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The third degree with … Kelly Herndon

Sporting News, The, Oct 25, 2004

The Broncos are riding the strong performance of their defense to a fast start in the AFC West. Newcomers Champ Bailey and John Lynch get most of the attention, but another key contributor has been Kelly Herndon, a third-year cornerback who led Denver with three interceptions last season. TSN's Mike Nahrstedt queried Herndon about the new guys in town, throwback uniforms and dying quails.

TSN: What have you learned by just watching Bailey and Lynch go about their business, both in the preseason and since the regular season started?

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KH: I've paid attention to how they get ready for a game, how they practice and what they do in the meeting room. The thing that being around Champ and John has reaffirmed to me is to never enter a game not completely focused, do whatever it takes to win and be ready to play every play.

TSN: What specific observations have you been able to pick up on?

KH: In addition to our normal scouting reports, John has given the secondary a breakdown on the passing games of the NFC South teams since he played against them for so many years (in Tampa). It helped us recognize when a team or receiver might want to go deep. As a result, we're stopping teams on third down, and it is demoralizing them.

TSN: Do you feel that other teams are targeting you rather than throwing toward Bailey?

KH: I had not felt that teams were targeting mc until the Carolina game (in Week 5). They came out and went at me, and I feel I took care of business and played well. I really enjoyed it when they were throwing nay way. It gave me an opportunity to make plays (three passes defensed).

TSN: Interceptions: Do you usually see them coming, or do they happen so fast that they're in your arms before you realize it?

KH: Some interceptions I see coming from reading the quarterback or knowing the tendencies of the receiver I'm working against. Others happen in a flash as a result of tipped balls or a bad throw by the quarterback. I just put myself in a position to make plays.

TSN: Which feels better: reaching in front of a receiver to knock down a pass that is almost in the receiver's hands or catching a dying quail that had no hope of reaching its target?

KH: It always feels better to get an interception--no matter if it is quailing or not. It's cool to knock a ball down and keep a receiver from making a catch, but nothing compares to making a pick. There's no better feeling than making plays and getting interceptions.

TSN: What wide receiver do you consider the greatest challenge to cover?

KH: Two Marshall receivers--we have one, and Minnesota has the other. (Rookie) Darius Watts is the Marshall receiver who plays for us. I go against him in practice, and very soon everybody will know his name. The other guy is Randy Moss. Both guys have tremendous size, speed and athletic ability. I have to be on top of my game when I work against either of them.

TSN: Is there any wide receiver whom you feel like you own?

KH: Whoever I line up against.

TSN: Everyone raves about the Chargers' baby blues. Which is the better uniform: the current Broncos navy blue or the throwback orange?

KH: Nothing against the throwback orange uniform because it's an old-school look, but my personal preference is the navy blues. I think they're real intimidating and make us look more swarming.

The third degree with … Kelly Herndon

Sporting News, The, Oct 25, 2004

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