Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian made his presence felt in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs last week. He broke up Patrick Mahomes’ pass attempt to wide receiver Kadarius Toney. And later, he stopped Toney for a three-yard loss.
This season, McMillian is in uncharted waters. He has never played the nickel position but after Essang Bassey was waived earlier this month, while K’Waun Williams remains on the injured reserve, McMillian has been forced to fill a void in the secondary. So far, he is making progress each week.
“He’s someone that has good instincts,” head coach Sean Payton said. “He has a feel for what we’re doing and knows what to do, so therefore, you see him play fast. That experience I think helps him. He has very good feet. He’s quick. I think in the tighter quarters he excels because he does have such short area quickness.”
Through five games, Denver’s second-year cornerback has played 121 snaps at nickel and only five on the outside, according to Pro Football Focus. McMillian told The Denver Post that playing nickel has required him to be the quarterback of the defense. He has to communicate with everybody and make sure they are on the same page.
From a coverage standpoint, he said there’s more space to deal with.
“I’m used to having the sideline on the outside,” McMillian said. “You are running with the motion. There’s a lot of thinking (and) you have to see a lot more.”
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has been impressed with McMillian since the spring, so he isn’t too surprised about his continued growth in the nickel spot.
“He can tackle and cover. He’s improving every single day,” Joseph said. “His communication is getting better and his confidence. It’s been fun to watch him play.”
Broncos eager to have Browning back
Broncos outside linebacker Baron Browning (knee) is trending toward making his season debut Sunday against the Packers, as he was a full participant at practice for the second straight day.
After the departures of Randy Gregory and Frank Clark, the Broncos are committed to their young edge rushers Browning, Nik Bonitto, and Jonathon Cooper. Joseph said he looks forward to having Browning back on the field, as he adds another dimension to Denver’s pass rush.
“That’s going to help us, having rushers like that,” Joseph said. “Guys that can (drop back) and rush inside. It gives you some variety on third down also.”
Earlier this week, Bonitto sounded excited about Browning’s possible return. He is eager to see the various sack celebrations his teammate has in store.
“He’s one of the leaders in our group and he’s been antsy,” Bonitto said. “Just having him back is going to mean everything for us.”
Thursday was a fairly healthy day for the Broncos. Center Lloyd Cushenberry III (quad), safety Kareem Jackson (neck) and defensive tackle D.J. Jones (knee) were also full participants. Tight end Greg Dulcich (hamstring) remained out while safety Justin Simmons (hip) was limited.
For the Packers, running back Aaron Jones (hamstring); cornerbacks Jaire Alexander (back) and Eric Stokes (foot); safeties Darnell Savage (calf) and Zayne Anderson (hamstring); defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (knee); guard/tackle Elgton Jenkins (knee); and linebacker Quay Walker (knee) were limited participants. Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (ankle) missed practice.
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