Holliday playing big on Broncos' defense

Vonnie Holliday has been the model of consistency over his 12-year NFL career.

The former Camden High School star has started 141 of 156 games and has recorded 40 or more tackles eight times during his career.

His 55 career sacks rank 17th among active NFL defensive linemen.

After four seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Holliday had plenty of teams interested in his services, including New England, Carolina and San Diego.

Despite all the controversy that surrounded the Broncos during the preseason, the 6-5, 290-pound defensive tackle eventually signed with Denver.

"I'm sitting there watching preseason games and looking at these guys, thinking, 'I can play better than that guy,' " Holliday told The Associated Press.

"All we see or hear about is all the negative stuff that's coming out. The story they're giving me doesn't match up with the story I'm reading and seeing every day on the news and in the paper."

Used mostly on third down or in passing situations, Holliday has still found a way to be productive.

Holliday has eight tackles, including two sacks and a forced fumble.

No tackle was bigger than his sack and forced fumble of New England quarterback Tom Brady in the fourth quarter two weeks ago. The Broncos went on to win 20-17 to remain unbeaten at 5-0.

"The great thing about this team and this defense is knowing your role and doing your job," Holliday said "Right now, my job is to come in and back those guys up and not let there be any drop-off."

Adams expected to play

Gaines Adams, a former Clemson star, is expected to see his first action in a Chicago Bears uniform after getting traded from Tampa Bay.

Adams, who sat out last week's game against Atlanta, was traded from Tampa Bay to Chicago for the Bears' second-round draft pick in 2010.

Adams has failed to live up to expectations since being taken with the fourth overall pick in the 2007 draft. In five games this season, Adams has 10 tackles and one sack. In 37 career games, Adams has 13 1/2 sacks.

"Obviously, with the team I was with, the record shows and obviously stepping into a new team, I'm going to a good situation with the Bears," Adams told the Tampa Bay Tribune. "I am going to try to make the best of it."

Middleton sees action

After being inactive for the first four games of the season, former Furman defensive back William Middleton saw his first NFL action in Jacksonville's 41-0 blowout loss to Seattle.

Middleton has played in the last two games and now has three tackles.

Middleton was originally drafted by Atlanta (5th round, 136 overall), but was waived the week before the season opener.

Middleton was signed to Tampa Bay's practice squad a day later before being signed by Jacksonville on Sept. 21.