Broncos CB Riley Moss Eager for Monday’s Rematch Against Bengals After Last Year’s Shredding

**Riley Moss: From Iowa Upstart to Denver’s Determined Defender**
Understanding Riley Moss’s Unyielding Spirit
Riley Moss has never been one to conform easily, not even under the guidance of his parents, Mark and Beth Moss. The former is an elementary school principal, while the latter is a professor at Mercy College in Des Moines, Iowa. Punctual and neat, they prefer a clean-cut son. However, Riley Moss has always danced to his own rhythm. His persona off the football field is nothing short of unpredictable, showing up at his own time, sporting scraggly beards or mullets.
The Turning Point: Purdue Game 2018
Despite his raw prowess on the football field, Riley Moss faced a significant professional challenge during his freshman year at Iowa in 2018. After initially thriving as a cornerback, his performance against Purdue was a setback, with the opponent scoring three touchdowns against him. However, this wasn’t a defeat for Moss. Guided by his father’s counsel, he used this as a stepping stone to improve, choosing resilience over retreat.
Denver’s New CB2: Forging a Unique Identity
Fast forward to today, and Riley Moss plays as Denver’s Cornerback 2 (CB2). Known for his fierce dedication on every play, he embodies the spirit of his team while leaving past performances behind. Some view him as a “goldfish,” able to forget past mishaps, while others, like his teammate JL Skinner, compare him to a relentless honey badger. Despite the comparisons, Moss’s singular focus remains on the future.
Preparing for Redemption Against the Bengals
The upcoming Monday Night Football clash against the Cincinnati Bengals is personal for Moss. Last year’s game against Cincinnati was challenging, especially while returning from an MCL injury. He faced relentless scrutiny after being targeted for numerous receptions by Cincinnati’s WR2, Tee Higgins. However, Moss has transformed this setback into motivation, with the game against the Bengals marked as his opportunity for redemption.
Analyzing Performance: NFL’s Targeted Cornerback
This season, Moss has shown considerable progress, earning the second-most targets in the NFL through three weeks, according to Next Gen Stats. Despite being tested frequently, he remains resilient, showcasing a sub-50% catch rate allowed and an admirable 80.8 passer rating against. His performance, alongside Pat Surtain II, paints a picture of a solid, responsive athlete prepared for any challenge.
Rallying Support and Anticipation in Denver
The Broncos’ community is eager to watch Moss face the Bengals again. Teammates and fans alike have shown immense support, with defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers affirming their collective belief in Moss’s capabilities to bounce back stronger than before. As the game approaches, the anticipation builds around seeing Moss tackle this pivotal moment in his career.
Keep up with all the latest developments in Broncos football by subscribing to El-Balad’s Broncos Insider for comprehensive NFL analysis and updates.