yardbarker
The Denver Broncos kicked off the 2026 season with lofty aspirations, but a 1-1 record through two weeks has highlighted areas needing refinement. Head coach Sean Payton acknowledges that while several players have made early impressions, the team must find greater consistency to meet its goals.
Among the early bright spots is cornerback Riley Moss, who seems to have hit his stride after encountering adversity earlier in his professional journey. His statistical output reflects a pattern of steady growth, especially since he assumed a starting role in 2024.
In that 2024 campaign, Moss amassed 86 tackles, eight passes defensed, and one interception. He then elevated his play in 2025, registering 80 tackles, 19 passes defensed, one sack, and one interception. Through the first two games of the current season, he has already tallied eight tackles, four passes defensed, and one interception.
Payton has taken notice of this upward trajectory, praising Moss for his resilience and his capacity to swiftly move beyond mistakes. The coach elaborated on the cornerback's mindset, stating, "The one thing about him is his grit and his competes and, you know, those guys out there on an island a lot of times and, you know, so theres going to be times where its not always what you want and yet hes on to the next play."
That mental fortitude could prove crucial as Moss and the Broncos secondary brace for a challenging test against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3. The Rams boast an elite offense orchestrated by quarterback Matthew Stafford, who possesses an array of dangerous weapons. Such a matchup leaves little margin for error, demanding that Denver's defensive backs remain sharp and disciplined.
Payton will expect Moss to sustain his aggressive style while maintaining his short-term memory. Even if the Rams manage to make plays, the Broncos need him to quickly reset and focus on the ensuing snap. Another strong outing could further cement Moss's status as a vital component of Denver's defense.
Originally reported by yardbarker.