Reflection of Missed Play Against Raiders Gives Broncos’ Townsend More Incentive

Denver Bronco Andre Townsend recalls a chat at the end of last season with head coach Dan Reeves about his defensive play.

“He said I needed to pick it up a couple of notches,” Townsend said. “In the Raiders game he saw a play he thought I should have made, and I probably should have. So I came into camp with the attitude of picking it up and trying to improve my techniques.”

He’s been so successful that the team decided he needed to play more time, and 13-year Bronco veteran Barney Chavous probably would be moved into a backup position instead of starting.

Instead, Chavous retired, opening up new opportunities for Townsend.

“From the first time I got here (1984), I was looking for the opportunity to start,” Townsend said. “And I thought this (year) would be a make-or-break situation. I thought I needed to get into the starting lineup or play a lot, or I wouldn’t be doing the team any good.”

With Chavous’ retirement, the Broncos have moved Rulon Jones to the left side and inserted Townsend into the starting lineup on the right.

Townsend now is eager to make the most of his chance.

“It was my ultimate goal, to get into the starting lineup,” Townsend said. “I was confident I would get in eventually.”

Townsend played a variety of positions last season, but he was most comfortable on the right side, where he had played in college and where he had played the least for the Broncos.

Jones, coincidentally, played his entire college career on the left side, and now is re-adapting to that post.

The All-Pro right end isn’t at all disturbed by the change.

“You make the Pro Bowl based on pass rush, and I think my goals could be raised as far as my sack totals (in the new position),” Jones said. “I think I’ll be getting to the quarterback more often.”