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Broncos' defense steps up against Chiefs ground game

By Pat Rooney, Special to the Rocky

Published December 7, 2008 at 7:01 p.m.

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Broncos linebacker Nate Webster brings down Chiefs running back Larry Johnson during the third quarter Sunday.

Photo by Barry Gutierrez / The Rocky

Broncos linebacker Nate Webster brings down Chiefs running back Larry Johnson during the third quarter Sunday.

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The last time the Broncos saw Larry Johnson, it was from one of two perspectives - either he was barreling through the interior of their defense, or the defenders were watching Johnson's back as he galloped freely downfield.

This time, against a revamped defense that has improved in the run game despite injury problems, Johnson met his match.

The Broncos turned in one of their best efforts against the run this season, throttling Johnson and coming up with a huge stop on the Chiefs' final offensive play of the game to preserve a 24-17 comeback win Sunday.

"After the way we lost that last (Kansas City) game by being dominated on the ground, I don't think we liked that too much," said cornerback Josh Bell, who helped save a potential Kansas City field-goal attempt by throwing Johnson for a 7-yard loss early in the second half. "The players put the onus on themselves to come out here and execute and do their jobs and get the job done."

Johnson lumbered through the Broncos defense for 198 yards on 28 carries Sept. 28 during the Chiefs' 33-19 win, part of a 213-yard effort Kansas City put together on the ground that day.

Sunday was an entirely different story as Johnson struggled to gain 36 yards on 11 carries.

After averaging 7.1 yards in the previous meeting, Johnson managed only 3.3 yards a carry and had a paltry 2.5-yard average through three quarters, even though Kansas City never trailed to that point.

The Chiefs finished with 83 rushing yards, the third-best effort by the Broncos against the run this season.

"We have improved in our rushing defense and I think we showed that today," coach Mike Shanahan said. "To hold (Johnson) to 3.3 yards per carry, it's really hard to do, especially being such a great running back."

The Chiefs altered their offense since the first meeting, moving to a spread formation to use the running skills of quarterback Tyler Thigpen as a viable rushing option in addition to Johnson.

While Thigpen averaged 5.7 yards on six carries, his final rush was thwarted by a timely tackle from cornerback Dre Bly.

On fourth-and-goal from the 5-yard line, Thigpen attempted to score the tying touchdown with a run up the middle, only to have Bly bring him down inches short of the goal line.

"We knew when you take away (Thigpen's) first guy, he didn't really go to the second or third. . . . Knowing the situation . . . I knew the ball had to come out quick. If it didn't, he was going to tuck it and run, and I just read him the whole time."

Comments

  • December 7, 2008

    7:58 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    deezBroncs1127 writes:

    Wow did I read that right...36 yds for Johnson. They had to make up for what Johnson did to us the first go around. Was it just me or did I only hear Woodyard's name on defense the whole game. This rookie is playing for a spot and if he doesn't get one, it's gonna be a shame. He fly's all over the field making plays, making tackles, and I think he even had one on special teams.

    The defense only gave up 1 touchdown...anytime you can do that no matter who your playing...even if its the 2-11 Chiefs...its a good day. We need to generate more pressure from our D-Line...our DB's are not good enough to be covering more than 5 seconds and thats how KC got their TD.

    Have to throw some different blitz packages together since our 4 man front can't get to the QB. Good but scary win for the Broncos.

  • December 7, 2008

    11:33 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    deezBroncs1127, I never doubted the outcome for a second. I agree about Woodyard. An ANIMAL. He put the "WOOD" (pun intended) on a couple of players. One, was like the Larsen hit, we saw, some games back. ANIMAL! GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • December 8, 2008

    1:45 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    MATTP1 writes:

    Keep the young guys on the field.Gotta love it.Go Broncs

  • December 8, 2008

    8:32 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Andynonymous writes:

    Yeah, the sacks and pressure are a concern, but as I watch other games, I don't see a lot of teams getting consistent pressure from their front four - Pittsburgh and Jacksonville come to mind, but it seems to be that the protection is just better this year.

  • December 8, 2008

    9:09 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    maverick7 writes:

    DD, so where does Woodyard play when Williams comes back? The guy was everywhere. DJ is that sort of player too, what do you do?
    I saw more Get in Your Face from the CB as well...Bell and yes even Bly played good. Barrett did well against Gonzales, you aren't going to stop Tony, just contain. Tony also didn't pull his cry baby cr@p like he normally does.
    It would be nice to see more pressure on the QB, I know it is tough when you have a running QB, Pigpen was almost their leading rusher. 34 to LJ's 36
    One thing and I think we all have talked about before...Cutler, even with all of his time in the pocket isn't checking down. A couple of time i noticed wide open #2 or #3 WR just hanging out drinking Lattes and he didn't glance at them.
    Injuries to be concerned about, Stoke, The Hill...
    What happened RB Pope? is he hurt?

  • December 8, 2008

    9:09 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Blind_Pete writes:

    Excellent depth with these young kids. They're getting valuable experience, AND we are winning. I say we win the Super Bowl within three years.

  • December 8, 2008

    4:10 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    baylinorcrush writes:

    Maverick7, Pope was on the inactive list for the game because Shanahan thought we had enough weapons at that position for this specific game plan. As you noticed, it wasn't until it was clear that Cutler wouldn't be able to succeed just throwing the ball that Shanahan adjusted the game plan and started running the ball not until late in the first.

  • December 8, 2008

    9:13 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    maverick7, good question about Woodyard. I really don't see a position for him unless Webster gets benched. DJ earned his spot and won't be replaced. Winborn is playing well so he won't be replaced. Maybe they can alternate Winborn and Webster on passing downs? Don't know. It creates a dilemma to have talent and depth. Look at the bright side, if one goes down, we have a quality player to step in. Plus, I think Websters time is short at MLB. But they may play Larsen instead of Woodyard, should that happen.