Veteran CB Law joins Broncos, plans to play Monday night has 1 comments

Nov 8th 2009, 14:59 | FFN-Score: 159 points

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Ty Law spent the first half of the season waiting for the right team to call him. Now that it has, he doesn't want to waste any more time getting back on the field.

Law came out of what he called "semiretirement" Saturday to join the Denver Broncos, and he counts on contributing Monday night at Invesco Field, where the Pittsburgh Steelers will bring three wide receivers who are averaging more than 14 yards per catch.

"They're trying to get me ready to play this week in a limited fashion," Law said. "I did it last year."

The 15-year NFL veteran cornerback joined the New York Jets at midseason in 2008 and played aplenty a few days later against the New England Patriots, his former team.

"I'm just going to kind of wing it and go out and do the best I can," Law said. "But right now they're just shoving a lot down my throat because the terminology is totally different."

Law, 35, gives the Broncos five players who are older than 30 in the defensive backfield. Law said it's comforting to join a seasoned secondary that features Champ Bailey, Andre' Goodman, Renaldo Hill and Brian Dawkins. The five players have combined for 20 Pro Bowl selections.

"It's different between walking into a situation where you've got a bunch of young guys, a bunch of first- and second-year guys," Law said. "This is perfect. I can take my time and learn the system because it's already established, and all I'm doing is trying to help."

Law, a five-time Pro Bowler, passed his physical and practiced with the Broncos on Saturday, trying to acclimate himself to the altitude after signing what was believed to be a one-year deal. Terms weren't disclosed.

Law also is familiar with Broncos coach Josh McDaniels, who was an assistant with the Patriots during the cornerback's time in New England.

Law helped the Patriots win three Super Bowl titles. He signed with the Jets in 2005 after being released by the Patriots, then had a career-high 10 interceptions that season. However, he was released by the Jets, so he followed coach Herm Edwards to Kansas City, where he played two years before being cut during the offseason.

"He gives us some depth at corner," McDaniels said of Law. "He played, obviously, a long time in this league. He knows how to play inside, outside, and he's in good shape and ready to go. We feel like hopefully it will take us take a step forward."

To make roster room for Law, the Broncos waived defensive back Jack Williams. Law's signing also likely means reduced playing time in the nickel and dime packages for rookie Alphonso Smith. Two of Denver's last three opposing quarterbacks -- New England's Tom Brady and Baltimore's Joe Flacco -- targeted the Broncos' third cornerback with great success.

Law had been training in Florida and said he hadn't counted on staying on the sideline much longer.

"I trained to play. I wouldn't be out there if I didn't," he said. "(I) had some closure in my career as far as what I've done and what I've accomplished. I've accomplished a lot of things. But I still had the itch."

Law said he spurned other teams' offers this season and never expected the Broncos to call, but he jumped at the chance when he heard from McDaniels. He said he later heard that the Indianapolis Colts had some interest, too, but Denver seemed like the perfect fit.

"First, I'm familiar with a lot of their guys here," Law said. "They're hungry. They're winning and then, my familiarity with Josh McDaniels. I've won a few championships with him. Other than going back to New England, this would be the ideal situation for me.

"There are a bunch of guys out there hungry to get a championship, and that's what I'm looking for, to try and capture another championship before I shut down for good."

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press