4. Backup players are making important contributions
John Phillips Denver Broncos” width=”900″ height=”662″ />The Broncos entered the game on Sunday missing a few key pieces.
Offensive tackle Donald Stephenson and tight end Virgil Green were both out with calf injuries. Defensive end DeMarcus Ware was out for a few weeks with a broken forearm. Backup safety Justin Simmons was out with a hand injury.
But the NFL is a “next man up” league, and the Broncos have assembled some much needed depth.
We saw Ty Sambrailo and Michael Schofield step in on the offensive line and do their best to protect Siemian against a very potent Bengals pass rush. Shane Ray logged three very important sacks in place of Ware. Backup tight ends Jeff Heuerman and John Phillips caught three passes for 38 yards and a touchdown.
And rookie safety Will Parks came up with a late interception to preserve the victory.
The stars are great, but John Elway has done an amazing job of compiling depth all over this roster.
