If you watched the Denver Broncos 24-10 win over the Buffalo Bills last night, you probably didn't miss rookie safeties Rahim Moore's crushing hit on Bills wide receiver Donald Jones. The play will certainly make the preseason highlight reels, as well as fire up Bronco fans. It also drew a flag for unnecessary roughness. After taking a second look at the play however, it looks like a clean play.
Moore did not lead with his helmet (he in fact correctly led with his shoulder), he did not launch himself and he hit the receiver a split second after he had touched the ball. Good play.
Moore's teammates agree. Veteran safety Brian Dawkins gave Moore a slap on the helmet, as did linebacker D.J. Williams following the play. Star cornerback Champ Bailey argued with the refs that there was no need for a flag and Moore said his coaches told him to "Keep it up."
"It was just my reaction, man. I was being a football player," said Moore. "I couldn't really get to the ball to pick it off, which is what I really wanted to do. But my intention was just to hit him. Our coaches want us to be physical, so I'm going to do what I do."
In the game of football you never want to see anyone get hurt, and we hope Jones will be OK, but frankly, it's refreshing to see Denver's defense noted as a physical one for a change. Not since the days of linebacker Al Wilson have the Broncos truly had an aggressive, feared defense.
If last night's performance was any indication of things to come, Bronco fans can expect to see plenty more offensive players smacked around by Denver's defense in the regular season. Bronco's defensive coordinator Dennis Allen had the defense flying around the field and there were several Bronco players in the Bills backfield on seemingly every play. Rookie linebacker Von Miller recorded his first sack as a pro and defensive end Elvis Dumervil forced several quarterback hurries.
The Broncos will face the Seattle Seahawks in Week Three of the preseason this Saturday. Watch for more of the same out of Denver's defense.
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