Players Noticing A Change In Terrance Knighton's Game

DENVER (CBS4) - Denver Broncos head coach John Fox said the team's defensive performance against the Washington Redskins on Sunday was the best of the year, and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton said on Xfinity Monday Live! it was hard to disagree.

"We were getting to the quarterback, we were getting interceptions, we were swarming," Knighton said. "We are just tired of being mediocre and it's something we talked about. And Wesley Woodyard, being our leader, brought the defense together. We decided it's time to stop teams putting up a lot of points."

Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III came into the game much more confident because he had been running the ball well as of late, but the Broncos held him to just seven yard rushing.

"We're a tough rushing defense and a lot of teams know that, so they want to try to beat us with their arm and spread us out a little bit," Knighton said. "But I think we did a good job hitting him and making him uncomfortable and not wanting to run."

Knighton himself got to RG3 a couple times.

CBS4's Vic Lombardi has noticed a difference in his game and asked Knighton what is it about his game that's changed this year. Lombardis said he seems like a completely different player.

"A lot of teams think I'm a big guy and I'm just a run stuffer, but I do have the ability to get to the quarterback," he replied. "When you can give the offense alignment trouble, big guys that can move, it will be a long day for them."

Other teammates have noticed Knighton has stepped up his game as well, including linebacker Shaun Phillips, who said the last couple of games Knighton has made an impression on him.

"It was one of his better games, I believe, as a Bronco, and it was impressive. If we get that all year, we'll win a lot of ball games," Phillips said. "It's just a tribute to him. He works hard every day in practice, he's a great team player and I'm looking forward to bigger and better things out of him."

The Broncos are bit beat up and will enjoy a bye week this week, but then it's off San Diego to take on the Chargers on Sunday, Nov. 10. Kickoff is at 2:25 on CBS4.

Watch more of the video with Terrance Knighton in the Xfinity Monday Live! section.

- By Matthew J. Buettner, CBSDenver.com