When Justin Strnad learned in September that the Broncos were placing Dre Greenlaw on injured reserve, there was no flinch. There was no need.

In theory, Strnad is a reserve linebacker in Denver. In theory, he is a special-teams contributor and fill-in on defense. In practice, however, Strnad’s been preparing like a starter — as he told The Denver Post in early October — since the start of the season.

“People throw the backup or special-teams title a lot,” Strnad said. “But it’s like, ‘Dude, I’ve basically been starting for over a year now.’”

Do you view yourself as the starter at this point?

“Yeah, I do,” Strnad affirmed. “I absolutely view myself as a starter in this league.

“And yeah, go out there each and every week, and try to execute, play at the highest level, and help this t

See Full Page