However, the scare highlighted the dubious depth behind Moss and fellow starter Pat Surtain II.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report advised signing Xavien Howard, a four-time Pro Bowler.
“[Moss] has been a big part of the team’s success this season, and Levi Wallace had to finish out the game,” Ballentine wrote on November 25. “After the game, Denver head coach Sean Payton informed the media that the injury was not significant, but it wouldn’t hurt for the Broncos to consider other options.
“Xavien Howard remains the best cornerback without a team right now. If he is healthy, he will be able to step in and offer them a greater chance of not missing a beat if Patrick Surtain II or Moss are injured.”
Joe Schade
Howard, a second-round choice of the Miami Dolphins in 2016, was released in February due to a failed physical, but he is now completely healthy.
He was named First Team All-Pro in 2020 after leading the league with ten interceptions. However, Howard has made seven picks in the three seasons after then. He was on a five-year, $90 million contract when the Dolphins dismissed him, and he has earned $89 million in his career, according to Over The Cap.
Xavien Howard’s History: A Potential Red Flag for the Broncos
Howard has recently garnered news for reasons other than football.
Howard has faced charges ranging from domestic abuse to mailing sexually explicit material to a juvenile in retaliation against the child’s mother during his career.
He worked out with the Cincinnati Bengals on November 11 but left without a contract, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
It doesn’t help that his performance has declined in recent seasons.
Howard received grades of 59.2 in 2022 and 55.1 in 2023, the lowest marks of his eight-year career, according to Pro Football Focus. During both seasons, he allowed completion percentages of 59.5% and 62.1% in his coverage.
The Broncos still have Damarri Mathis, who has started 17 of 38 games over his three-year career, so they are not desperate.
They also have Tremon Smith, who has started five games but has appeared in 95 over the course of seven seasons.
It doesn’t help that his performance has declined in recent seasons.
Howard received grades of 59.2 in 2022 and 55.1 in 2023, the lowest marks of his eight-year career, according to Pro Football Focus. During both seasons, he allowed completion percentages of 59.5% and 62.1% in his coverage.
The Broncos still have Damarri Mathis, who has started 17 of 38 games over his three-year career, so they are not desperate.
They also have Tremon Smith, who has started five games but has appeared in 95 over the course of seven seasons.
Sean Payton feels optimistic about Riley Moss.
Sean Payton feels optimistic about Riley Moss.
“Anytime you lose one of your top corners, it changes things,” Payton told reporters on November 24. “We still had our [Brock] Bowers plan, which included Pat and some doubles.” But look, Levi stepped in, and it was the next man up. Fortunately, Riley didn’t take it too seriously.
“This is an MCL…” Let’s see how next week goes. There was some speculation that he could return, so we’ll see where things stand.
Moss secured the starting position opposite Surtain during the preseason.
He is the NFL’s most-targeted defender, with 82 passes thrown his way, according to Pro Football Reference. Brandon Stephens of the Baltimore Ravens ranks second with 73 targets in 11 games, one fewer than Moss and the Broncos.
Two other players have covered at least 70 targets this season.
Moss has allowed less completions than everyone but Jaylon Jones of the Indianapolis Colts.
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