Thread: Broncs give Moss respect

Broncos agree: Stopping Moss a tall order
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Associated Press

DENVER -- On Sunday, Denver Broncos cornerback Lenny Walls expects to see a lot of Minnesota receiver Randy Moss, a player he calls "the biggest big-play guy in the game."

Walls will draw the primary assignment of defending Moss for one reason: He stands 6-foot-4, as does Moss.

The Broncos hope the size matchup will negate the height and jumping advantage that Moss enjoys over most cornerbacks.

What makes Moss such a feared, big-play receiver?

"First of all, he's probably the fastest receiver in the league," Walls said Thursday. "He's very athletic. He can jump. When guys are in great position to make a play, he still often outjumps them. He's so good at controlling his body and making the catch.

"Whether he's running by you or jumping over you, he gets the job done. It's hard to stop that kind of talent unless you're really focused on him and play well."

Other Bronco defensive backs agree that defending Moss is a tall order.

"The guy is a phenomenal player," cornerback Kelly Herndon said. "He's 6-4 with speed, and he uses his height and jumping ability. He's good at using his body, doing a little pushing and sometimes getting away with it."

Safety Kenoy Kennedy said few defensive schemes have been successful at stopping Moss.

"I've seen guys try to box him out, some guys try to hit him," Kennedy said. "I've seen guys try to do everything, and he still finds ways to make the spectacular catch.

"I haven't seen anything that works. You could rush one guy and drop 10 into coverage on him, but I don't know if even that would work."

Safety Nick Ferguson said the goal should be to "try to minimize the big plays that he makes. That's all you can do because he's Randy Moss. He has made big plays against great DBs, against great defenses. You have to try to contain him. You're not going to stop everything that he does."

GLAD THEY UNDERSTAND THE MAGNITUDE OF SUPER FREAK