The fatal flaw in De’Vante Bausby’s game is his coping problems. And that failure is the reason why the Denver Broncos’ cornerback rode on the pine tree in the second half of Sunday’s loss to the Chargers, said coach Vic Fangio bluntly.
Fangio considered Bausby’s game So poor, the fourth-year professional favored newcomer parnell Motley, who joined the Broncos less than two weeks ago.
He did not measure words – nor actions.
“I didn’t like the way Bausby was attacking, or not attacking. I took him out earlier in the game, he begged for another chance, I gave him, and then he totally missed another tackle in the second half. So the chance was over “said Fangio after the 19-16 defeat. “I thought [Parnell] Motley entered and competed – he again played very weak there in the last race. But due to the amount of preparation he had and where he is in his career and just being here for a few days, I thought he went there and competed and did his best. “
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Perhaps there is something in Denver’s apparent reticence towards Bausby, whose journey in 2020 included a season on the training team and a cup of coffee with the Arizona Cardinals, after the Broncos initially felt he was replaceable. He doesn’t shine on special teams, which is harmful enough for a player who is last on the list, but facing – a “non-negotiable” requirement for Fangio – is becoming the final nail in his orange and … coffin blue.
It says a lot that Bausby cannot stay on the pitch for a Denver secondary without his first four CBs (AJ Bouye, Bryce Callahan, Essang Bassey, Duke Dawson).
But the tape doesn’t lie; Bausby exhibited an inability or unwillingness in several tackle opportunities when he was picked up on the cover by Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert. He ended with three solo stops before his removal.
Motley made two solo tackles in 15 defensive snaps and generally held on while the Broncos almost achieved a comeback victory in the second half. The former Buccaneer and 49er are expected to enjoy their brief debut in an increased role at the end of Sunday’s regular season against Las Vegas.
Unsigned after 2020, perhaps intentionally, Bausby may have taken his significant final photo in a Broncos uniform, however.
Follow Zack on Twitter @KelbermanNFL and @MileHighHuddle