The Denver Broncos have emerged as one of the season’s most surprising teams, defying early projections that ranked them among the league’s weakest rosters. Thanks in part to the rise of young quarterback Bo Nix, Denver has shifted from being a presumed top-five draft pick contender to a legitimate playoff threat.
While the offense has improved, the Broncos’ defensive unit has been their backbone. However, recent injuries to key players, including starting cornerback Riley Moss and now Patrick Surtain II, have created significant challenges. To stay competitive, Denver will rely on younger players like Damarri Mathis and rookie Kris Abrams-Draine to step up in their absence, especially in a crucial AFC West matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Mathis’ tenure with the Broncos has been inconsistent. His first start saw him flagged four times for 87 yards, but he eventually found his stride later that season. Expectations were high for him heading into 2023 as the team’s No. 2 cornerback, but regression in his coverage skills led to him losing his starting role. Adding to his struggles, Mathis began the 2024 season on injured reserve. Now back in action, Mathis is getting another opportunity to prove himself after Levi Wallace’s benching. Head coach Sean Payton praised Mathis for his performance in Week 15, noting, “It was good to see him get back in and compete because he did a good job.”
Abrams-Draine, a rookie fifth-round pick, has impressed since being called upon to replace Wallace late in Week 13. His immediate impact was evident, with Payton lauding his poise under pressure, saying, “The last two weeks, he’s shown some moxie, stayed with his guy, and didn’t panic when the ball was in the air.”
Denver’s defensive success now hinges on Mathis and Abrams-Draine holding their ground. As Payton explained, the duo will play complementary roles, with Mathis focusing on base packages and Abrams-Draine handling sub-packages. Their ability to contain Chargers wideout Ladd McConkey will be critical in Thursday night’s game. If they falter, Denver’s playoff hopes could take a significant hit.
