No panic attack for Broncos defense
Communication issues need to be worked out, Pro Bowler Bailey says
By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published September 24, 2008 at 9:48 p.m.
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Throw the numbers at Bob Slowik and he waits patiently for you to finish. Then he latches on to one single figure - three, as in the number of wins thus far for the Broncos.
Slowik, the team's defensive coordinator, knows there's work to be done from his group, which is last against the pass in the NFL and 25th or below in seven major categories. But he seems even keeled, steeled by his 17 years in the business.
Before practice Wednesday, he spoke confidently about having time to find the right play-calling mix and getting his players on the same page, beginning with Sunday's game in Kansas City, Mo., against the Chiefs. And the fact they'll do it with a 3-0 season head start is what he deems the biggest plus.
"In my mind, the No.1 goal in the NFL is to win games - that's it," he said. "And however we find a way to win, that's what you've got to do. And when winning is no longer important, then why are you playing? That's the way I look at it.
"The guys are working their butts off, playing hard. We've given up some points, absolutely. But we're not in a panic," he said, adding with a laugh, "If someone doesn't like the way we're winning, they'll get a new play-caller, a new defensive coordinator. That's the way it goes. You just keep working to get better."
That task, based on talks with several players, begins with smoothing out communication issues that have hurt the Broncos in back-to-back weeks.
The defensive call on a given snap might get to the linebackers but not up front, or the defensive backs might be getting the defensive checks but one individual mistakenly is playing another coverage.
The loud crowds at Invesco Field at Mile High have exacerbated the issue for a defensive group that has introduced five new starters and has two other players switching positions. And teams spreading out the Broncos because of early deficits that make them more one-dimensional present even more of a challenge to get the call to everyone smoothly.
"I just think, assignmentwise, we're not in the right places," Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey said. "You look at the tape. We've hustled. Every now and then, we give up a bad one that hurts us. And 'Slo' always says to us, every touchdown drive usually gives up a big play. We've been doing that."
They've also been nickel-and-dimed, especially through the air, as the Chargers' Philip Rivers and the Saints' Drew Brees combined for a 74.1 percent completion rate.
A lack of pressure - the Broncos have five sacks in three games - has put stress on the back end to hold up in coverage.
But those past two quarterbacks also are adept at getting the ball out on time and accurately - and have, minus a stout rush.
There likely will be more concern if the same problems occur Sunday. Kansas City has been a mess at quarterback but will start veteran Damon Huard.
At the same time, a ball-control game plan is expected, with Chiefs running back Larry Johnson a strength and a mind-set to play keep away from the Broncos a likely approach.
"It's a process," Slowik said. "And it's me, in particular, finding out what we're best at in pass situations. I think everybody's pretty comfortable where we are in the run. We've just got to keep on working on what we can do best to defend the rest. And that's kind of on me."
A 3-4 alignment on 21 snaps Sunday was one wrinkle as part of that mad experiment last week. So it isn't as if Slowik's reining things back so everyone can play catch-up.
But some hesitancy in movement, especially in the frequent zone coverages it's run, has cost the Broncos , too. Waiting denotes thinking.
"It takes a long time, in my opinion, where you can just look and know what's going on and you don't need verbal communication anymore and guys are just reacting, where they've been through the calls, been through a regular season. So it takes a little time," Slowik said. "I don't think anybody can pick it up and say, 'Shoot, we're full throttle here after three games.' "
There have been some large-scale successes that can be used as building blocks in the defensive meeting rooms this week - and have been.
Linebacker Nate Webster scored on a fumble recovery against the Saints. There also was a goal-line stand and a critical third-and-1 stop late, which was particularly huge given opponents' 44.7 percent success rate, to date, when faced with drive-killing plays.
"We have to get off the field on third downs, check the backs coming out of the backfield and make teams earn everything," safety Marlon McCree said. "And we'll do that this week."
Kansas City is scoring only 10.7 points a game and is 28th in total offense, so there's a chance for a quick turnaround.
"I'm absolutely confident we won't be talking about this for long because we're going to work hard at it," linebacker Boss Bailey said. "We've got too many guys in this room who want to get better and win conventionally, instead of a lot of close ball games."
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September 24, 2008
10:12 p.m.
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Broncody writes:
Send in six every down (or close to it). The D-line isn't creating pressure so allow somebody else to do it.
Item number two: Jack Williams. Get him on the field. Nothing personal against Paymah but the games show QBs picking on him successfully every game.
So basically I am saying put defenders in their backfield and put a ballhawker in the defensive backfield. Not a new idea. Now do it. Ya never know maybe next few games we only give up twenty points, couldn't hurt.
September 24, 2008
10:26 p.m.
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SE7EN writes:
New coordinator, same old story. D-line gets no pressure, LB's and DB's are forced to cover TE's and WR far too long. The front four aren't getting it done.
September 24, 2008
11:21 p.m.
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paperboy writes:
Bob Slowik says: "It takes a long time, in my opinion, where you can just look and know what's going on and you don't need verbal communication anymore and guys are just reacting, where they've been through the calls, been through a regular season."
Okay, Bob, but what was last year, if not "through a regular season?" What? Last year doesn't count because you were so helpless against the run? And what about the four pre-season games this year? And since you are sure 3 games are not enough to learn how to play better pass defense than even ONE other NFL team, how many does it take?
Bob says:
"So it takes a little time. I don't think anybody can pick it up and say, 'Shoot, we're full throttle here after three games.' "
Of course you can't be talking about those other 31 NFL teams playing better pass defense than the Broncos, when you say "anybody," can you Bob?
If you were trying to say "Right now we are living a lie on defense because you can't win consistently in the NFL without a pass rush, something we clearly do not have, no matter how good your offense is playing, but I think we can correct some things and get better," you should have said that and then saved the excuses. Everybody seems to think you are a very good coordinator, and I'm still hoping they are right.
In fact, I think the Broncos success this year clearly hinges on the defense finding even a servicable pass rush. There is no reason to think the offense is going to drop below warp 7 or 8, and this gives the defense an automatic advantage, something demonstrated in every game so far -- except the defense didn't take full advantage. You don't have to be great, just good will do.
The other thing the Broncos need to do if they expect to beat good teams, especially on the road, and essential in the playoffs, is prove that they can take a ten point lead into the fourth quarter and run the ball for 12 or 13 plays and score. The offense does a great job of getting the lead, but they need to help protect it too. Scoring in 2 or 3 minutes doesn't give the D much help or rest.
Hey, this is one of the most talented, entertaining and exciting Bronco teams in years, and I love watching them, but without a blown call and a missed field goal the Broncos are 1 and 2 instead of three and zero. This isn't all bad. They've got good mojo, something all champions need. Football is quirky and capricious, and good teams make their own good luck.
But no pass rush, no playoffs. No excuses Bob. And I can assure you your job depends on it. The Mastermind has his offensive toys ready for a Super Bowl run. He isn't going to like losing games when the offense scores 35 points.
September 25, 2008
7:14 a.m.
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troutboy writes:
What Paperboy said-it saved me a lot of typing.
September 25, 2008
7:23 a.m.
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Rutabaga writes:
I think the defense will get lots better if they put their players in the game instead of the cheerleader girls.
Go Broncos... To the Championship and Beyond...
September 25, 2008
7:36 a.m.
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DeimosJB writes:
Good post Cody. They need to send the pain. If that takes 6 men, fine. If it takes 7, fine. Whatever they need to do to start disrupting the quarterback. I'm no expert, but I know that if the Broncos send 7 rushers on D, the offense is going to have to keep 7 people in to block, so Bly and Bailey are going to be fine.
Paperboy, when you quote "last year", it might behoove you to go look up who the D-coordinator was last year, or do you want everyone else to blame you for the mistakes of your predecessor too? And when you say the Broncos are worse than 31 other teams, you show your lack of knowledge. The Broncos are 28th in points - you know, points, the stat that determines wins and losses. You might also want to check out the average points scored this year by the offense of the Raiders, Chargers and Saints. The Broncos D has given up to these three teams about the same amount of points as other teams defenses have given up to them. In short, the Broncos D has played 2 top-tier offenses, and given up about the same amount of points to these offenses as other teams have given up against these offenses. If the Broncos had played the Bills and Chiefs instead of Chargers and Saints, they'd be giving up about 15 points a game, and none of this talk would be out there. If this concept is too difficult, I can add some numbers which may help you understand better.
Go Broncs. After this weekend in KC, our defense is going to be about 20th in points allowed. Still middle-of-the-road, but people will probably stop panicking
September 25, 2008
8:09 a.m.
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mt2ri writes:
Playing with fire:
----------------------
3 & 0 yes... but
#1 - We beat up on the lowly Raiders
#2 - Stole one from the Chargers
#3 - Gramatica loses it for the Saints
We could just as easily be 1 & 2; The D really needs to give us a little cushion; luck won't be on our side all year...
September 25, 2008
8:12 a.m.
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ssc writes:
deimosjb, paperboy is right about last year. slowik was calling the shots in the latter part of the year when shanny gave up on bates. this is most evident in the use late last year and this year of the 3-man front with soft zones, which is a slowik favorite (blegh). and paperboy is also correct to question the repeated use of the communication excuse, given that these players are not new to the slowik defense (remember, not only have they played it, it is reportedly simple/basic and largely similar to coyer's except for the type/use of blitzes). if you recall, this communication excuse was used all last year. if the defense was really failing on 1 or 2 "big" plays, why are the opposing QBs completing 70-80% of their passes? that's not indicative of a stout defense that is having the occastional brain fart.
we all recognize that it's early in the season and the team has faced some good offenses. but those offenses were riddled with key injuries and were forced to become one-dimensional due to the broncos' prolific scoring. and russell (hardly a premier QB at this point, with terrible WRs) also had success when he was allowed to pass by his coaches. i think the broncos fans are more concerned about HOW slowik is playing the defense, given the relative strengths / weaknesses of the personnel. i mean does it make sense to anyone to play a 3-4 with the broncos personnel and then compound the mistake by not even mixing up LB blitzes from it? does it make sense against a depleted NO WR corps to play zones when the broncs CBs could probably isolate on them and free up LBs/safeties to concentrate on bush/shockey and/or rush the QB? even when they had 4-man fronts, i saw 3 rush and dumervil drop into a zone. i mean, really, dumervil in open space -- is that the best use of your best pass rusher?
September 25, 2008
8:47 a.m.
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cdmdenver writes:
CUT SLOWPOKE, HE'S IN DENIAL...
Slowik points to 3 victories, maybe
he should get another job!
The 3 victories are IN SPITE OF SLOWIK
and the Denver "D".
If you need direction Slowi, just look
at other defenses' Ravens, Steelers,
Titans, Giants. Get Real Slowik!!
September 25, 2008
8:58 a.m.
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Spider writes:
See item 8
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2...
September 25, 2008
9:07 a.m.
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Brain writes:
The next 3 teams the Broncos play are not great offenses, hopefully the Broncos will keep them contained better than the 2 GREAT offenses they did not contain very well, I think they will. Some say "we could easily be 1-2"; in football sometimes strange things happen - the ball bounces unpredictably - if we were 1-2 some would be saying that we could very easily be 3-0.
September 25, 2008
9:38 a.m.
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sgjead writes:
Broncody writes:
Send in six every down (or close to it). The D-line isn't creating pressure so allow somebody else to do it.
Item number two: Jack Williams. Get him on the field. Nothing personal against Paymah but the games show QBs picking on him successfully every game.
So basically I am saying put defenders in their backfield and put a ballhawker in the defensive backfield. Not a new idea. Now do it. Ya never know maybe next few games we only give up twenty points, couldn't hurt.
Agreed -- I'll take this a step further... Make Champ a safety and replace him at CB with Williams. We've got the offense to back up a more 'jailbreak' style of D...
September 25, 2008
9:40 a.m.
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Jackalope writes:
Brain, agreed. Any given Sunday, anything can happen. So if Ed Hocule hadn't blown the whistle, they would've lost to SD. But if Gramattica had made that kick, they still would've had 1:55 to get into field goal range. There's no use complaining about how close they are to 1-2, because they're not. Obviously they know they have some kinks to work out on defense. Obviously we'd all like to see them shutdown every opposing offense. Is that realistic? Probably not. But I for one am not going to complain while they are winning football games.
September 25, 2008
9:56 a.m.
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Miss_Sin_Link writes:
First off, why do we keep hearing on blogs and in various columns that the "lucky" win against the Saints would've been a loss but for because of Gramatica's missed FG? That's ridiculous. Yes, thst miss handed the game to us on a platter, thank you Martin. But remember, the kick happened with 1:58 on the clock, ample time for Cutler to march down -- and all the Broncos would've needed themselves was a FG.
"Lady Luck" didn't need to hand the Broncos anything (you listening Woody?). The key play of the game was Williams' tackle on third down that forced that figgie, which is called "making a play at a critical time". Skill, not luck. Yes, they got the Chargers win by rubbing the horseshoe (and that was a travesty) but not the Saints win.
September 25, 2008
10:03 a.m.
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Miss_Sin_Link writes:
This is obviously the week everyone finds out whether all those 20th-minus stat rankings are outliers because the Broncs've been facing top offenses, or whether every game will need to be a shootout this year.
Regularly blitzing six, seven, and eight is ludicrous. Are you guys complete football neophytes, or just nuts? Offenses don't usually beat big blitz packages by keeping in max protection; instead, they adjust with a host of plays that attack the problem directly. Three-step drops, dunk-offs, traps, screens, and draws work effectively against that approach. Sending the heat might work against the KC's of the world, but you can't make a living off of it. Good teams with QBs like Peyton, Brees, Warner, and Rivers just eat you up -- keep sending the house and you get burned, usually sooner rather than later. No, the most successful D's get production out of their front four, and keep blitzes in their back pocket for the surprise element and at critical times. (See the 2008 NY Giants for reference.) And, of course, that's the obvious problem for this team: D-line performance.
Just to reset expectations, everyone... in the offseason and preseason, predictions for this team typically ranged in the 7-9 to 9-7 range, 10-6 tops. Anyone making a 11-5 pick was a "homer" wearing predominantly orange-colored glasses. Why was this? Because that's the level of talent they have.
So far, what's amazed everyone is that they're wildly overachieving offensively, while performing at about the same level on D as in 2007 -- it's just the pass D instead of the run D that's being exposed this year because teams are playing from behind. It's the stark contrast between performance levels on each side of the ball that's behind this woeful talk aimed at the D. Going in, 2008 was supposed by most to be a "rebuilding" year with their youth movement. And indeed, they're getting whatever performance they can out of their current level of defensive talent.
You've heard it frequently in the past, but this time it's probably true: at this point, they really do appear to be only a player or two from being dominant on both sides of the ball. If they can keep this nucleus together and add a D monster or two in the offseason (an impact S and a DE), this team will become a dynasty. And that's a decent likelihood, since their team is young, which equates to more salary room to make those key additions.
Until then, and back to 2008 ... my guess is that the D will come around a bit. Cut Slowik a little slack -- he's not just blowing smoke and making excuses. He's right: there's not a huge deficit of talent, it's mostly that these guys are young, have little experience together, and need to jell as a unit. Remember that the 2006 Colts were maligned all that season for their porous D, then kicked it in when it was needed in the playoffs and emerged as champs. Not saying that that's what will happen with Broncos, but this season is yet young...
September 25, 2008
10:03 a.m.
Suggest removal
Squatch writes:
The current Broncos have better talent & speed than Karl Mecklenburg, Rulon Jones & Simon Fletcher. I can remember these guys always getting pressure on the QB.
The Broncos have gotten lucky the last 2 weeks and normally I say its better to be lucky than good but this Defense needs to step it up in a big way this weekend.
September 25, 2008
10:12 a.m.
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Uno_Cinco writes:
We will get the D turned around we need someone other the Elvis to get consistent pass rush!
September 25, 2008
10:29 a.m.
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RustyWon writes:
Look what Philly did to Pittsburgh last week.
They ATTACKED the offense by sending in multiple blitz packages.
Rothlesburger is a good quarterback. Maybe not as good as Brees, but probably as good as Rivers.
He couldn't handle it.
What's the worst thing that can happen if a blitz doesn't pan out? A solid gain?
We're giving those up anyway.
We should attack the offense with some creative blitz packages.
GO BRONCOS!!
September 25, 2008
10:47 a.m.
Suggest removal
bbrown writes:
It is not luck that we are an exciting 3 and 0! Keep in mind every play comes down to a fraction of a second or a fraction of an inch. Any number of plays can make difference, not just the plays at the end of a game. Shore up the defense and this BRONCOS team will be tough to beat, during the regular season or in the playoffs.
September 25, 2008
10:57 a.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
I still believe that our D will shine against the Chiefs. They are young and I would blitz the young talent and see if they are able to pick it up. If we can do it successfully a few times, it will put our offense in a better position to score. Get a huge lead and see if this time, our D can help to keep it. I don't think the answer to the Broncos is to blitz all day. Miss_Sin_Link explained it right. Eventially the offense will make you pay for it. Throw it in when needed. Do it early in the game, then back off for awhile, then do it again in the 4th quarter. But this game is what our D needs. A poster on one of Sam Adams blogs thinks that Denver will get beat by the Chiefs? He thinks the Broncos will underestimate them and not come prepared to play? I say, horse-hockey. We have something to prove, EVERY GAME. GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 25, 2008
11:04 a.m.
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RustyWon writes:
Obviously, you can't over-use the blitz.
But we haven't used it near enough in this young season.
September 25, 2008
11:17 a.m.
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displaceddonkey writes:
two ideas-
First, don't let Paymah step onto the field for any reason. Is it just me, or does it seem like he is the one chasing behind the receiver on just about every critical down?
Second- no more three man rush. Ever. Slo eases up and plays soft when aggressive defenses are forcing passers to hurry up. Paymah can't cover anyone for one second, and nobody can cover for 5 seconds. Also, when is the last time you saw a defensive lineman successfully drop back into a zone coverage? No more zone dogs.
September 25, 2008
11:39 a.m.
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jugdish writes:
Coach Slo...
Put Jack Williams in the nickel. Paymah is getting rolled up and smoked. Maybe Paymah can be converted into a safety. Put Crowder and Moss in there and see what happens. I doubt it could get any worse. Play em now while the "O" is stacking up the points. We need to know if they're gonna sink or swim.
The DE's in there now sure aren't getting the job done.
September 25, 2008
11:55 a.m.
Suggest removal
Kingfish writes:
One thing I think everyone is forgeting is the time of posession. The Saints had the ball almost twice as long as the Broncos did. So what does this mean? (1) We have been scoring very quickly giving the D very little time to rest. (2) When we dont score its been 3 and out because Jeremy Bates is so in Man Love with Cutler he forgot about Selvin(who by the way averaged 6 yrds a carry last week in limited time). Once again the defense is back on the field. (3) Finally - look at the couple of untimely turnovers we've had in the red zone that would have put the game out of reach - 1 in San Diego(int), 1 in the Saints game(fumble). Once again putting the defense in bad positions. (4) I almost forgot, special teams!!!! You cant give up the kind of yards we did against SD and expect your D to hold up on a consistantly short field, we saw this all last year.
I believe there are too many variables to put it all on the D, with that being said we should still be alot better...They wouldnt be on the field as much if they could just get off of it!!!!
September 25, 2008
11:56 a.m.
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Kingfish writes:
Oh yea....I agree I want Jack Williams to start seeing some playing time...If that is as good as Paymah is after four years we are better off with the rookie.
September 25, 2008
12:24 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Kingfish, yeah, I know it was only preseason, but JW looked very, very good. I say let him loose. He's faster then Paymah and I'm willing to bet, hungrier.
September 25, 2008
1:21 p.m.
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Cutlers_the_bomb writes:
I thought about something recently when looking back at how bad our defense has been doing. Remember, in the off season, our defense's focal point was in stopping the run, not the pass. However, that is turning out to be the wrong idea in a way. The intent was to be able to stop the other team from being able to pound the rock and keep us off the field when they are ahead of us. However, our offense is so potent that we have only been behind ONCE this season so far, and even then they didn't have the ball before our final drive. This also helps us in postseason play, as the opposing team might possibly go up on us by a few touchdowns, but our defense is capable of stopping the run, which was a concern. That was the intent.
The off season is almost trial and error. You never know what kind of a team you're going to have until the season approaches, and while they knew we were going to have a good offense, I don't think ANYBODY expected it to be THIS GOOD. We gambled on what kind of a defense we needed, and we got it wrong, but not irreparably wrong. We should have built our defense after the Indianapolis Colts' defense; able to play most effectively from ahead, not behind. While I appreciate the thought of establishing a defense that can stop the run if we are ever behind by a lot, we really needed to have built it for against the pass. However, our offense is young, so this isn't that BIG of a problem, because we do have the off season to find a good DE or a couple fast, hard hitting safeties. Besides, if you look back, Peyton Manning didn't have a good defense on his side until a couple years ago, and even then they kept winning, so it's not like we have condemned our team to the black hole yet. There is a chance this defense can turn it around, and it is communication problems partially, because we have a BUNCH of new starters on defense, with 2 new at D Tackle, 2 new Safeties, and 1 new Linebacker with the other 2 switching. That's 7 new starters, so some issues are to be expected, and we played 2 top-notch offenses these past 2 weeks, so don't get your panties in a bunch. The season is young, so expect it to improve, and have some hope and optimism.
September 25, 2008
1:26 p.m.
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TXBRONC writes:
I don't think it's a good idea to rush six every or nearly every down. That puts even more pressure on the secondary to cover because they will be short handed in pass coverage.
Also I don't see the win against the Chargers as stealing anything. If I recall correctly the Chargers still had two opportunities to stop the Broncos offense.
September 25, 2008
1:31 p.m.
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Cutlers_the_bomb writes:
I agree that you have to look at what the Eagles did to Big Ben. You have to take that into consideration, as well as what the Giants did to the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Pressure is much better than giving a QB time. Any QB can do well with time, but it's a rare QB who can still play very well against pressure, let alone win. One of the few was Jake Plummer. Even though he wasn't great, you have to admit one thing; when he was under pressure, he was at his best. There is a reason he was called "Jake the Snake", and that was because he could get away from the pressure and make the big play. He was one of the few QB's that you didn't want to blitz, but Rivers, Brees, and Brady aren't those kind of QB. They are more susceptible to pressure because they aren't as good at avoiding it. If you look at last year for Rivers, the games he did his worst was when he was under pressure. When blitzed constantly, he had one of the worst QB Ratings in the league. Otherwise, you're giving him an open invitation to tear your defense apart. That's why we need to blitz a lot more. Blitzing every down maybe foolish, but blitzing on most passing downs is not, because even if they are going to run, you have most of the gaps filled, and you have a chance at stopping the running back for a loss. Just look at the Giants and Philadelphia. We may not have the front four they do, but we do have an even better front seven, so why not use them? That would be our key to success, and there are some teams we can practice this method against; New England and Kansas City. Here's to the rest of the season! GO BRONCOS!
September 25, 2008
1:34 p.m.
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headsup5 writes:
Coach Slo, it's time to panic! What better time against KC, if the above posters are correct and KC isn't very good on offense lets bring in the bench and go for the blitz. It's third down need a big play let's go all the way.
September 25, 2008
1:46 p.m.
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Squatch writes:
I for one think the Broncos will blitz more they are just waiting till later in the season to do it. Remember how the Steelers shut the blitz down I dont think they want anybody to have a whole season to gameplan on it. Moss needs to be used more and i think that will happen.
September 25, 2008
1:46 p.m.
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SirRealist writes:
Hmmmm - some interesting advice for the team above. But I think that what I've noticed on video are a couple things;
1) Karl has GOT to get better at reading and covering. He looks lost out there and QB's are picking at his bones.
2) Even though there have been a couple longer pass plays, most teams have figured out that they can go underneath for 5 to 8 yards and let the receivers/RB's pick up extra yards, so short coverage needs to get better.
3) Our safeties aren't smacking the crap out of receivers when they make a catch on a slant or out pattern, so there is little fear of making catches.
4) The D-line push needs more muscle.
Still, I don't feel entirely bad about SD or NO because those are very, very good offenses. Our D needs to get better about some things and I believe they will, but let's see how we stack up against the next few teams who have more "average" offenses. If we still squeak by or lose, then it's worse that I thought, and if we do ok then we're probably not too far from where we should be with all these new guys on the team. The only thing that really matters at this point? 3 and 0.
Broncos 43, Chiefs 23
September 25, 2008
3:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
Colorado_Thunder_77 writes:
The NFL is a copy-cat league, but someone needs to come up with something new to copy. What about going to a three five defense? With 3 linemen and 5 linebackers you then go to a three deep in the secondary. With the front 8 you can send any number of different combinations of backers and linemen and keep the O-linemen guessing as to where the pressure is coming from. You put your fastest backers outside on the ends and have them out wide forcing the O-line to honor that threat. In the secondary you have your free safety deep at all times your CBs up on the line in bump coverage to interrupt the timing of patterns and you have the safety rotating his help to the best receiver on the field. In addition you would not ever be weaker at the point of attack versus the run. Just a thought.
September 25, 2008
5:28 p.m.
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kerrdawg writes:
Seriously guys, TIVO the games, and then watch them again, without the emotion. You'll see things are not as bas as they seem. Our defense is playing great against the run the last two weeks. All you people screaming for a us to blitz every play, take a look at the big plays against our Dfense this year and you'll notice most came on blitzes. We played teams with Reggie Bush and LT for crying out loud! These guys make a living off of taking the check down passes on blitzes making one guy miss and going to the house. I'm sure thats why the gameplan didn't call for too many blitzes. As far as the 3-4 goes...I love it, but it will take time, we've not used it in over 10 years. And when we used it last week, we sent four or more after the QB most of the time. As far as the team needing time to gel and some of you saying Slowik called the shots 2nd half of last year. Honestly, do you think having two Def Coordinators last year and two totally different schemes allowed the players to find any rythym or comfort at all??? Save your judgements on Slowik until the end of the season. One last thing...cut Paymah some slack. Does it look like Shanahan is afraid to play rookies??? If Williams was ready, he'd be playing nickel. If your a QB and you have the choice of throwing at Bailey, Bly, or Paymah...what would you do? Whomever is our nickel back is gonna have a tough time. As long as we stay healthy, everything will be fine. GO BRONCOS!!!!
September 25, 2008
9:44 p.m.
Suggest removal
broncos_65 writes:
COME ON NOW.THE SEASON JUST STARTED AND WE GOT BY SANDIEGO AND NEW ORLEANS .I'M VERY HAPPY WHERE 3-0 AND CAN SEE THIS TEAM GOING UNDEFEATED TO THE BYE WEEK.OF COURSE I'D LIKE TO SEE THE SACKS AND THE FIST PUMPING LIKE EVERYONE ELSE BUT WE JUST GOT BY TWO GOOD TEAMS.I HAVE TO ADMIT PAYMAH HAS TO GET BETTER.I ALSO NOTICED HE WAS GETTING WORKED BY BREESE.ANYWAY TEAMS W/QB PROBLEMS COMING UP IN SCHEDULE SO EVERYBODY SLIDE ON DOWN BECAUSE THERE'S GOING TO BE ALOT OF BANDWAGON JUMPERS SOON !!! BRONCOS RULE !!!!