Pritchard: Roby must ‘hold up his end’ for Broncos to have chance

If Bradley Roby can “hold up his end of the bargain” Monday against Kansas City, said Mike Pritchard, then the Denver Broncos have a chance to shut down the Chiefs high-octane offense.

Through the first three games of the season, however, Roby’s not been thought of living up to the level of the player he’s replacing in the Broncos lineup, Aqib Talib, the “Pritchard and Cecil” co-host said.

According to Pro Football Focus, Talib ranks as the 10th-best cornerback in the NFL while Roby grades out as the 100th.

“He’s actually been a guy who’s been picked on. So, I can see that guy getting picked on tonight,” Pritchard said. “And if he doesn’t rise up, if he doesn’t play better, if he doesn’t grow up, then that’s going to be a long night for Denver.”

But if Roby can play well alongside All-Pro cornerback Chris Harris Jr, then the Broncos are “working with something,” Pritchard said.

“Now, can we help out ‘Pacman’ if we need to? Can we help out Brock or Yiadom, whoever’s going to be that third corner or fourth corner? Yeah, you can help them out,” Pritchard said.

But if the Denver defense needs to instead help Roby out, it could end up being a long night against a Chiefs team stacked with weapons.

“Those other guys are in trouble because you’re going to start helping out Rob,” Pritchard said. “So, Roby’s got to hold up his end of the bargain tonight.”

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.