Pro Bowler Ty Law signs with Broncos
By ARNIE STAPLETON
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) -Ty Law spent the first half of the season waiting for
the right team to come calling. Now that it has, he doesn't want to waste any
more time getting back on the field.
Law came out of what he called ``semiretirement'' Saturday to join the
Denver Broncos and counts on contributing Monday night when the Pittsburgh
Steelers bring three wide receivers to Invesco Field who are averaging more
than 14 yards per catch.
``They're trying to get me ready to play this week in a limited fashion,''
Law said. ``I did it last year.''
The 15-year veteran joined the Jets at midseason in 2008 and played aplenty
a few days later against New England.
``I'm just going to kind of wing it and go out and do the best I can,'' Law
said. ``But right now they're just shoving a lot down my throat because the
terminology is totally different.''
The 35-year-old Law gives the Broncos five players in the defensive
backfield who are older than 30. Law said it was comforting to join a seasoned
secondary that features Champ Bailey, Andre' Goodman, Renaldo Hill and Brian
Dawkins.
``It's different between walking into a situation where you've got a bunch
of young guys, a bunch of first- and second-year guys. This is perfect. I can
take my time and learn the system because it's already established and all I'm
doing is trying to help,'' Law said.
The five-time Pro Bowl cornerback passed his physical and practiced with the
Broncos on Saturday, trying to acclimate himself to the altitude after signing
what was believed to be a one-year deal.
Law, who gives the Broncos a defensive backfield that now sports a combined
20 Pro Bowl selections, also is familiar with Denver coach Josh McDaniels, who
was an assistant with the Patriots during his time in New England.
Law helped New England to three Super Bowl titles. He signed with the Jets
in 2005 after being released by the Patriots, and had a career-high 10
interceptions and was voted to the Pro Bowl. He was released by the Jets after
that season and followed coach Herm Edwards to Kansas City, where he played two
years before being cut in the offseason.
``He gives us some depth at corner. He played obviously a long time in this
league. He knows how to play inside, outside and he's in good shape and ready
to go,'' McDaniels said. ``We feel like hopefully it will take us take a step
forward.''
To make room on the roster, the Broncos waived defensive back Jack Williams.
Law's signing also likely means reduced playing time in the nickel and dime
packages for rookie Alphonso Smith.
Two of the Broncos' last three opposing quarterbacks - New England's Tom
Brady and Baltimore's Joe Flacco targeted Denver's third cornerback with great
success.
Law had been training in Florida and said he hadn't counted on staying on
the sideline much longer.
``I trained to play. I wouldn't be out there if I didn't,'' he said. ``(I)
had some closure in my career as far as what I've done and what I've
accomplished. I've accomplished a lot of things. But I still had the itch.''
Law said he spurned other teams' offers this season and never expected the
Broncos to call, but jumped at the chance when he heard from McDaniels. He said
he later heard Indianapolis had some interest, too.
But this seemed like the perfect fit.
``First, I'm familiar with a lot of their guys here. They're hungry. They're
winning and then, my familiarity with Josh McDaniels. I've won a few
championships with him,'' Law said. ``Other than going back to New England,
this would be the ideal situation for me.
``There are a bunch of guys out there hungry to get a championship and
that's what I'm looking for, to try and capture another championship before I
shut down for good.''
11/07/09 14:37
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