Jarvis Moss To See Action at Linebacker vs. Jaguars

Denver Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan addressed why he decided to make 2007 first-round draft pick Jarvis Moss a healthy inactive for over half of the team's games so far this season.

"I think Jarvis has the ability to play both as a linebacker and a defensive end. He's in the 240 range and he still has the speed, so you may see him some as a defensive end and some as an outside linebacker. We have the ability to do some things with Jarvis that we haven't done in the past."

Since entering the NFL, Moss has only been active for eight games. In his rookie campaign, he was hampered by a lower leg injury. In 2008, the injury may still linger a bit, according to Moss himself. 

"I try not to think about that anymore," he said. "The ankle is coming around. It's sore from time to time but other than that, it's pretty healthy. I don't like to use it as a crutch or think about it because it might hold me back mentally."

Look for the Broncos to use Moss in their new blitz packages, which were very effective against the Buccaneers in Week Five. 

Seeing that he has only played in eight career games, Broncos fans do not need to label Moss a bust by any means. The NFL takes adjustment, and Moss has yet to participate in a full season. His lack of production is in no way due to lack of effort.

"That's what I do," he said. "I give effort. I go chase the ball. I think that's a given for me. My performance, it's never as good as you want it to be, but I'm making strides. There's always plays you wish you could get back but you can't. All I can ask of myself is to give it my all."

Moss will be on the field with former teammate Derrick Harvey come Sunday. Harvey is, like Moss, a former Florida Gator pass rusher.

With Moss making the move to linebacker, the Broncos could really incorporate a complex blitzing system in the 3-4 look. He has lost a reported 25 pounds from his listed weight of 265 pounds. This former first-round draft pick is looking to prove himself. If he is giving it all his might come Sunday, and every game to follow, expect more sacks from the Denver defense. And more wins.

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