COULD BOWLEN, BAILEY BE IN HOF CLASS OF 2019?
MD.» Broncos president LANDOVER, and CEO Joe Ellis beamed with pride Friday night speaking with reporters before the start of Denver’s game against Washington to discuss owner Pat Bowlen’s nomination as a contributor finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“It was greater than I expected, really,” Ellis said. “Just the emotions that came out thinking back on all of his achievements and everything that he’s done.”
But Ellis might have more reason to smile Feb. 2, the day before the Super Bowl, when the selection committee finalizes the complete 2019 class. Might legendary Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey join Bowlen in enshrinement?
Bailey’s credentials: 12-time Pro Bowl selection, 52 interceptions (four returned for touchdowns), 812 tackles and a reputation among the NFL’s top covercorners over five seasons in Washington (1999-2003) and 10 more in Denver (2004-2013).
“I know Mr. B would like that,” Ellis said of Bailey’s 2019 HOF chances. “Champ was one of his favorite players — one of the players that late in Pat’s tenure, before he had to step down, that he had a really good relationship with. So it would be fun to share the party if that ever was to happen. We’ll see.”
Backup safety injured.
The Broncos’ Shamarko Thomas, who was filling Will Parks’ role as the dime safety, suffered a first-half eye injury and was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
Garcia-Williams fined.
Broncos linebacker Jerrol Garcia-Williams was fined $20,054 by the NFL for his roughing-the-passer penalty last week against Chicago.
Broncos cornerback Isaac Yiadom and Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller were not fined for their penalties of lowering the head to initiate contact.
Denver inside linebacker Todd Davis was given a flag in the first quarter Friday for lowering the head and initiating contact.
Peterson debuts.
Redskins running back Adrian Peterson debuted after signing with the team earlier this week — and he was put to work.
Peterson carried eight times for 35 yards in the first quarter and had a 15-yard gain on fourthand-1 in the second quarter. He finished the game with 11 carries for 56 yards.
From 2012-16, his final five seasons with Minnesota, Peterson had no preseason carries. He had six for New Orleans last year.
Footnotes.
Left guard Ronald Leary (knee) and Parks (knee contusion) did not play. Max Garcia started for Leary. … Receiver Demaryius Thomas and linebacker Brandon Marshall observed the national anthem in the tunnel to the locker room for the third straight week. … Marshall was evaluated for a concussion in the first half but was cleared to return.