Tag: Riley Moss

Karl Mecklenburg says Riley Moss was likely chewed out after Bengals game

“I give [Riley] Moss credit for not blaming his play on his injury and admitting that he had a bad day,” Karl Mecklenburg wrote.

The Saturday Broncos-Bengals game was awesome, except for the final score. I usually sit and watch a game, maybe reacting with a “did you see that” comment to Kathi, but not getting emotionally involved. I was jumping out of my chair and cheering on Saturday night.

Having these high-pressure playoff type games is valuable for the Broncos players, coaching staff, and front office. Identifying who will rise to the occasion and who won’t is impossible without these opportunities. Knowing who steps up helps the coaching staff game plan. Identifying who you can count on under pressure helps the general manager decide who to pay, and how to build a roster.

Bo Nix made some big time throws under pressure. Marvin Mimms is a gamer. He’s come up with huge plays two weeks in a row. I thought Zach Allen had tied me for the Broncos all time sacks in a single game record at 4 but they gave him 3 ½. He was bringing it on Saturday. Pat Surtan ll was following JaMar Chase all night and kept the NFL’s leading receiver in check. Tee Higgins, on the other hand, went off.

Riley Moss had just come back from an injured knee and Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins went after him. I give Moss credit for not blaming his play on his injury and admitting that he had a bad day in post-game interviews. That’s hard to do. One of my keys to success is honesty and forgiveness. Moss will watch the film and get chewed out in front of his peers. He’ll see what was going on and set some goals to fix it. That’s how you improve as a football player. Honesty and forgiveness in self-evaluation is key to how anyone can improve.

The Broncos play Kansas City in Denver on Sunday. They had to win one out of 3 games to make the playoffs. The Broncos lost the first two but if they beat the Chiefs, or more likely the Chiefs’ backup players, they’re in. Go Broncos!

Karl Mecklenburg originally shared this post on his social media pages and it was re-shared here with permission. Mecklenburg played for the Denver Broncos from 1983-1994, earning six Pro Bowl nods and five All-Pro selections during his decorated career in the NFL. Mecklenburg is now a motivational keynote speaker. You can book Mecklenburg on his website. 

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Broncos PFF grades: Best, worst players from 30-24 loss to Bengals

Riley Moss (32.3) had a nightmare game on defense while Marvin Mims (88.5) stood out on offense. View more Broncos PFF grades here.

Following the Denver Broncos‘ 30-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, Pro Football Focus has released grades for each player’s Week 17 performance.

PFF grades players on a 0 (worst) to 100 (best) scale. Check out the best and worst of Week 17 below.

Best Offensive Players 

  • WR Marvin Mims: 88.5
  • OT Garett Bolles: 79.7
  • OT Mike McGlinchey: 79.3
  • RB Jaleel McLaughlin: 74.0
  • OL Quinn Meinerz: 72.2

QB BO Nix (71.4) was the sixth-best player on offense, followed by offensive linemen Ben Powers (67.9) and Luke Wattenberg (66.9) and receiver Courtland Sutton (66.4).

Best Defensive Players 

  • OLB Dondrea Tillman: 91.3
  • DL John Franklin-Myers: 91.1
  • CB Pat Surtain: 75.9
  • ILB Cody Barton: 74.9
  • DL Malcolm Roach: 69.4

Surtain limited Ja’Marr Chase to three receptions for 27 yards, and the cornerback forced a Tee Higgins fumble that gave the Broncos an opportunity to take a go-ahead lead. PS2 should be considered the clear frontrunner to win the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award.

Worst Offensive Players 

  • TE Adam Trautman: 47.6
  • TE Lucas Krull: 48.0
  • WR Troy Franklin: 52.4
  • RB Audric Estime: 52.6
  • FB Michael Burton: 53.4

We’re beating a dead horse at this point, but tight end remains one of Denver’s biggest positions of need going into 2025.

Worst Defensive Players 

  • CB Riley Moss: 32.3
  • CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 32.4
  • CB Damarri Mathis: 39.2
  • LB Drew Sanders: 45.4
  • OLB Nik Bonitto: 45.6

Moss had a nightmare game in his first game back from a knee injury, allowing Higgins to haul in seven receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns. The Broncos will need Moss to bounce back next week.

Special Teams 

  • ST Drew Sanders: 87.4
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: 53.8
  • R Marvin Mims: 58.8
  • K Wil Lutz: 64.3 (FG) 60.0 (KO)
  • P Riley Dixon: 52.8

You can view grades for every player on the paid version of PFF’s website.

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Broncos CB Riley Moss accepts blame: ‘Sometimes you eat a (poop) sandwich’

“Sometimes you eat a (poop) sandwich and you’ve got to own it,” Broncos CB Riley Moss said of his performance against the Bengals.

Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss had a night to forget in his first game back from a knee injury against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday.

Moss was in coverage on Tee Higgins for seven of the receiver’s receptions that went for 101 yards and two touchdowns in a 30-24 loss.

After the game, Moss owned up to his poor performance.

“[S]ometimes you eat a (poop) sandwich and you’ve got to own it,” Moss said. “This isn’t the first time that’s happened in my career, and it’s probably not going to be the last. The great ones are able to come back, be gritty and push through, and that’s what I’m going to do. I know everyone on this team will too.”

Moss said his knee “felt fine,” suggesting that it did not hinder his performance.

“My standard is to make the plays, and I was unable to do that a couple times, and I own up to that,” Moss said. “I take that to the chin, but I’m not going to get discouraged because we’ve got more football to play.”

After the loss, Broncos coach Sean Payton was asked if it seemed like Cincinnati was picking on Moss in coverage.

“Riley could have been healthy for the last eight weeks,” Payton said. “Whoever’s opposite Pat [Surtain], they’re going to go that direction, right? [Number] 5 (Tee Higgins) is good player. A real good player. It wasn’t anything that we didn’t expect. In other words, that happens when you’re teammates with Pat.”

Surtain expects his teammate to bounce back.

“Next play mentality,” the cornerback said. “It’s part of the game. (Defensive back is) a hard position at the end of the day, and sometimes it doesn’t go in your favor. I tell him, ‘Just keep going. Next play, next play.’ I believe in him, we all believe in him. It’s just one game. Next week he’s going to make a play, I’ll tell you all.”

Moss and Co. will look to bounce back when Denver hosts the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18. The Broncos can clinch a spot in the NFL playoffs with a win (or tie) against the Chiefs.

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5 takeaways from Broncos’ 30-24 OT loss to Bengals

The Broncos lost to the Bengals on Saturday, but the playoffs are still within reach. Here are five quick takeaways from the defeat.

The Denver Broncos lost to the Cincinnati Bengals in a 30-24 overtime heartbreaker on Saturday. Here are five quick takeaways from the defeat.

1. Javonte Williams has been demoted: It seems that Williams has been fully demoted to a passing-down blocking role. Jaleel McLaughlin led the team with 10 carries for 69 yards on Saturday and Audric Estime was up next with nine carries for 24 yards. Williams did not get a single carry, but he did turn to targets into a pair of receptions for zero yards. Expect a similar rotation next week.

2. Riley Moss seemed rusty: After sitting out three games with a knee injury, Moss was back in the lineup on Saturday, but he didn’t look 100% (it probably didn’t help that he took a hit to the head early in the game). While Pat Surtain limited Ja’Marr Chase to three receptions for 27 yards, Moss allowed Tee Higgins to haul in seven receptions for 101 yards and two scores, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Higgins repeatedly beating Moss essentially decided the game. “Sometimes you eat a (sh-t) sandwich and you’ve got to own it,” Moss said after the loss.

3. Sean Payton should have gone for two: With eight seconds left in the game, Payton opted to kick an extra point and play for overtime instead of going for two and attempting to secure a win and clinch a playoff spot. Payton justified it by saying Denver only need a tie to clinch a postseason berth, but the decision backfield when Cincy scored a touchdown in OT (a predictable outcome given their high-powered offense). Payton won’t admit it, but he made the wrong decision.

4. Bo Nix blew it, twice: Nix had a chance to win the game twice on Saturday. The first opportunity came when Surtain forced and recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter, giving the offense the ball near midfield with just over five minutes remaining in a tie game. Instead of leading a go-ahead scoring drive, Nix promptly threw an interception, squandering Surtain’s takeaway. Then, in overtime after the defense forced a Cincinnati punt, Nix overthrew an open Troy Franklin on third down, forcing a Denver punt. The Bengals then missed a potential game-winning field goal, gifting Nix another opportunity to close out the game with a win or tie by scoring or eating up the clock. Nix and the offense promptly went three-and-out. Then Cincy drove down the field and won the game. If the Broncos are going to make the playoffs and avoid getting embarrassed, Nix needs to step up in clutch moments.

5. The playoffs are still within reach: Denver still has a simple path to the playoffs. The Broncos just need to beat (or tie) the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18. Denver will be playing at home and Kansas City will likely rest key starters with the No. 1 seed already secured. Playing at home in their beautiful throwback uniform, the Broncos need just one win to get in (or some help from a few other teams if they lose).

All hope is not lost. Denver can still reach the postseason.

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8 players did not play in Broncos’ loss to Bengals

The Broncos held out eight players against the Bengals on Saturday, including RB Blake Watson.

Eight members of the 53-man roster did not play in the Denver Broncos‘ 30-24 overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17 of the 2024 NFL season.

Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson*, wide receiver David Sills, running back Blake Watson, linebacker Levelle Bailey, offensive tackle Frank Crum and defensive linemen Matt Henningsen and Eyioma Uwazurike were inactive on Saturday.

*Wilson was inactive but still dressed as an emergency third quarterback. Jarrett Stidham, Denver’s primary backup quarterback, also did not play as Bo Nix took every snap on offense, giving the Broncos eight total players who did not see the field. Stidham has only appeared in two games this season.

Broncos who did not play in Week 17

  1. QB Zach Wilson (*emergency third QB)
  2. WR David Sills
  3. RB Blake Watson
  4. LB Levelle Bailey 
  5. OT Frank Crum
  6. DL Matt Henningsen
  7. DL Eyioma Uwazurike
  8. QB Jarrett Stidham (active)

Following Saturday’s loss, the Broncos are now set to host the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18. Denver can clinch a spot in the NFL playoffs with a loss or tie next week.

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Is Riley Moss playing today? Injury updates for Broncos CB

Broncos CB Riley Moss (knee) is poised to return to the lineup against the Bengals today.

Denver Broncos second-year cornerback Riley Moss went down with a knee injury against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12 and he did not play in the team’s last three games. Here are the latest updates on Moss’ MCL status going into Week 17.

Riley Moss injury update

Moss fully participated in all three days of practice this week and he has no injury designation going into Saturday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. “He’s doing good,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said after Thursday’s practice. “He’ll be ready to go.”

How long will Riley Moss be out?

Moss is poised to return for Saturday’s game against the Bengals. “He’s got an awfully competitive juice,” Payton said. “I would say you definitely felt his absence. Not just physically as a player, but also his presence.” Moss is expected to be back in the lineup against Cincy.

Broncos cornerback depth chart

Kris Abrams-Draine filled in for Moss over the last two games with Damarri Mathis getting rotational snaps. Moss is now poised to start across from Pat Surtain against the Bengals with Ja’Quan McMillian playing in the slot. Abrams-Draine and Mathis will provide depth, and special teams ace Tremon Smith rounds out the cornerback room.

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Broncos rule out RB, elevate WR and DL from practice squad

The Broncos have ruled out RB Tyler Badie (back) for Saturday’s game against the Bengals.

The Denver Broncos made an update to their injury report on Friday, ruling out running back Tyler Badie (back) for Saturday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Baide returned to practice earlier this week, starting his 21-day window to return from injured reserve. If Badie is not activated to the 53-man roster within three weeks, he will remain on IR for the rest of Denver’s season.

Everybody else on the injury report is good to go for Week 17, including cornerback Riley Moss (knee), who missed the team’s last three games.

Elsewhere on the roster front for Denver, the team plans to elevate wide receiver David Sills from the practice squad to the game-day roster, according to a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis.

The Broncos will also elevate defensive lineman Matt Henningsen from the practice squad, according to the Denver Gazette‘s Chris Tomasson. Sills and Henningsen will revert back to the practice squad after Saturday’s game.

As for the Bengals, wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle/knee) is listed as questionable, but “there’s optimism” he will be able to play, according to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

The Broncos’ final injury report can be seen below.

Player Tue Wed Thur Game Status
RB Tyler Badie (back) Full Full Full Out
WR Troy Franklin (ankle) Full Full Full
CB Riley Moss (knee) Full Full Full
RB Jaleel McLaughlin (quad) Limited Full Full

Saturday’s game will be televised on NFL Network. Denver is considered an underdog playing on the road this week. With two games remaining, the Broncos need one win (or tie) to clinch a spot in the NFL playoffs.

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Broncos injury report: Good news for CB Riley Moss

Broncos CB Riley Moss (knee) practiced all three days this week, putting him on track to play against the Bengals on Saturday.

Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (knee) practiced all three days this week, putting him on the track to play against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday.

“He’s doing good,” coach Sean Payton said of Moss after Thursday’s practice. “He’ll be ready to go.”

The 24-year-old cornerback missed three games with a knee injury and was initially replaced in the lineup by veteran Levi Wallace, who was later benched in favor of rookie Kris Abrams-Draine.

With Moss expected to return to the field this weekend, he will likely start across from Pat Surtain with Ja’Quan McMillian playing in the slot.

As for the Bengals, wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle/knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday.

The Broncos’ complete Thursday injury report can be seen below.

Player Tue Wed Thur Game Status
RB Tyler Badie (back) Full Full Full Questionable
WR Troy Franklin (ankle) Full Full Full
CB Riley Moss (knee) Full Full Full
RB Jaleel McLaughlin (quad) Limited Full Full

Saturday’s game will be televised on NFL Network. Denver is considered an underdog playing on the road this week. With two games remaining, the Broncos need one win (or tie) to clinch a spot in the NFL playoffs.

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Christmas injury report provides positive update for Broncos CB Riley Moss

Broncos CB Riley Moss (knee) was a full participant at practice again today, seemingly putting him on track to play against the Bengals.

Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (knee) was a full participant again on Wednesday after having the same designation on Tuesday. The 24-year-old cornerback now appears to be on track to return to action against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday.

Moss missed the team’s last three games with a knee injury. He was initially replaced by Levi Wallace, who was then benched in favor of rookie Kris Abrams-Draine. Moss and Pat Surtain are now poised to serve as the team’s two outside cornerbacks against the Bengals with Ja’Quan McMillian playing in the slot.

Elsewhere on the injury front, Denver running back Jaleel McLaughlin (quad) also fully practiced Wednesday after being limited Tuesday.

The Broncos’ complete Christmas Day injury report can be seen below.

Player Tue Wed Thur Game Status
RB Tyler Badie (back) Full Full
WR Troy Franklin (ankle) Full Full
CB Riley Moss (knee) Full Full
RB Jaleel McLaughlin (quad) Limited Full

Denver will practice again on Thursday before releasing a final injury report with game statuses for Saturday’s showdown with the Bengals.

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Broncos’ injury report gives update on Riley Moss’ status

The Denver Broncos have released their latest injury report with a status update for cornerback Riley Moss.

Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (knee) was a full participant at Tuesday’s practice, according to the team’s injury report.

Moss has missed the team’s last three games after injuring his knee against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 13. Kris Abrams-Draine and Damarri Mathis have filled in for Moss over the last two weeks.

Abrams-Draine has been playing on the outside across from Pat Surtain with Ja’Quan McMillian playing in the slot. If Moss is able to return this week, it will provide a huge boost to Denver’s secondary.

The Broncos will face a talented Cincinnati Bengals offense on Saturday that features Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at wide receiver.

Elsewhere on the injury front, Broncos running back Tyler Badie (back) returned to practice on Tuesday, starting his 21-day window to return from injured reserve.

Denver’s complete Tuesday injury report can be seen below.

Player Tue Wed Thur Game Status
RB Tyler Badie (back) Full
WR Troy Franklin (ankle) Full
CB Riley Moss (knee) Full
RB Jaleel McLaughlin (quad) Limited

The Broncos will practice again on Wednesday (Christmas Day) and Thursday before releasing a final injury report with game statuses for Saturday’s showdown with the Bengals.

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