Is Robert Ayers In The Broncos Doghouse?
Since being drafted as the 18th overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft by Josh McDaniels, Robert Ayers has been a solid, if not average defensive end for the Denver Broncos. Currently, Ayers is listed as number two on the depth chart behind Elvis Dumervil, as he watches seventh year player Jason Hunter and rookie Derek Wolfe take the reps with the first team. Wolfe, drafted this year at number 36 out of the University of Cincinnati, has wholly impressed new Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio and Head Coach John Fox.
Hunter has been very detail-oriented and has shown Del Rio the prowess and physicality up front that he loves in his lineman. I believe the issue with Ayers is that he came into the league with the combination of high expectations and nobody on the depth chart that was able to push him to improve. In three years with the Broncos, Ayers has only had 4.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. That is not the kind of stats that Del Rio expects from a stout lineman that is now part of one of the leagues premiere pass rushes.
Last season, while playing opposite Dumervil, and having Defensive Rookie of the Year Von Miller wreaking havoc on opposing QBs, Ayers did indeed improve, but also wore down as the season progressed. Now, with the emergence of Wolfe, and the promotion of Hunter, Ayers finds himself on the outside looking in and needs to step up. Del Rio is an old school coach that wants to see mental and physical toughness with tenacity at finishing plays. So far in camp, Ayers has worked hard, but others have worked even harder.
The Broncos need to see the Ayers that was present in the AFC Wild-Card playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He took down Ben Rothlisberger twice, while on the second, forcing overtime where Tim Tebow worked his magic to Demaryius Thomas. Anything less throughout the rest of the preseason and Ayers will find himself as far down as third on the depth chart if Hunter and Wolfe stay their course. This is the time of year where we see what kind of heart players have when going from a starter to a back-up position. With this defense, however, the depth has never looked so good and Del Rio must relish in this flexibility.
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