Denver Broncos Sign Jim Leonhard, Keith Brooking to Help Defense
In the past 72 hours, the Denver Broncos have signed defensive veterans Jim Leonhard and Keith Brooking. Some would say that these signings represent a panic move from the Broncos front office but I beg to differ. No one is expecting Leonhard or Brooking to come in and start for Denver, they are veteran players who will provide some depth and leadership at positions of need.
Leonhard is one of the hardest hitting safeties in the league today and is also capable of returning punts, which as of right now is a major concern for the Broncos. He is coming off of two major injuries and still is not ready to practice but should be within a week or two. The Broncos are extremely young at safety with both, Quinton Carter and Rahim Moore entering their second seasons and while Denver is still very high on both these players, a mentor like Leonhard is never a bad thing. Carter is also coming off of a knee scope last week, so the presence of Leonhard gives the Broncos a much needed insurance policy.
The signing of Keith Brooking is a sign that the Broncos are not completely satisfied with the play of, Wesley Woodyard on early downs. Woodyard is scheduled to fill in for the suspended, DJ Williams over the first six games but is a better player on passing downs. Woodyard is undersized and often struggles against the run because of that. It is very possible that Brooking and Woodyard could spilt the outside linebacker duties based on down and distance, Brooking would play on the running downs and Woodyard would play in passing situations. The signing of Brooking is also an indication that head coach, John Fox and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio are not happy with the progress of second year players Nate Irving and Mike Mohammed.
Whatever the reason, adding talented veterans who know how to win and can help younger players develop is never a bad idea. If the Broncos were a young, rebuilding team then this move would make no sense but they are not. Denver is about winning right now and they will sign whoever they think can help them in their pursuit of a World Championship.
Buy Denver Broncos Tickets | Buy Denver Broncos Apparel
Leave a Rant
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!