After making immediate impact in Denver, ILB Kenny…

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — When linebacker Kenny Young arrived in Denver in late October, he had understandable reservations.

A day before the trade, he and the Rams had pieced together a win over the Lions to move to 6-1 on the season. The Broncos, meanwhile, had just suffered their fourth straight loss to drop to 3-4.

As he met the Denver press for the first time, he made no promises about how quickly he could contribute or how he’d fit into the defense.

“I’m just learning and soaking [things] up,” Young said on Oct. 27. “I think that’s a big part about this week … just soaking up so much. It’s tough when you come off of a trade because it’s like, ‘What the heck?’ It’s a part of being a pro, a part of changing and a part of adapting [because] this game is always changing. Things always happen suddenly, so I think I’ll be fine. I’ve played enough ball. I’m pretty comfortable in my preparation and my process to get me going, but like I said, I’m only focused on today.”

Just two weeks later, Young has been every bit the impact player he was for the Rams — and he’s helped the Broncos fill a hole at linebacker that has in turn revitalized the Denver defense.

“I feel pretty good,” Young said Thursday. “Things are getting more settled. [Those] first four days [were] a wreck shop, but I feel good now. Things are starting to settle down. Things are becoming more familiar. We’re on a roll right now, and [we’re] just trying to continue to stack these beautiful wins that are so hard to get day in and day out.”

In two games with the Broncos, Young has tallied seven tackles and provided a jolt of energy in the middle of the Broncos’ defense. Since Young and Baron Browning took over as the team’s primary inside ‘backers in Week 8, the Broncos have been far more effective against the run. In Week 7, the Broncos allowed a season-high 182 rushing yards on 5.5 yards per carry. Over the last two games, the Broncos have allowed an average of just 95rushing yards and 4.75yards per carry.

Young was able to carry over some knowledge he had from playing in former Broncos Outside Linebackers Coach and former Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s system in 2020, and he said he appreciates the way Head Coach Vic Fangio puts players in position to make plays.

“He’s a very brilliant coach,” Young said of Fangio. “He’s very smart. He thinks [outside of] the box and I think one of the things I respect most about him is that he puts his players where they’re best on matchups, whether it be within scheme [or otherwise]. That’s one thing you really, really don’t take for granted as a player because in a lot of situations, guys [will] be out of place if it doesn’t jell well. He’s been helping us a lot and helping me a lot tremendously [by] just allowing me honestly [to] go play. I think he has this trust. I’m just excited that I came here, and I was able to help the team very, very early. [I’m going to] continue to learn, learn from him, and just continue to build this thing with my guys.”

And while Young’s arrival in Denver may have been abrupt, he may not be so quick to leave. The impending free agent said Thursday he could imagine being in Denver long term.

“I actually do, man,” Young said. “After the first full week, I said, ‘Man, Colorado is really not that bad of a place. I really could see myself here.’ I’m from the countryside of Louisiana, so being out in LA for six years, this is way calmer. [There’s] still a lot of nature. I definitely do see myself here long term. It’s a special place to be — great coaches, great players. Just the atmosphere for a linebacker and for a defensive player, this is one of the places you for sure want to be.”