There are some members here at Mile High Report who have been wondering what role Robert Ayers will play in Dennis Allen's Defense for the Broncos. Since he was a 1st round draft pick in 2009, there have been naysayers and chants that he is a bust. Fans wonder why he only has two Sacks. Well, maybe it could be argued that their hasn't been much of a return from his draft position, as far as statistical production goes, but last season he doubled his production playing in 4 less games. The truth of the matter, is that Mr. Ayers isn't required to amass Sacks. I'm not saying he shouldn't or wouldn't, but Sacks are icing on the cake for Robert's Role in this Defense. Jump with me as I focus on his role in Saturday's game with the Seattle Seahawks.
- Seattle Seahawks at 13:10
Ayers is lined up at the Right Defensive End position (essentially flip-flopped with Elvis Dumervil). The play goes to the other side. Robert sheds his block and puts himself in position to make a play if the tackle is not made by Champ.
- 3-10-SEA 25(12:22) (Shotgun) 7-T.Jackson pass incomplete short right [91-R.Ayers].
2nd possession
- Seattle Seahawks at 10:06
1-10-SEA 41(10:06) 7-T.Jackson pass incomplete short left to 20-J.Forsett (21-A.Goodman).
Ayers still at LDT getting double teamed. He pushes the pocket back a couple yards, but doesn't really have any effect on the outcome of the play, since Tarvaris Jackson takes a 3 step drop ans fires incomplete on a slant to the opposite side.
2-10-SEA 41(10:02) 20-J.Forsett right tackle to SEA 45 for 4 yards (51-J.Mays).
The play gets forced left. Ayers gets a push, clogging his side, forcing Forsett to cut the other way.
Ayers gets another double team, but the play goes away from him to the other side.
1-10-DEN 48(8:44) 7-T.Jackson pass short right to 18-S.Rice to DEN 42 for 6 yards (58-V.Miller).
Ayers makes a swim move to the inside, but the pass is out too quick.
2-4-DEN 42(8:10) 7-T.Jackson pass incomplete short right to 17-M.Williams (24-C.Bailey).
Robert lines up at RDE and the play goes to the other side.
3-4-DEN 42(8:03) (Shotgun) 7-T.Jackson pass incomplete short right to 33-L.Washington [51-J.Mays].
Ayers back at LDT, drives his man back into the QB, helping force the incomplete throw. The Seahawks must punt.
3rd possession
- Seattle Seahawks at 06:02
1-10-SEA 46(6:02) Direction Change. 33-L.Washington up the middle to SEA 47 for 1 yard (51-J.Mays).
The Broncos line up with Kevin Vickerson, Broderick Bunkley and Elvis Dumervil and Jason Hunter at the line. Von Miller, Joe Mays and Wesley Woodyard are at Linebacker. This series ends with Jeff Reed's 52-yard Field Goal.
2nd Quarter
- Seattle Seahawks at 12:27
- 1-10-SEA 20 (12:27) 7-T.Jackson sacked at SEA 14 for -6 yards (sack split by 59-W.Woodyard and 92-E.Dumervil).
From left to right--Dumervil, Ryan McBean, Vickerson and Hunter. Woodyard (SAM), Mays (MIKE) and Von Miller (WILL)
Same lineup as the previous play.
3-8-SEA 22(11:20) (Shotgun) 7-T.Jackson pass incomplete short right to 18-S.Rice (20-B.Dawkins). Penalty on SEA, Chop Block, declined.
Ayers comes in at LDT and takes an inside move. Robert and Vickerson occupy 3 linemen and Dawkins bats the ball. Seattle is forced to punt.
5th possession
- Seattle Seahawks at 09:27
Ayers at Left Defensive End. The run comes his way, gets good arm extension on the Right Tackle to force the play inside. He gets a paw on the runner and then Vickerson and Dumervil rap up the Tackle. Rahim Moore came from his Safety spot all the way around the right side of the line to get in on the Tackle as well. Moore might have had the first hit on the Tackle.
Ayers at LDE still, with Von Miller on his outside shoulder. Von drives the RT back until he can slide off him for the Sack. Ayers ends up not being blocked and moves to cover the center throwing lane. Tarvaris Jackson is toast.
6th possession
- Seattle Seahawks at 06:22
Ayers is lined up over the Center with Dumervil at LDE. He takes on a double team from the Right Guard and Right Tackle as the Center moves left to help double team Vickerson. Dumervil gets cut by Forsett and Tarvaris Jackson has time to complete the pass.
Ayers at RDT over the Left Guard. He and Vickerson run a stunt. Vickerson gets taken down by the Right Guard (I don't know how the refs missed that flagrant hold out in the open). Ayers gets through his block but isn't involved in the play, which is a bootleg away from him.
Ayers at LDT. He drives the Right Guard back 7 yards and then moves inside to watch Dumervil Sack Tarvaris Jackson. The Seahawks must punt.
7th possession
- Seattle Seahawks at 02:32
Ayers at RDE. Once again, the run goes away from him.
- Two-Minute Warning
- 2-10-SEA 45(2:00) (Shotgun) PENALTY on SEA-78-T.Polumbus, False Start, 5 yards, enforced at SEA 45 - No Play.
- 2-15-SEA 40(2:00) (Shotgun) 7-T.Jackson pass short left to 33-L.Washington to DEN 49 for 11 yards (24-C.Bailey).
Ayers at RDT. He gets penetration and falls down, otherwise he would have been in the direct passing lane for the screen. He is taken out of the play by the Right Tackle, who blocks Von Miller into him.
Ayers at RDT. Gets LG Robert Gallery going backwards and is then held by Gallery. Ayers and Vickerson take two blockers and Von Doom meet at the Quarterback. Von gets credit for knocking down the QB. And the Seahawks have to punt.
3rd Quarter
- Seattle Seahawks at 15:00
Ayers at LDE. Robert holds his position but the play is away from him.
Ayers slides inside so Von Miller can play outside his LDE position, with Dumervil on the other End. Vickerson and McBean are the Tackles. Ayers stunts around the right side, creating a wall of defenders and Miller races in on the left for the Sack. Ayers helps put a hit on the QB.
Ayers at LDT with Von Miller outside him. He drives upfield and does a spin move to the right. Tarvaris Jackson gets his throw away before the pass rush gets there, but it is too early for the Receiver to handle. And Seattle must punt.
Go Broncos!