Should Denver Broncos Be Worried After Lackluster Defensive Effort in Week 2?
The Denver Broncos have an undefeated record at 2-0 after beating the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 24-17. A win is a win, but the Broncos could have won by a larger margin against a clearly inferior opponent.
Denver’s offense began with a hot start for the second week in a row, and (just like in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts) the Broncos went into the locker room at halftime with a sizable lead. This time, Denver led the Chiefs 21-10, and they seemed to be in control of the game.
That control slipped away in the second half of the game, and it took a goal-line stand in the fourth quarter to win the game.
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The Broncos defense struggled to stop the Chiefs offense in the second half, even though superstar running back Jamaal Charles was lost for the contest on the first drive of the game with an ankle injury.
The Chiefs began the second half with a 10-minute drive that wore down the Broncos defense. That lengthy drive did not end with a score as the Chiefs missed a 37-yard field goal.
The offense for the Chiefs exhausted the Broncos defense with that drive, and they essentially played defense themselves by keeping Peyton Manning and the Broncos offense on the sidelines.
This is a game plan the Broncos have seen before, but it rarely works out for an opponent in the long run. What that does do is cool down the offense and get Denver’s passing game out of rhythm.
One reason the Chiefs were able to have multiple sustained drives in the second half was drive-extending penalties by the Broncos defense. Just when Denver would have the Chiefs down and out, a penalty would keep them on the field.
The Broncos even had an interception returned for a touchdown called back by a penalty. These mistakes need to be addressed and cleaned up, or else the Broncos will lose against a better offense with a better quarterback.
Chiefs starter Alex Smith kept plays alive with his feet, and the gassed Broncos defense did not get much pressure on him in the second half.
So should the Broncos be concerned by their lackluster defensive effort in Week 2? Let’s take a look.
Quotes
Broncos head coach John Fox spoke to the media on Monday out at Dove Valley.
Fox was complimentary when talking about the return of cornerback Chris Harris Jr. “Yeah, I think with each game he’s going to gain confidence. Obviously he’ll game some stamina both from the full week of preparation along with the game itself. The kid’s worked amazingly hard to get where he is and I thought he played well yesterday.”
He knows that he doesn’t have a good feel for the team just yet. “I don’t know that anybody’s playing their best football of the year after Week 2 and I’d say it’s a fair assessment that we aren’t either. That’s something that you try to do, is improve every day and every week. So hopefully we’re playing our best football well into the playoffs.”
Fox commented on the problem the defense had with offsides penalties. “Obviously it was no cadence. Our fans, albeit great fans, make a lot of noise so they had to be on silent cadence. They might have been a little abrupt, something that we’re going to turn in [to the league]. We’ll see what happens. I can’t speak about it but we’ll turn it in.” Fox continued, “After maybe one or two I think we probably should’ve adjusted a little bit better but unfortunately we did not.”
Is the problem with defensive penalties a major concern? “When you let somebody possess the ball for 10 minutes, it cuts down your opportunities on offense, and of course it’s a concern. I think the good news is a lot of them are self-inflicted. In this league, if you haven’t been beat you haven’t played. Everybody practices and gets paid and when they make plays, that’s good, but when they’re self-inflicted those sometimes are a little more frustrating.” Fox concluded, “The good news is hopefully we get it corrected and it will be emphasized and we’ll see.”
Starting middle linebacker Nate Irving know the offsides penalties have to be cleaned up going forward. “Yeah, the offside [penalty] and letting them complete 3rd-and-longs on us, we have to go back and look at things on film to see where we messed up at.”
Terrance Knighton thought the team passed a test against the Chiefs with their 10-minute drive to start the second half. “I guess that answered our question [of] if we’re in shape. Last week everybody was talking about if we were in shape—that was a test. I’m just glad we held up at the end and did everything we had to do to get off the field.” Knighton emphasized, “We’ve just got to do a better job of getting off the field a little quicker and allow our offense to get in a rhythm.”
DeMarcus Ware knows third downs can be a big problem. “I think converting on third downs, getting off on third downs is something that defense always [needs to do]. If you can get off on third downs, that’s a great defense. Sometimes Alex [Smith] stringed some plays out and was able to make some big plays on us in key situations, but when it came down to stopping them, we did.”
Film Study
Looking at the film reveals some trouble spots for the Broncos. Mostly, we’ll see the interior of the Broncos defense get moved out of the way on these two highlighted runs.
This first carry is by backup Cyrus Gray. The Chiefs are lined up in the shotgun formation, and they are using an “11 personnel” formation. This means one running back and one tight end are on the field with (always five skill position players assumed) three wide receivers.
As Gray takes the handoff, you see the Chiefs offensive line on the move. Guard Mike McGlynn has pulled to the right side of the formation, and he is seeking out a Broncos defender to target. On this play, he finds middle linebacker Nate Irving.
This picture shows the end-zone angle, and it’s clear to see what is going to open up for Gray.
This picture shows the clear rushing lane for Gray. He’s able to pick up six yards on this carry, finally getting pushed out of bounds by cornerback Aqib Talib.
The next play highlighted here features Knile Davis at running back for the Chiefs. The team is lined up with two wide receivers on the left side of the formation and with a fullback in front of Davis in a “21 personnel” package.
As Davis takes the ball, there is a clear rushing lane opening up in front of him.
Linebacker Von Miller is able to shed the block of tight end Anthony Fasano, and he has a chance to make the tackle for a minimal gain. Instead, Davis is able to keep his feet after contact and he runs for an eight-yard gain.
Summary
The Broncos have to play better in Week 3 if they want to beat the world champion Seattle Seahawks.
Harris knows the team can’t be too excited about these two victories to open up the regular season. “I mean, guys are here, we just won two games. That’s all we’ve done. We haven’t done anything. If guys go out and celebrate and act extra hyped off winning this game today, then their mindset is not in the right place.” Harris continued, “I’m going to rest, so they need to rest like me, watch football, chill and then get ready to come back and watch film tomorrow and get ready for the Seahawks.”
They need to get more pressure on the quarterback. Like Smith, Seahawks starter Russell Wilson can scramble to keep plays alive with his feet while keeping his eyes downfield.
The Broncos will face a better ground game, led by Marshawn Lynch, in Week 2. They must be able to stand strong against one of the league’s toughest interior runners.
Percy Harvin is one of the most explosive players in the game today. He can be used effectively as a runner or receiver to make game-breaking plays.
In addition to contending with Wilson, Lynch and Harvin, the Broncos have to be careful not to let themselves be exposed by sneaky playmakers like tight end Zach Miller.
It’s obvious that Denver’s defense struggled in Week 2. Those struggles cannot continue against a much better opponent in Week 3.
All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via email from the Denver Broncos unless otherwise noted.
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