Teams ‘Targeting’ Broncos CB Riley Moss: What it Means for Denver

The Denver Broncos’ defense is facing a new challenge as opponents appear to be increasingly targeting cornerback Riley Moss. Once half of the field is shut down thanks to the presence of star cornerback Pat Surtain, opposing offenses are looking to exploit the other side. This strategy has been highlighted by former Broncos All-Pro safety T.J. Ward, raising questions about Moss’s ability to hold his own against the league’s top receivers.

In this article, we’ll delve into Ward’s assessment, examine Moss’s performance thus far, and explore the implications for the Broncos’ defense as they navigate the season. Can Riley Moss step up and prove he’s more than just a target? Or will opposing teams continue to exploit this perceived weakness in the Broncos’ secondary?

T.J. Ward’s Warning: No More Holes

T.J. Ward, a Super Bowl champion and former All-Pro safety for the Broncos, has publicly stated that teams are actively targeting Riley Moss. Ward drew a comparison between the current Denver defense and the dominant 2015 Super Bowl-winning squad, emphasizing that the hallmark of that legendary defense was the absence of any exploitable weaknesses. Ward stated, “The thing with us was, we figured out there weren’t no holes (in our defense)… You couldn’t pick out one person and say ‘We gonna go at him’ … you couldn’t target anyone.”

Ward’s observation carries significant weight, as he suggests that Moss’s performance is currently a weak point that opposing offensive coordinators are keen to exploit. This scrutiny puts immense pressure on Moss to elevate his game and become a more reliable presence in the Broncos’ secondary.

Riley Moss Under the Microscope: Eagles Game a Prime Example

The Broncos’ Week 5 victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs was overshadowed by concerns about Riley Moss’s performance. Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith consistently beat Moss, racking up 8 receptions for 114 yards. This performance highlighted Moss’s struggles against elite receivers and validated Ward’s concerns about teams targeting him.

While Moss has shown flashes of potential, his inconsistency has made him a liability in certain situations. Whether it’s a lack of experience or a mismatch in skill, Moss needs to address these issues quickly to prevent opponents from continuing to exploit his weaknesses. His performance in upcoming games will be critical in determining whether he can live up to the expectations of a starting cornerback in the NFL.

From Iowa Standout to NFL Starter: The Rise of Riley Moss

Riley Moss’s path to becoming a starting cornerback in the NFL is an interesting one. After initially committing to North Dakota State, Moss flipped to Iowa, where he became an All-American and the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year in 2021. His impressive speed (4.45-second 40-yard dash) and ball-hawking skills led the Broncos to select him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Moss’s ascent to a starting role in his second season is a testament to his hard work and dedication. However, the NFL is a different beast than college football, and Moss is now facing the challenge of proving himself against the league’s best receivers week in and week out.

Social Media Spotlight: Moss a Frequent Target of Criticism

In today’s NFL, player performance is often dissected and debated on social media, and Riley Moss is no exception. Moss has become a frequent target of criticism from fans and analysts alike, with many pointing out his struggles in coverage and missed tackles. One user on X noted that Moss had allowed the second-most receiving yards in the NFL this season. Others have commented on how it’s a mixed bag when teams decide to attack him.

While it’s important to take social media criticism with a grain of salt, it’s also a reflection of the perception surrounding Moss’s performance. He needs to use this criticism as motivation to improve and prove his doubters wrong.

The Surtain Factor: How Moss’s Performance Impacts the Star Cornerback

Pat Surtain II has established himself as one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024. However, Surtain’s impact can be limited if opposing teams are able to consistently exploit the other side of the field. As long as they can avoid Surtain the better off they will be. In this regard Moss makes Surtain even better due to the fact that teams avoid Surtain, thus creating more opportunities.

If Moss can improve his performance and become a more reliable option, it would free up Surtain to focus on the opponent’s top receiver, making the entire Broncos’ defense more formidable.

The Road Ahead: Can Riley Moss Rise to the Challenge?

Riley Moss is at a crossroads in his NFL career. He has the talent and work ethic to be a successful cornerback, but he needs to address his weaknesses and prove that he can consistently perform at a high level. With the Broncos’ defense facing increased scrutiny, Moss’s performance will be critical in determining the team’s success this season.

The next few weeks will be a defining period for Riley Moss. If he can rise to the challenge and become a reliable presence in the Broncos’ secondary, he will silence his critics and solidify his place in the NFL. However, if he continues to struggle, the Broncos may need to explore other options at cornerback. Only time will tell if Moss can live up to the expectations and become the player the Broncos believe he can be.