Broncos defense ready to make up for 2007

5/20/2008 6:52 PM

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) -The NFL season is four months away. Jarvis Moss is ready to go now.

The Denver defensive end broke his leg midway through the his rookie season last year, and two days into the Broncos' quarterback camp he's anxious to get back on the field.

``I feel it,'' the first-round pick in 2007 said Tuesday. ``I've got a little chip on my shoulder. Being out, I'm ready to go play football. I'd be ready if it started tomorrow.''

The rest of the defense is ready to atone for last season. In 2007, the Broncos gave up 409 points, the fifth-most in the NFL. Only one AFC team, the 1-15 Miami Dolphins, allowed more.

The Broncos have made major changes, signing free-agent linebackers Boss Bailey and Niko Koutouvides and safeties Marlon McCree and Marquand Manuel. They also traded for defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson to help bolster the front line.

``That's what makes the team good, the competition among each other,'' Moss said. ``When training camp hits, competition will definitely pick up. That's exactly what we need, guys fighting for position and getting better every single day.''

Moss is out to show that he is recovered from a broken right leg that sidelined him after six games in his rookie season. His offseason workouts have gone well, which has stoked his passion for football.

``It's not something to prove, just something inside of me that's ready to go play now,'' he said. ``I just feel different. Mentally and physically, I feel great again. I'm ready to hit that first preseason game and hit the season just running and not slow down.''

Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan sees a difference in Moss.

``His conditioning is looking better,'' Shanahan said. ``For him to come back his second year should be a positive. Usually those linemen learn a lot that first year. There's a lot to learn. I'd be surprised if he doesn't come back and play well.''