The Denver Broncos defense has impressed at times this year, regardless of the outcome of the games as a whole. They enter a Week 16 matchup as the NFL’s No. 1 team in total defense. Second-year safety Will Parks is one of several young players that has impressed along the way, but Parks credits much of his success to the veterans around him.
Speaking with Parks in the Broncos locker room, Eric Goodman and Les Shapiro of Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 asked the former Arizona Wildcat about playing time and his progress in his second year. Parks repeatedly praised the veterans around him, citing their guidance as the reason for the big leap he’s made this year.
“Just trying to come up in this league — It’s a pretty good thing when you got veterans like these, help you enhance your game, day-in and day-out,” Parks said.
The Philadelphia native has All-Pro defensive backs Aqib Talib and Chris Harris, Pro Bowler Darian Stewart and Bradley Roby (all members of the Super Bowl 50 squad) guiding his development.
“When you get out on the field, it’s like night and day. You’re in sync, being around those guys makes it easier for me — It’s been a big help.”
Parks has notched 31 tackles to go along with three pass-deflections this year. His playing time has more than doubled from his rookie season, going from playing 23.5 percent of defensive snaps in 2016 to 57.6 this season. He has even started three games this year, with two to go.
Parks and fellow safety Justin Simmons (also a 2016 draft pick) are the future of Denver’s defensive secondary. Broncos fans can thank the veterans presently on the roster for helping shape that future.
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