Generating a Pass Rush

by UnarmingMermaid on Aug 18, 2008 3:56 PM MDT Comment 40 comments

After watching the first two Broncos preseason games, it is clear that once again we can not count on our defensive line to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback. We saw our entire starting defensive line against Dallas, including DeWayne Robertson, and they were mostly ineffective. Dumerville did have one DOOMination and another hurry; however, the rest of the line did absolutely nothing against the pass. The good news is that they did look effective stopping the run. Nevertheless, it is clear that Slowik will have to incorporate a number of blitzing strategies to prevent our secondary from getting picked apart by quarterbacks with all day to find open receivers. I think we’ve seen a couple a subtle hints about how he will attempt to create pressure.

Obviously, one of the biggest concerns in blitzing is getting burnt by quick passes. Slowik will attempt to counter this in a couple of ways. The first is by playing one safety very deep. I was at the game on Saturday and one thing that viewers could not see on TV was that Denver was consistently placing McCree or another safety very deep while the rest of the team was lined up very close to the line of scrimmage (accounting for the improved run defense). Numerous fans at the game questioned why our safety would play so deep. I think it’s simply to act as a safety net against a defense that will be very aggressive when the regular season rolls around. If we do get beat over the top, we will have one deep player to hopefully prevent an easy touchdown.

The second strategy that we’ll see employed is related to the “show blitz” system that HT and others have discussed in depth. Part of that strategy is keeping the offense on its heels by never letting them know who is blitzing and who is dropping into coverage. Interestingly, there were several plays against the Cowboys where one of the defensive ends dropped into zone coverage. At least twice Dumerville dropped into a zone and Crowder did once or twice as well. On these plays, Denver overloaded one side of the offensive line and brought too many players, including safeties and linebackers, for the offense to account for in such a concentrated area. I find it an interesting concept that Slowik may be evaluating DE’s based in a small part on their ability to pass cover.

Finally, it will come as no surprise to anyone at MHR that Slowik has already shown an affinity for cornerback blitzes. Against Houston, Morton got a huge blind side sack when Denver brought a corner blitz from both sides of the field. I think we’ll see a good number of Bly, Bailey, and Foxworth sacks this year.

In terms of personel, I thought it was encouraging that Crowder ran several plays with the first team defense. Also, Moss made a few appearances on 3rd and longs and was actually one of the few Broncos to get some pressure against Dallas’ offensive line. It sounds like the Broncos might have a defensive line rotation in mind, much like Hockey lines, to keep the lineman fresh and best take advantage of each players strengths. Therefore, I don’t know that the concern about Crowder and Moss running with 2nd and 3rd string defenses is entirely warranted. Slowik may just be trying to distribute the talent between the lines.

So far it looks like our run defense is much improved. However, the passing defense has been suspect. Slowik will have to show that we have not replaced a poor run defense with a poor pass defense. I guess time will tell.

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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Mermaid

I know what you are saying, but even comparing our D Line to the monster 3-4 that Dallas run we did not do much less than they did.
I think the total focus this pre season is run stuffing. There is no way Slowik will show his hand, and his bread and butter is the blitz.
It was good to see some SOLID improvements from Jarvis Moss and i think he will come into his own by week 5.
I will be worried if this is all we do against the packers but I have a gut feel that Slwoik is playing it VERY vanilla with regarsd to pass rush.
Awesome post man.
Werd!

by boydy2669 on Aug 18, 2008 4:13 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I think he's saving the blitz packages

to bring full force on jamakeus fail on Monday Night Football. That should cause some quick throws to be picked off by the DBs if he doesn’t get sacked (or fumble) first.

"It's all over Fat Man"
- Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

"I wouldn't say he's nowhere near T.O."
- Pacman Jones on Brandon Marshall

by DesertBroncoFan on Aug 18, 2008 5:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think we’ll see a few more blitzes against the pack than we have so far.

But will definitely save the real deal for the conquered faider nation.

One of my goals for this Friday’s game is to make Aaron Rogers cry! I think we can do it!!!

by UnarmingMermaid on Aug 18, 2008 7:40 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know SF

tried and he blew.

by broncfanstuckinsd on Aug 18, 2008 7:49 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

I saw some good QB pressures outside of Doom’s. Moss had a good stunt when there was 3 down linemen vs their 5 O linemen. I will admit there were a couple plays where Romo had way too much time in the pocket, but that was not all the time.

I think you’re overstating your case a little. But there is definately room for improvement.

Michael Fabiano really knows nothing about football outside of regression analysis and stat extrapolation. If it doesn’t have to do with fantasy football, his opinion is worthless.

by kwool79 on Aug 18, 2008 4:27 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Besides the handfull of plays that I mentioned...

…the only pressure came from blitzes. I’m talking about just D-line pressure, which I thought was few and far between. There were, however, several plays where we got a little pressure with a blitz.

by UnarmingMermaid on Aug 18, 2008 4:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

we only rushed the front 3 when Moss got that pressure.

Michael Fabiano really knows nothing about football outside of regression analysis and stat extrapolation. If it doesn’t have to do with fantasy football, his opinion is worthless.

by kwool79 on Aug 18, 2008 4:44 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree...

I put it in the post,

“Moss made a few appearances on 3rd and longs and was actually one of the few Broncos to get some pressure against Dallas’ offensive line.”

by UnarmingMermaid on Aug 18, 2008 4:52 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

oops, I see it now.

Michael Fabiano really knows nothing about football outside of regression analysis and stat extrapolation. If it doesn’t have to do with fantasy football, his opinion is worthless.

by kwool79 on Aug 18, 2008 5:28 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol...

it’s easy to overlook things when dealing with a blabber-finger like myself.

by UnarmingMermaid on Aug 18, 2008 11:45 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

A couple of points, and things you can help me with.

I’m not so sure how much we will see in the preseason scheme-wise. There is still a chance that we may not run a show blitz at all. I’m very intrigued that you saw DEs drop into zone (indicating that we might go with my other guess, a “zone blitz” system). For that reason (and the fact that I won’t see a few games) I hope that you and others will watch the defense in the preseason and give comments on the type of plays that you see.

Assuming I see our first game (a Monday Nighter), I will be able to give a good appraisal on what we are running on defense. I’m fighting like heck not to be on call that night, and I think I’ll be ok.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Aug 18, 2008 4:32 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree that the scheme will be very 'vanilla" in preseason...

…however, I just wanted to point out a couple of points of interest I’ve seen so far that migh give “subtle hints” about what’s to come. For example, DE’s playing in coverage…I don’t know if that will be a staple of the system or just something Slowik wants to see how it works in preseason. I’ll agree it’s intriguing.

by UnarmingMermaid on Aug 18, 2008 4:39 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

its only preseason

I can understand the concerns about pressure. But Denver is playing vanilla defense. They are a light d-line to begin with. I think the pressure will be there in the regular season. For me I am way more concerned about the run defense. Thats a bigger issue. Plus when they do employ the show blitz remember they will have Bly (sigh) and Champ out there in coverage which will help. Plus I forsee Dj getting sacks this year. Plus I have looked because I did see the game, but I cant find where Drob played at all.( not saying you are wrong I was looking for reaction to how he played) I think we all should take a deep breath and realize Shanny isnt going to show ANYTHING with the faders his first win of the season

by broncfanstuckinsd on Aug 18, 2008 4:41 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

DRob played the first defensive series...

He had one tackle…didn’t look particularly impressive (not surprising for his first 10 plays or so of the season). He was replaced my Kenny Peterson on the next Dallas possession.

I know it’s a vanilla scheme in preseason; however, you can still tell what kind of pressure a team is able to generate from the front four. Obviously, if you can get consistent pressure with your defensive line then it make life a lot easier on the rest of the defense. Otherwise, you have to start creating elaborate schemes to generate pressure while not getting obliterated in the passing game.

by UnarmingMermaid on Aug 18, 2008 5:10 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

When I hear

that they Broncos are gonna employ schemes like a show blitz that tells me they probably are not gonna get consistent pressure with their front. I am ok with that. remember in 2005 that was they used. (probably not the same title) They were a blitz heavy team and they won 13 games. I have complete faith in what they are doing and am not as concerned about getting the pressure with the front 4. Too me the ability to stop the run is more paramount than front four pressure. I just hope I am not wrong with that thinking

by broncfanstuckinsd on Aug 18, 2008 5:24 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not concerned about employing a blitzing scheme. Of couse I would prefer to be able to generate pressure with our front four. I am actually very excited for our defense this year and I hope that reverting back to a Coyer-esque scheme will create a Coyer-esque number of turnovers. The point of my post wasn’t to create concern about the defence. I just wanted to speculate on how Slowik will attempt to generate pressure without a Giant-esque front four.

by UnarmingMermaid on Aug 18, 2008 5:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

the big difference between this DLine and years past is that these guys are really

young and inexperienced. We have veterans giving us this same type of production all throughout this decade. I really think the potential of our young guys on the line is not even close to being tapped. I think 2009 and 2010 will be the years that we start to see the fruits of our labor so to speak. ;)

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

I got a high ankle sprain in college and it still hurts! ~ TSG 8/13/08

by Tim Lynch on Aug 18, 2008 5:03 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I hear you...

…but frankly, I’m concerned with 2008.

I know everybody has been dropping the ‘r’ word (’rebuilding’)…but I don’t buy it. I think Shanahan thinks this team can win and will do what it takes to win this year. Sure they have a solid young nucleus that should provide the foundation for a good team for years to come…but I want to see them win this year. And I firmly believe that they are planning on winning this year.

by UnarmingMermaid on Aug 18, 2008 5:14 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

no r word from me. I think this team is far superior than 2007. We were 7-9 in 2007...so what does that

tell you? :)

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

I got a high ankle sprain in college and it still hurts! ~ TSG 8/13/08

by Tim Lynch on Aug 18, 2008 5:58 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

13-3?

If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!

by Trinidad Jack on Aug 20, 2008 9:57 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

If...

the first team offense can play that well an entire game, eliminate penalties and improve the run a little don’t even worry about it…I now think they’ll win 11 games with this schedule…and that should be a wild card but I do look forward to another look in preseason game 3

by Denverjhawk on Aug 18, 2008 5:25 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

11-5?

I’ll take it!!!

I haven’t really been concerned about the offense at any point. I think it’s the defense that will make the difference between 7-9 or 11-5 (and especially to Zappa’s 13-3).

by UnarmingMermaid on Aug 18, 2008 5:57 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am uninspired by our defense....13-3 is still possible though!

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

I got a high ankle sprain in college and it still hurts! ~ TSG 8/13/08

by Tim Lynch on Aug 18, 2008 5:59 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

see that could be a good thing

Lull everone to sleep then when SD comes to town the Broncos say remember last years 41-3 loss, and the BRoncos shut them out 42-0

by broncfanstuckinsd on Aug 18, 2008 6:04 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

sort of like Guy Fawkes on that movie, V for Vendetta

Remember, remember the 5th of November!

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

I got a high ankle sprain in college and it still hurts! ~ TSG 8/13/08

by Tim Lynch on Aug 18, 2008 6:24 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

never seen that movie

i havent seen a lot of flicks in the past 3 years

by broncfanstuckinsd on Aug 18, 2008 6:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

skip the movie and read the comic..much better….

…jeez, I just geeked out for all to see :)

by jaffe28 on Aug 18, 2008 7:00 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

you sure did! I didnt even know it was based on the comic. lol!!

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

I got a high ankle sprain in college and it still hurts! ~ TSG 8/13/08

by Tim Lynch on Aug 18, 2008 7:12 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Comics are an American art form

We should all be proud of our roots. Plus, lots of exciting action movie characters started out in the comic media.

by Arctic Bronco on Aug 18, 2008 8:38 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed...

and some of our best artist get started in comics.

As an aside, I have Spawn #1 signed by Todd McFalane.

There jaffe28, now we’ve both geeked out for all to see. ;-)

by UnarmingMermaid on Aug 18, 2008 11:52 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I owned a comic store for 5 years, those were good times.

I never made any money, but running “Arctic Dragon Comics, Cards & Games” will always be one of my best memories. Plus, I picked up a few good rookie cards. Anyone know how much I can get for a Ebenezer Ekuban rookie card?!!

by Arctic Bronco on Aug 19, 2008 7:51 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bet you

had a lot of roleplaying gamers in the area.

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Aug 19, 2008 9:05 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, collectable card games, such as

“Magic, the Gathering” were the best sellers. I had a lot of inventory invested in role playing games, but it was overkill for a small town market. Oh well, live and learn.

by Arctic Bronco on Aug 19, 2008 9:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I confiscated a lot of Magic the Gathering cards

as a teacher. They got ‘em back at the end of the year. Still, I’m sure I’m a marked man by a lot of former 6th graders. : )

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Aug 20, 2008 5:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I doubt it...by the end of 7th grade you would have

to put a gun to their heads to get them to admit they ever even found Magic the Gathering interesting. ;)

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

I got a high ankle sprain in college and it still hurts! ~ TSG 8/13/08

by Tim Lynch on Aug 20, 2008 6:10 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

You may have a point there!

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Aug 20, 2008 6:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think a nickle is the going rate

" He goes against Champ everyday." -Jay Cutler

Davis to the Hall!

by Jon Tollerud on Aug 20, 2008 9:56 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your uninspired

by only half of the defense. Wait till the other half plays.

Michael Fabiano really knows nothing about football outside of regression analysis and stat extrapolation. If it doesn’t have to do with fantasy football, his opinion is worthless.

by kwool79 on Aug 19, 2008 9:37 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pass pressure will come when teams are forced to pass

I think as long as the offense is scoring points and putting pressure on the other team and our run defense holds, then we will generate the pass rush. It is a lot easier to rush the passer and get sacks when you know it is coming, but when teams are able to run at will and control the clock and field position, then there is no way for us to generate much pressure because teams will pass when they want, not when we want them to.

Broncoman

by Broncoman on Aug 18, 2008 5:56 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Man under coverage the key.

I agree with everyone that Slowik will not show his hand of preferred defensive fronts and blitzes during the pre-season. But we all know the scheme is based on pressuring the LOS and unpredictability.

It does not surprise me to see the one safety up and one safety deep. That is what most 8 man fronts use. And while one deep safety can’t completely cover sideline to sideline on the deep pass, having one man back as some deep ball insurance is really necessary if your are going to bring your other safety up tight.

The DEs dropping off is indicative of zone underneath coverage, which I am sure they will run some, just to keep teams guessing.

But I really hope they use a lot of complete man to man, with LBs or Safeties going man to man with TEs and RBs. Even though we used a lot of man to man with our CBs during Coyer’s tenure, he also used a lot of underneath zone for backs and RBs, and good teams (SD, Indy) would just nickel and dime us to death.

It is hard to get a pass rush if the QB is able to dump the ball quickly in 3 -5 step drops. To have a good pass rush work with your coverage you have to take away the short stuff, and force the QB to wait for deeper routes. Obviously you have to have the right personnel to run complete man to man. But the addition of Boss, and Mcree, give us the potential to do that more.

by The Gun Young on Aug 18, 2008 6:04 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs