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DENVER – **The Broncos' most seasoned defensive player, cornerback Champ Bailey, was inactive again for the Sunday's matchup with the Eagles. He's yet to play in a game this season and has yet to complete a practice with full participation due to a foot injury that he suffered in the preseason.
He said Sunday after the game that when he's ready, he'll be out there.
"Well, every day I give myself a chance to play," Bailey said. "When it comes to game day, the last couple of weeks, that's when I decide that it's probably not the right time. It's all about if I'm ready to go. I didn't feel like I was ready to go, so I'm not going to try to force something to happen that's not there."
The Broncos have been solid defensively in his absence and have racked up six interceptions on the season. Denver's secondary allowed the Eagles to connect on just 17-of-31 attempts Sunday.
While the Broncos have now improved to 4-0, the wins don't take Bailey's focus off of what he needs to do.
"Well, winning makes everything easier, as far as dealing with stuff," Bailey said. "But, still, I've got to really focus on what's good for my body. But, yeah, through the process, I'm glad we're winning."
From his view on the sideline, Bailey has seen quarterback Peyton Manning orchestrate the best start to a season by any quarterback in NFL history. That effort has taken the some of the pressure off the defense that Bailey is working towards rejoining.
"He's efficient, man," Bailey said. "He's good. Hopefully he gets better. I don't know how, but hopefully he gets better. This guy is a prime example of what it takes to be a great quarterback in this league. I know a lot of quarterbacks wish they could do it like that."
