How does Emmanuel Sanders injury affect the Broncos defense?

When Bradley Roby joined the 1st and 10 at 10 crew, he was asked about the injury big that has hit the Denver Broncos recently. With Chris Harris Jr. going down, his importance will certainly increase in the secondary, but Andrew Mason made the observation that the injury shouldn’t change Roby’s role. The players that will be forced to step up are guys like Isaac Yiadom.

In his rookie season, Yiadom has been in and out of the lineup, and will see a major increase in playing time. He is going to have to step up, and take care of his side of the field. The Broncos have also brought in Jamar Taylor to add depth at the position. At 6-6, the Broncos are back in the playoff hunt, but they will need guys in the secondary to step up and fill the holes left by injury.

Injuries on defense are an obvious issue that impact the defensive players, but Steve Atwater asked Roby about Emmanuel Sanders injury, and how that would impact the defense.

Anytime you lose a guy like that, especially Emmanuel, it’s gonna effect the offense, and uh, if it effects the offense we have to pick our side up, so we have to be that much better come Sunday.

The understanding is there on the defensive side of the ball. Losing Sanders means added pressure to the defense, but it also gives guys like DaeSean Hamilton and Tim Patrick a chance to get on the field and make more plays.

The playoff push won’t be easy for the Broncos. With all the injuries several Broncos players will have to fill in some big shoes. We have seen the offensive line improve after several injuries completely changed the makeup of the line. Roby becomes the defacto leader in the secondary. Courtland Sutton and Hamilton are now the go-to wide receivers. Buckle up Broncos Country. The road to the playoffs might get a little bumpy, but it should be fun.