Pears proves to be quick study

New left tackle might be key for Broncos against the Steelers

Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News

Published November 3, 2006 at midnight

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ENGLEWOOD - Erik Pears' college coach recently pinpointed what he believes is his former pupil's best trait.

"He's got a really good head for the game," said John Benton, for seven years part of Colorado State's offensive staff and now the line coach for the Houston Texans. "Even going back to when he was a really young guy, he's always been a technician, a studier."

The Broncos' new starting left tackle will need to demonstrate those qualities Sunday when he makes his second NFL start.

The Pittsburgh Steelers remain formidable in their attacking 3-4 alignment that sends pressure from myriad angles and positions.

And they test the mind of opposing blockers just as much as reaction time, footwork and hand placement.

Ten Steelers have at least one sack, led by linebackers Clark Haggans (five) and Joey Porter (four).

Pittsburgh's 22 sacks trail only the San Diego Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles, each with 26, and is tied with the Green Bay Packers for third.

The Steelers' success bringing heat also is demonstrated by their 12 interceptions, the second-highest total in the league behind the Baltimore Ravens (15).

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan described the Steelers' blitz this week as "still pretty much unstoppable."

That can't be too comforting, given the Broncos offensive line is just getting used to having a new member and the fact Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is sure to test Pears' preparedness.

But quarterback Jake Plummer professed confidence in Pears' ability to adjust to what Pittsburgh has in store.

"The thing that happens to young guys is they usually chase somebody, and that's when somebody comes through a hole," Plummer said. "They don't have that patience to wait for a game, or a stunt, or twist coming. He just has to be patient. I'm fine with him. I think he's doing great."

As challenges go, Pears probably won't face a more daunting two-week stretch than the one he has had since entering the starting lineup in place of Matt Lepsis (torn right knee ligament).

The Indianapolis Colts' Dwight Freeney, who had 51 sacks in his first four seasons, was aligned to Pears' side Sunday.

Pears this weekend will get a long look at Porter, a former CSU player and a Pro Bowl selection at outside linebacker in three of the past four seasons.

Plummer described those blocking assignments as "tough gigs" for the 24-year-old tackle, who spent most of 2005 on the Broncos' practice squad.

But, the quarterback added, having guard Ben Hamilton and center Tom Nalen, two smart veterans, to help guide him through the nuances of the Steelers pressure package should aid Pears.

"He's going to be well-prepared from just the week of preparation, but he also has a lot of talent," Plummer said. "He can move. He's strong, big, quick. He's going to make mistakes, but I like his effort. And late in the game on run plays against the Colts, he was killing those guys. So that's what you like to see."

The Broncos (5-2) finished with a season-best 227 rushing yards in a 34-31 loss.

The best way to combat Pittsburgh's pressure could be avoiding predictable passing situations by effectively running the ball.

The opposite scenario played out in January during the AFC Championship Game meeting between the teams.

The Steelers forced two interceptions and two fumbles, even with the Broncos' offensive line at full strength, because they built a lead and turned loose the blitz.

"Them and New England are definitely the most confusing defenses we face all year," running back Cedric Cobbs said. "It's real confusing, so you have to go with what you know best."

One of the biggest errors in the Colts game came when Indianapolis brought a blitz with linebackers Cato June and Gary Brackett and sent Freeney up the middle on a stunt on an obvious throwing down in the third quarter, forcing a fumble. It was a defensive look the Broncos hadn't studied.

On a final third-down play late in the fourth quarter, Pears and running back Mike Bell couldn't contain Freeney and the Colts overloaded the blitz to the opposite side to make Plummer get rid of the ball and force an incompletion.

The Broncos can expect similar treatment from the Steelers, whom Shanahan said has improved defensively since the last time the teams met.

"They really only had one tough game and that was (Atlanta quarterback) Michael Vick scrambling and making plays on his own, which will slow any pass rush," he said. "Other than that, their defense has been pretty impressive."

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