No Superstars? Really?
Some in the media have suggested that the Denver Broncos have been under the radar this season because they don’t have any superstars. Really?
Typically, QBs get top billing. As well as Grizzly Plummer has played, he still didn’t post monstrous numbers, and there are many who just refuse to get over his past. Yes…I suppose the look doesn’t help either.
RBs often get a lot of attention to. Unfortuantely we have two. Hard to feature one as a superstar when his numbers are just about equal with his counterpart.
Factor in the reality that the Broncos are a team in the truest sense of the word. They have played well together as a cohesive unit, and that’s how they present themselves. There is no one on this team who talks all about themselves in a press conference. It is all about their role in the greater whole. They have built the season on solid performances from great players up and down the roster.
But what about Champ Bailey? He’s certainly got a good nickname. Sure, he doesn’t refer to himself in the third person and maybe he could wear a little more bling. That’s usually what seems to help DBs get noticed. But, he’s been fantastic.
In week 2, the Broncos were 0-1 and trailing the Chargers 14-3 in the third quarter. Bailey picked Drew Brees and ran it back for a touchdown. The Broncos went on to win, and that was the play that arguably awoke the AFC West champs from their early season slumber.
In week 12, the Broncos were on the national stage with a Thanksgiving game against in Dallas. Even at 8-2, there were many who wondered if the Broncos were as good as their record. Again, Champ kickstarted the Broncos with an early interception return for a TD as the Broncos went on for one of seven wins against teams with a winning record — best in the league this year.
Of course, the playoff game against the Pats can’t go without mention. Down 10-6 in the third quarter, the Pats were moving the ball well when Champ intercepted Tom Brady in the end zone and took it 100 yards for an almost TD. This play defined the outcome of the game and launched the Broncos into this week’s AFC Championship game.
Those are the plays of a superstar. But even Champ Bailey is content to just be another guy on a team that is getting it done. I’m content with that too.