Riley Moss, the Denver Broncos cornerback, is carving out a significant role for himself in the NFL. Lining up opposite the highly acclaimed Pat Surtain II, the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, Moss faces one of the toughest challenges in football. His growth as a player has been notable, especially given the intense scrutiny he endures.
Impressive Performance and Challenges
This season, as of Week 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Moss had faced an impressive 63 targets, the highest among NFL defensive backs. Despite this pressure, he maintained an outstanding defensive record, allowing just a 44.4% completion percentage when thrown at. His ability to handle these situations has been a point of pride for him.
Moss has openly expressed his desire to take on the challenge of playing alongside Surtain. However, his journey has not been without obstacles. He missed the start of his rookie season due to a core injury and later dealt with a knee injury that affected his performance in critical moments. This support from Surtain has been pivotal in Moss’s development.
Learning from Adversity
Moss’s experiences have taught him valuable lessons about mental resilience. He faced substantial criticism after a tough game against the Cincinnati Bengals, where Tee Higgins caught 11 passes for 131 yards and three touchdowns. This performance did not reflect Moss’s ability, yet it highlighted the mental challenges that come with being in the spotlight.
- Critique from media and fans can be overwhelming.
- Moss has learned to focus on self-improvement despite external noise.
- Handling adversity has made him a better player.
Reflecting on his experiences, Moss stated, “Getting beat in the media made me realize that it really doesn’t matter.” He recognizes the importance of mental fortitude in professional sports, saying that staying centered and consistent has been crucial to his growth.
Team Cohesion and Future Expectations
The Denver Broncos, currently with an impressive 8-2 record, have faced skepticism about their overall performance. As they prepare for upcoming games, including a pivotal match against the Kansas City Chiefs, maintaining a level-headed approach will be essential. Moss’s mentality will be crucial for the team as they work to silence critics and focus on their performance.
Quarterback Bo Nix has also emphasized the importance of tuning out negativity, citing his absence from social media as a key factor in maintaining his concentration. The Broncos are proving that collaboration and mental strength can lead to success on the field.
