FanPost

Generating a Pass Rush

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.