But to suggest that the Broncos are a one-dimensional team,
according to Dallas cornerback Aaron Glenn, would be short-sighted.
“They’re playing well right now on offense,” Glenn said. “(Quarterback)
Jake (Plummer) is playing at a very high level, about as well as any
quarterback in the NFL.”
The biggest thing, Glenn said, is that the Broncos are protecting the
ball.
“Right now, they’re not committing any turnovers,” he said, “and that’s
what every coach likes. (Plummer) is picking his spots well when he
throws downfield. He’s doing everything that I’m sure Shanahan wants
him to do.
“It’s going to be very challenging to get turnovers from them. We’ve
got to fight, scrap and claw to get turnovers.”
One player who earns Glenn’s respect is veteran Denver wide receiver
Rod Smith.
“Rod is so impressive in what he’s done,” Glenn said. I think he’s got
all their records now, and that alone is impressive and makes him
someone you have to respect.
“It’s not just that he’s played a long time, it’s the fact that he
continues to compete at such a high level. That’s a good thing to see.
He still makes plays – what does he have, 50-some grabs (actually 52
receptions, for 666 yards and four touchdowns) this year? That lets you
know he’s not a guy hanging on, they want to get the ball in his hands.
He looks like he’s as good now as he ever was.”
The other Denver passing target who Glenn said will create problems for
the Dallas secondary is Ashley Lelie. Now in his fourth NFL season
after being drafted out of the University of Hawaii, Lelie earned a
reputation as a player who has size (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) and speed
but lacked discipline in his route-running and inconsistent hands. That
reputation, Glenn said, no longer applies.
“He’s still big and fast,” Glenn said. “But now, when they throw him
the ball, he catches it. They throw the ball up to him, and he’s big
enough and fast enough to go up and get it. He really competes for the
ball. You know they’re going to take their shots throwing him the ball.
It’s up to us to stop him.
“You can’t just sit back and say Rod (Smith) is the man, because
(Lelie) makes plays, and he’ll make you pay.”
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