Payton Justifies Difficult Decision on Dre Greenlaw as ‘Worthwhile’
Denver Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw has made a significant impact since rejoining the team after a suspension. In his second game with the Broncos, he recorded eight tackles and a sack against the Houston Texans. Head coach Sean Payton noted the challenges in quantifying Greenlaw’s contributions, emphasizing his toughness and competitiveness on the field.
Payton Discusses Greenlaw’s Impact
Payton stated, “It’s hard to put on paper,” when discussing Greenlaw’s effectiveness. He praised Greenlaw for his impressive tackling ability and physical play. Payton reflected on the decision to place him on injured reserve earlier in the season, calling that choice difficult but worthwhile in hindsight.
Injury Struggles and Comeback
Greenlaw’s journey to the Broncos involved overcoming injuries from his previous tenure with the San Francisco 49ers. After signing a three-year contract worth $31.5 million in the spring, he faced a setback with a quad injury during offseason workouts. This injury prevented him from participating in the training program altogether.
- Greenlaw missed the first two weeks of the season.
- He was placed on injured reserve after Week 2, missing an additional four games.
- He returned for Week 7 against the New York Giants, contributing positively in his debut.
His return included trouble, however, as he received a one-game suspension for verbally confronting an official after his first game back. Greenlaw missed a critical Week 8 game, but the Broncos’ defense excelled without him, defeating the Dallas Cowboys convincingly.
Performance and Future Outlook
In Week 9, Greenlaw achieved an impressive player grade of 87.6, showcasing his potential with the Broncos. In just two games, he has logged 48 snaps, recording two pressures on four blitzes and 13 tackles without allowing a completed pass against him.
Payton acknowledged that Greenlaw’s influence extends beyond statistics. His leadership qualities are integral to the team’s morale. Looking ahead, the Broncos will face challenges, including matchups against strong tight ends like Brock Bowers in upcoming games against the Las Vegas Raiders.
