The Detroit Lions wanted to make changes defensively after struggling with schematic concepts against the Chicago Bears.
At the cornerback position, Khalil Dorsey, who has excelled in his role as a special teams gunner, patiently waited for his opportunity to showcase his skills.
Not many expected Dorsey to beat out Starling Thomas after a full training camp, but the coaching staff saw a player that could contribute in a variety of ways.
Against the Broncos, Dorsey played 69 percent of defensive snaps, earning a 54.1 PFF grade and a 55.2 coverage grade (44 defensive snaps).
As the game went on, Dorsey became increasingly comfortable, as the coaching staff emphasized focusing on his identified role.
"Definitely nervous at first," Dorsey told All Lions after practice Wednesday. "And then, you know, as the series went on, I got a little bit more and more comfortable. But yeah, I was just trying to do my '1 of 11,' that my coaches have been telling me. Just do your job, don't do everybody's."
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn expressed the 25-year-old had been competing at a high level in practice, forcing the coaching staff to give him an opportunity as Jerry Jacob's struggles negatively impacted the defense.
"He's about as tough, he's fast, he's physical. Listen, he hasn't had a lot of reps out there playing corner. But if you look at what he's done for us on special teams, he is one of the elite gunners, in my opinion, in this game," Glenn said. "He's still growing, he's still growing, but he is a corner. He is a corner that can run.
"We want to give him every opportunity to go out there and show what he can do. I've said this many times, if you go out there and compete, you'll get a chance to play for me. He deserved that and he did a good job for us."
For a young player, remaining patient can take a toll. Confidence and belief do not always lead to opportunities in the NFL.
Dorsey indicated his patience was definitely tested, but his growing anger was also channeled into additional motivation to prove what he could accomplish.
"Trust me, it was patience, a lot of patience," said Dorsey. "I'll say with the patience comes a little bit of anger. So just use that anger when you're on the field for special teams, you know. Just gotta ball out that way."
Dorsey felt his performance was rewarding and being able to consistently put good film available can only bode well for his future.
"I felt good. A couple plays where I've got to correct myself," Dorsey said. "Yeah, got to get some film on tape, show the league pretty much. It was good film."
Having a veteran in the locker room like Cam Sutton has benefited many of the young defensive backs on the roster, including the third-year pro.
"He's cool. Very smart dude. Any question I have, I ask him to clear it up for me. Whether it be our defensive scheme or something that the offense, like our opponent, does," Dorsey said. "And just like, 'How do you see it?' And just pick his brain."
Detroit is on the verge of accomplishing one of their early goals established at the start of the season.
While there is acknowledgement the team can win the division, maintaining a daily focus and attention to detail each practice aids players not get overwhelmed with the big picture.
"I would just say that we're not looking too far ahead. We're thinking of this game as not just a game but like a stepping stone," Dorsey said. "So we just want to keep stacking each week, stacking each day, each practice. I don't know how to explain it. I'm not trying to take away from all that, I'm just saying that we're focused on this week and what we have to do."
With C.J. Gardner-Johnson returning, a new voice is providing a sense of swagger and confidence in the secondary.
"Chippy, chippy. It's okay though. I don't talk, but he talks for us," Dorsey said. "So it's pretty cool, having someone like that behind you and able to back it up. It's real cool."
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