The Denver Broncos were defeated by the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday in a game that could have significant long-term effects on the season. If you take a stroll through social media, specifically on X (formerly Twitter), you'll notice Broncos fans placing much of the blame for Sunday's loss on cornerback Riley Moss.
Moss has been the target of much criticism from Broncos fans who feel he should be put on the bench in favor of first-round pick Jahdae Barron. Through three games, Barron has been on the field for a total of only 53 snaps, an indication that Sean Payton wants to bring the rookie along slowly, a typical practice for him throughout his career.
Still, Barron was drafted early and the team could inject new life into the secondary if he is ready to go. The Broncos are going to have to live with the fact that Moss is going to be targeted frequently with teams avoiding throwing against Pat Surtain II if they don't have to.
But has Moss really been that bad?
Through three weeks, #Broncos CB2 Riley Moss is the second-most-targeted cornerback in the NFL, per Next Gen Stats.
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) September 22, 2025
Teams are 13/27 (48.1% completion) when targeting him, for 170 yards. 80.8 passer rating against
Moss is often in good position to make plays; the receiver and quarterback throwing against him just make better ones. It's not as if he is just being outclassed on the field; he just has the spotlight on him while Surtain shuts down the other side of the field. It's a difficult position to be in for a young player, and he is doing his best given the circumstances.
On this play in which the Chargers tied the game with under three minutes to play, Moss in not in bad position against Keenan Allen. Justin Herbert just made a phenomenal play and you have to tip your cap to that.
HERBERT BREAKS THE SACK AND FINDS KEENAN ALLEN FOR THE TD ⚡️
— NFL (@NFL) September 21, 2025
DENvsLAC on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/f95wNegDdP
The Broncos could elect to bench Moss and put Barron in, but he had better be ready for teams to test him. If he goes out there and struggles in a similar fashion or does an even worse job, it would be counter-productive and potentially shatter the confidence of the young rookie. It's a situation the coaching staff will need to closely monitor.
The Broncos will face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4, which ironically was the team that victimized Moss late last season, as Tee Higgins had a huge day while Surtain locked up Ja'Marr Chase. Higgins caught 11 passes for 131 yards and had three touchdown receptions, all against Moss.
READ: Broncos Week 3 studs and duds
It could be a big spot for Moss to have a bounce-back game, especially since the Bengals won't have Joe Burrow and will have to go with Jake Browning.
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