fields and adjusting strategies.

Moss is focused on leveraging his⁣ experience from the game against ‍Seattle ‌as he prepares for the Steelers. His willingness to learn ⁢and adapt will be vital for both his development⁣ and the overall success of the Broncos’ defensive scheme.

FAQ Section

Q1: How ⁢did‍ Riley Moss perform⁣ in ​his first‌ NFL game?

⁢

A1: Riley Moss led the Broncos with 12 tackles and‍ demonstrated⁤ resilience while covering seasoned receiver Tyler Lockett, earning praise from his coaches despite the team’s loss.

Q2: What are the key takeaways from Moss’s performance?

A2: Moss showed aggressive play, effective tackling, and was generally in position to make plays. However,​ he also recognized areas for improvement, particularly regarding‍ crucial pass completions.

Q3: Who else contributed positively to the Broncos’ defense?

A3: Jonathon Cooper starred with two sacks and seven pressures against the Seahawks, significantly impacting the game following ⁣his strong performance.

Q4: What challenges does Moss face⁢ in upcoming games?

A4: Moss must adapt to different offensive threats like Steelers ⁤quarterback Justin Fields and prepare for being a focal point on opposing ‌offenses aiming to exploit‍ his position.

Conclusion

Riley Moss made his first start in the NFL, and even though the Denver Broncos lost, he showed a lot of promise. He made some great tackles and proved he has strong defensive skills. The Broncos’ defense, especially with players like Jonathon Cooper, has a chance to get better as they face tougher opponents in the next games. Moss is eager to learn and adapt, which will be important for his growth and the team’s success as the season goes on.