Josey Jewell has never had Broncos Country respect him as one of the NFL’s better linebackers, but his play in recent weeks is demanding that level of recognition.
Last week against the Kansas City Chiefs, Jewell did an impressive job in coverage, despite being tasked with an extremely difficult matchup. He finished the day with two interceptions, both of which swung the game, and he also helped ensure that Travis Kelce caught less than half of his targets.
This week, superstar defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero made sure to heap praise on Josey Jewell for his recent showings.
“We ask a lot of that position (inside linebacker),” Coach Evero said, on Friday. “And, you know, [he’s a] very smart guy — him and Alex [Singleton] both are — there’s a lot of things we’re asking [of them] instinctually, memorization-wise, technique-wise, you know, to get to blitz. So I think there’s a lot of things he gets to do, that are fun stuff for linebackers, especially running and tackling, and blitzing. So yeah, he’s, he’s done a heck of a job. And as much fun as he’s having. I’m having fun coaching him.”
The fact you’re able to feel that player-coach bond from Evero, just by listening to him, is just part of the reason why so many are hoping the defensive coordinator will be brought back for 2023.
Evero also highlighted how Josey Jewell’s high-end football IQ and leadership skills have helped the defense out.
“Yeah, just the communication aspect of it, you know, setting the fronts, a lot of the coverage stuff, you know,” Evero said, when asked what made him decide to make Jewell the glue of the defense. “With the way that the NFL is going these days — all the condensed fluids — on every play you have, you’re going to be communicating something. When you have a safety like we do and when you have inside linebackers like we do, it makes a lot easier.”
The Broncos will need to continue to get that level of play from Josey Jewell, if they want to snap their losing streak on Sunday.
