Reason for concern?

[HOF-ELWAY-7]

I posted a similar post a few weeks ago but I'm still concerned about a few things. A fan that sits behind me said it's a bend don't beak defense; my response; how many bend don't break defenses have won a SB? His response, you're right. Two disclaimers, AZ is a tough team and we got another win, and my complaints are rich people problems. I'm typically the first people to say the other guys get paid too but I'm concerned about a couple of trends that have been evident so far this season. I think for just about every Broncos fan it's SB win or bust and right now I don't think we're playing at that level in a couple of areas.

I'm still concerned over our busted coverages. Two plays we are perfect and then we blow a coverage. Whether it's JDR's complicated defense, a personnel problem or they are still learning to play together, we have to get that cleaned up. Yes we won and I understand if people don't want to deal in hypothetical's however, I counted 7 times in the first half and 6 in the second where an AZ WR was wide open and the pass was terrible or they dropped the ball. This includes a TD and many first downs. IMO if we were playing a good QB the game would have been very tight and we wouldn't have had as many possessions thus wouldn't have had those gouty offensive stats. We are 13th in total yards, 23rd in passing yards per game but more importantly 16th in scoring defense. That isn't going to get it done. Before someone says it's because we are ahead and teams have to throw, I disagree. If you're a good pass defense, you're a good pass defense no matter the score.

I have taken a wait and see approach on Monte Ball but I'm starting to lose faith in him. Mark Schlereth talks about RB's that if a play is blocked for 3 yards the RB will get you three and the better RB's can get you more. Ball seems to be in the 3 for 3 category. The O-Line is still struggling especially Franklin and Ramirez and aren't getting any push. I don't think we have to run the ball great but there will be a couple of games that passing the ball will be difficult. We've got to do better, we are 31st in the league in rush yards per game. If we can get to 15-20 we will be fine.

I'm not trying to be all critical as we are doing a lot of things well but we better get markedly better in these two areas or I don't think we will get to where we all want to be at the end of the season.

 

[MileHigh64]

I'm with you HOF. I try to not be all "Debbie Downer" since we're winning and we've faced some tough teams but I have growing concerns as I watch each week. I do think this team will continue to get better and chemistry on the defense is a real thing that should improve with time.

Our running game has to improve each week until the playoffs if we expect to win against those kinds of teams, in inclement weather. In the SB, the Seahawks took away our running game and that left us one dimensional against arguably the best defensive squad against the passing game. Thus, the outcome. Watching a banged-up Marshawn Lynch last night reminded me of the importance of having a back that gets an extra one or two yards after contact on every run. Heck, Percy Harvin and Russel Wilson were getting more YAC last night.

Peyton is off to a good start but there have been some real flutterers and underthrown balls that we've gotten lucky on IMO. When you throw on almost every down, I suppose that is the risk. Also, what's with our inconsistency from half to half and quarter to quarter? Either we jump out to a big lead and barely hold on or duke it out all game and turn it up in the fourth. Both ways give heart palpitations on Sundays!

The blown coverages are my other concern. I'm with you in thinking that we're lucky to be 3-1 right now because some of our games this year would have had different outcomes if there was a QB that could get the ball to open WR with greater accuracy.

Okay, enough of the bad stuff. I'm probably just a nervous Broncos fan. It's tough when the modicum for the season seems to be "win the Superbowl" or we're a failure.

I'm very happy with how Von Miller and Ware are coming together. Chris Harris looks like he's back. Talib and Ward were great additions. DT and Julius are matchup nightmares and Welker seems to be back as well. We have a richness of weapons and I just love watching this team play when they are humming.

We also have one of the best front offices and collective coaching staffs in the league right now. Not ever something to take for granted.

Hopefully, the Broncos just continue to build toward the end of the year. These tight games, blown coverages and weaker running game issues can be a catalyst toward becoming a very good and complete team when they need to be. We're going to be tested in the regular season this year more than in the last couple it would seem and that should turn out to be a good thing.

No trap game in NJ next week, please. Broncos roll! Go Broncos!!

MH64

 

[Broncos6482]

I'm not overly concerned. I thought the defense put up a great game yesterday. I would like to see them force a few turnovers, but other than that, very little to complain about. Pass rush was great, Cardinals couldn't run (less than 2 yards a carry), I believe 3-13 on third down, only 1 first down allowed in the second half, only 7 second half points allowed (on what was a rather flukey play). The defense played well.

This week is another great opportunity for our defense to shine. The Jets offense is pretty awful, the Broncos should be able to hold them down. Plus it's one more game to get Trevathan worked back into game shape before a tough two game stretch against the 49ers and Chargers.

 

[Broncos6482]

By the way, I think we need to re-evaluate the win over the Chiefs. At the time it looked like an ugly win against a bad team, but based on the way they've played since then I think it's fair to say the Chiefs are better than we thought (or at least I thought). The 49ers have a pretty good defense and they held the Chiefs to the same score we did.

 

[Broncos6482]

Now don't get me wrong, there are definitely areas that can be improved, but I think overall the defense is headed in the right direction and rounding into a pretty darn good unit.

 

[cdumler7]

At this time I am one that is cautious about where the team is. Running wise the Broncos should get better as the season progresses. Have to remember 3 players on the OL are not starting where they did in the Super Bowl. That is a lot of moving around that just takes time to adjust. I will say I am just about ready to see the Broncos bench Ramirez. I saw a play on Sunday where if he gets his block Ball had nothing but daylight in front of him for 10-15 yards. Instead Ramirez falls for a studder step and completely whiffs leading to a 3 yard loss. That is unacceptable in my book. I just don't think Montgomery could do any worse. Franklin also needs to kick it up a notch. His switch to guard has not be as easy as some would hope. I see guys blowing by him in the run game all too often. So all that to say at this time I'm not going to completely panic. We all knew coming in the run game would most likely be the weak spot on the team. Honestly it could be what cost us the Super Bowl but hey every team has a weakness that could do that.


Defensively they are showing plenty of promise. Yes there are some miscommunications still and guys being left wide open but again this is a unit with a lot of new moving parts that is going to take some time. They are showing enough though that makes you think by the end of the year they could be a top-3 unit in the league in every area of defense. I am giddy about how good this unit can be.

 

[HOF-ELWAY-7]

I'm not overly concerned. I thought the defense put up a great game yesterday. I would like to see them force a few turnovers, but other than that, very little to complain about. Pass rush was great, Cardinals couldn't run (less than 2 yards a carry), I believe 3-13 on third down, only 1 first down allowed in the second half, only 7 second half points allowed (on what was a rather flukey play). The defense played well.

This week is another great opportunity for our defense to shine. The Jets offense is pretty awful, the Broncos should be able to hold them down. Plus it's one more game to get Trevathan worked back into game shape before a tough two game stretch against the 49ers and Chargers.

I'm not overly concerned yet either but we do have to get better as you referenced in a later post. I agree that statistically we looked good but I wouldn't say we played great. The Broncos got pretty lucky on their 3rd down percentage Sunday. There were quite a few drops / bad throws that were fairly easy plays on 3rd down. IMO we were pretty fortunate to catch the Cards with a backup QB then a 3rd string QB. Not saying that we wouldn't have won but I do think our D would have given up several more plays. By all rights it should have been 14-7 with AZ scoring TD's on their first two drives. There were Card WR's open down the field and uncovered that the QB didn't see just as in the two prior home games. I'm sure the Cards feel like they left a lot of plays on the field and they're right. Again hopefully we get it cleaned up by Oct 23rd because the way Rivers is playing he won't miss those open WR's.

 

[Malibu]

Now don't get me wrong, there are definitely areas that can be improved, but I think overall the defense is headed in the right direction and rounding into a pretty darn good unit.

For once I actually agree with Broncos6482. The defense is getting better by the week. With Miller and Ware closing in on QB's as the season goes I think our secondary will get even better. I'd like to see more from Wolfe but I understand he had it rough last year and I do believe he will make an impact. As for Montee Ball Ive been saying the same thing about him from day one. I saw him at Wisconsin every week. Watched every one of his games since they were always on tv living in Wisconsin. The guy isnt that fast and ran through huge holes. The hole has to be huge for him so he basically can just run straight ahead. He doesnt see cutback lanes or has the speed to hit small holes like Hillman did vs the Cards. Thopmson will just run you over and Ball isnt really that guy either. Ball is a below average blocker and and an average pass catcher at best. I do believe he will improve and has some talent being drafted in the 2nd round last year and in Elway I trust. As for a final thought on the defense if it doesnt get better every week and isnt ready to dominate by playoff time then its all on J.D.R. Elways spent the money and draft picks on the defense so who is left to balme. J.D.R. Go Broncos!!!

 

[Malibu]

At this time I am one that is cautious about where the team is. Running wise the Broncos should get better as the season progresses. Have to remember 3 players on the OL are not starting where they did in the Super Bowl. That is a lot of moving around that just takes time to adjust. I will say I am just about ready to see the Broncos bench Ramirez. I saw a play on Sunday where if he gets his block Ball had nothing but daylight in front of him for 10-15 yards. Instead Ramirez falls for a studder step and completely whiffs leading to a 3 yard loss. That is unacceptable in my book. I just don't think Montgomery could do any worse. Franklin also needs to kick it up a notch. His switch to guard has not be as easy as some would hope. I see guys blowing by him in the run game all too often. So all that to say at this time I'm not going to completely panic. We all knew coming in the run game would most likely be the weak spot on the team. Honestly it could be what cost us the Super Bowl but hey every team has a weakness that could do that.


Defensively they are showing plenty of promise. Yes there are some miscommunications still and guys being left wide open but again this is a unit with a lot of new moving parts that is going to take some time. They are showing enough though that makes you think by the end of the year they could be a top-3 unit in the league in every area of defense. I am giddy about how good this unit can be.

Hillman, Anderson a few weeks ago and Thompson are running just fine behind that o line. Ball is the only one that has had issues. I agree though the line has to pick it up but I do see Ball as of now part of the problem. I do expect Ball to get better.

 

[randymon]

178 passing yds allowed and 37 rushing allowed. IMO that`s a pretty good D performance. As far as passes dropped by Cards, happens in every game everywhere and that`s part of the game. You have to remember some of those dropped passes are attributed to the hits the wrs have taken or fear they`re going to take and they lose their concentration. No complaints from this guy on D side of ball. But agree with the need to get that dang running gm going. I think Ball having setback just might be small blessing and a chance for the other guys to make good use of the opportunity. I think were going to see a much better running gm soon. Broncos did tryout Mike Leshoure too.

 

[randymon]

PS... Broncos releases tackle Ryan Miller and sign Rb Jeremy Stewart ( ex Raider ) to practice squad.

 

[HOF-ELWAY-7]

178 passing yds allowed and 37 rushing allowed. IMO that`s a pretty good D performance. As far as passes dropped by Cards, happens in every game everywhere and that`s part of the game. You have to remember some of those dropped passes are attributed to the hits the wrs have taken or fear they`re going to take and they lose their concentration. No complaints from this guy on D side of ball. But agree with the need to get that dang running gm going. I think Ball having setback just might be small blessing and a chance for the other guys to make good use of the opportunity. I think were going to see a much better running gm soon. Broncos did tryout Mike Leshoure too.

I like the optimism but I think you're reaching saying the Cards WR's were intimidated therefore they dropped the ball. There were guys wide open that simply dropped the ball or the QB didn't see them. In any case I don't know if you went to the game Sunday but there were busted coverages on plays where a WR was more than high school open. My point is I hope we get it cleaned up before we play a QB and WR's that will make us pay for those mistakes. Just to be clear I'm happy with the win Sunday and the stats looked great but I this has happened in all three home games where I can see the whole field. I'm not worried yet but I think this vaunted defense (on paper) has to get better and I think they will.

 

[randymon]

I like the optimism but I think you're reaching saying the Cards WR's were intimidated therefore they dropped the ball. There were guys wide open that simply dropped the ball or the QB didn't see them. In any case I don't know if you went to the game Sunday but there were busted coverages on plays where a WR was more than high school open. My point is I hope we get it cleaned up before we play a QB and WR's that will make us pay for those mistakes. Just to be clear I'm happy with the win Sunday and the stats looked great but I this has happened in all three home games where I can see the whole field. I'm not worried yet but I think this vaunted defense (on paper) has to get better and I think they will.

You make a good point about seeing the whole field HOF. You only see so much on tv. But in defense of my dropped passes comment, The wr can be open and still remember the stick he took on previous play and also the wr does`nt always know who`s in his blind side or if somebody is even there. I guess what I`am trying to say is intimidation can contribute to dropped passes even if their open. Not saying they were, just saying it does play a part in drops and could of contributed to some. But your point is well taken when your at game and see the whole field, no doubt.

 

[HOF-ELWAY-7]

I'm really hoping JDR simplifies the D. A real smart football guy sits behind me and he and I have been saying that if JDR has an issue, it's that he gets too cute. He has the horses to play a simple D as Seattle does and I think they would roll if he just plays a 4-3, blitzing Von and running the zone blitz here and there. I'm certainly not at the practices or in meetings so in the famous words of The Who, who the %$#& am I? It just appears that the DB's are still confused about the assignments.