NFL.com Reveals Broncos' 'Unsung Hero' for 2022
For most of the 2022 season, the Denver Broncos starting linebacking duo — Josey Jewell and Alex Singleton — did a fine job. Neither will be confused for the likes of San Francisco’s Fred Warner nor Dallas’ Micah Parson, but for the most part, the duo in Denver was steady and consistent the entire season.
Over the preceding years, the play of the off-ball linebackers in Denver made even the largest skeptics grin this past season. A position much maligned given the struggles of the unit going against arguably the single best tight end in NFL History in Travis Kelce and other players at the position, many fans spend the offseason typing “LINEBACKER!” on their social media accounts of choice.
However, Singleton’s play this past season was so unexpected that he earned the Broncos’ 'Unsung Hero' title for the 2022 season by NFL.com’s Nick Shook.
I initially chose Pat Surtain II for this, but his first-team All-Pro designation shows that he's getting his proper due. Singleton, however, still flies under the radar, even after he just put together his best professional season. The folks over at PFF weren't sleeping on Singleton: They graded him at 79.1 overall, good enough to land just outside the top 10 in linebacker grades across the league. This came as a result of injuries forcing Denver to elevate the quiet offseason addition who joined the Broncos as a depth defender and special teamer; he ended up starting 12 games and leading the team in tackles with 163. He'll be a free agent March, and after playing an important part for a stellar (but ultimately wasted) Broncos defense, Singleton should attract some attention on the open market. He's certainly earned it.
Singleton excelled in the areas Shook mentioned above, but he also stood out in several other stats tabulated by Pro Football Focus that were not “grades.” He finished with the 11th-best missed tackle percentage in the NFL at 6.5% and was sixth in the NFL in “stops,” which are defined as tackles that constitute a failure for the opposing offense. While Singleton won’t confuse anyone for a defensive back, he also allowed the 12th-fewest yards after the catch last season, with 224 total.
Singleton was so solid this past season that while he did not earn a first-team or second-team All-Pro honors, he was the only Broncos besides Patrick Surtain II and Justin Simmons to receive a vote.
Whether Singleton will be back in Denver next season is yet to be seen. The Broncos will likely have to increase his contract by a substantial margin to retain him, given his play in 2022. Regardless of whether Singleton is re-signed, his play in Denver alongside Jewell should be commended in an otherwise drab year for the Broncos’ franchise.
The 2022 season did not go according to plan for the Broncos. From a career-worst year from former All-Pro quarterback Russell Wilson, after surrendering ample capital to acquire him, to the Broncos firing a first-time head coach before the regular season even concluded, last season is a year fans collectively are excited to put behind them.
Even though last season was exceedingly disappointing for Denver, there were still plenty of bright spots for fans to reflect on and appreciate amid the disappointment. Patrick Surtain II became the first cornerback ever to be voted first-team on both the NFLPA and A.P. All-Pro teams., while wideout Jerry Jeudy started to look like the player the Broncos drafted in the first round in 2020, hauling 33 receptions for 458 yards and three touchdowns over the season’s final five games.
The Broncos, with nothing to play for but pride, even took Kansas City down to the wire on the road and then defeated the Los Angeles Chargers (who inexplicably played their starters even though the Week 18 game was meaningless for them) to close out the season. Don’t be confused, though: 2022 stunk for the Broncos, but there were things to smile about as a fan.
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