Champ Bailey to play in reserve role

The Denver Broncos have struggled to stop opposing teams’ aerial attacks this season. Some of these struggles might be attributed to injury struggles. One might also point to how often they play with a big lead and note that teams throw that much more against them as a result. What might be hardest to peg down, however, is how All-Pro and future Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey fits into that picture.

For a while it felt like the Broncos desperately needed Bailey to return from his foot injury to boost their secondary. Problem is, in limited action this year he’s been getting torched. Awkward though that dilemma is, it appears that the Broncos have decided to use Bailey in a reserve role today at the Houston Texans. Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports:

"If all goes as planned, Bailey will only play in sub packages — the nickel and dime. Chris Harris and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will start as corners in the base defense. It’s possible Bailey could start, but only if the Broncos open in a sub package."

The interesting part of this decision is the fact that Bailey is probably one of the best tackling corners in the NFL; playing a supporting role against the run has always been a strength of his. It will be interesting to see if this decision still ends up reaping benefits for Denver as they try to figure out how to stop the other team.