SoCalBronco
08-24-2005, 12:24 AM
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_2967682
Aggressive defense key to turnover turnaround
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
The Broncos' defense, which has recorded six sacks in the preseason, still has not picked up a turnover, but the coaches and players feel it's just a matter of time. (Post / John Leyba)
New Broncos defensive line/tackles coach Andre Patterson has been in five NFL team training camps since 1997. This year at Dove Valley, something stood out.
"I've never seen as many turnovers as I did this year," Patterson said. "We were getting them left and right. It's unbelievable. I've never seen anything like it. We're getting five or six turnovers a day."
The Broncos' summer turnover fest was welcome. They have struggled to intercept passes and flopped on fumbles in recent years. In 2004, the Broncos ranked 29th in the league with 20 turnovers - 12 interceptions and eight fumble recoveries. The year before, Denver was tied for 28th with 20 turnovers.
With an emphasis on aggressive defense - beginning with pressuring the quarterback - daily training camp drills were designed to increase turnover numbers. With better team speed and training camp success, the Broncos may be primed for a turnover turnaround.
But halfway through the preseason, heading into Saturday night's game against the Indianapolis Colts at Invesco Field at Mile High, the Broncos have not gotten a turnover in either tune-up game.
"We can't hide from it," Broncos defensive coordinator Larry Coyer said. "You have to start getting them in games."
Coyer said there were three opportunities Saturday night on San Francisco's final 14-play drive when the Broncos should have intercepted passes, and that was long after the first team had retired for the evening. While the first unit didn't create any turnovers, 49ers quarterback Alex Smith nearly fumbled on one of Trevor Pryce's two sacks early in the game.
"Obviously you'd like to see them, but I think we've played well," safety John Lynch said. "I'm encouraged with the way they're continuing to happen in practice, and I think that will carry over."
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The defense was encouraged by several turnovers in three practices with the Houston Texans two weeks ago.
"They're aggressive," Houston quarterback David Carr said of the Broncos' defenders. "They fly around and make plays. They come hard at you."
Patterson said team speed will be a big help.
"We're just so doggone fast on defense," Patterson said. "That's the difference I've seen in this camp from the others I've been in. The turnovers are coming because the guys are making them happen."
Coyer has been drilling the defense on ways to force turnovers. At the start of every training camp drill, the defense worked on slapping the ball out of the possessor's hands, scooping up fumbles and running tip drills for interceptions.
Drills are good, but Coyer said the turnover process starts with pressuring the quarterback. Denver's inability to force turnovers has coincided with a poor pass rush in recent years. The Broncos have made that a priority this season and have had success rushing the passer in the preseason.
"You've got to get heat on the quarterback," Coyer said. "That's where it starts. Then you see the turnovers come your way."
Aggressive defense key to turnover turnaround
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
The Broncos' defense, which has recorded six sacks in the preseason, still has not picked up a turnover, but the coaches and players feel it's just a matter of time. (Post / John Leyba)
New Broncos defensive line/tackles coach Andre Patterson has been in five NFL team training camps since 1997. This year at Dove Valley, something stood out.
"I've never seen as many turnovers as I did this year," Patterson said. "We were getting them left and right. It's unbelievable. I've never seen anything like it. We're getting five or six turnovers a day."
The Broncos' summer turnover fest was welcome. They have struggled to intercept passes and flopped on fumbles in recent years. In 2004, the Broncos ranked 29th in the league with 20 turnovers - 12 interceptions and eight fumble recoveries. The year before, Denver was tied for 28th with 20 turnovers.
With an emphasis on aggressive defense - beginning with pressuring the quarterback - daily training camp drills were designed to increase turnover numbers. With better team speed and training camp success, the Broncos may be primed for a turnover turnaround.
But halfway through the preseason, heading into Saturday night's game against the Indianapolis Colts at Invesco Field at Mile High, the Broncos have not gotten a turnover in either tune-up game.
"We can't hide from it," Broncos defensive coordinator Larry Coyer said. "You have to start getting them in games."
Coyer said there were three opportunities Saturday night on San Francisco's final 14-play drive when the Broncos should have intercepted passes, and that was long after the first team had retired for the evening. While the first unit didn't create any turnovers, 49ers quarterback Alex Smith nearly fumbled on one of Trevor Pryce's two sacks early in the game.
"Obviously you'd like to see them, but I think we've played well," safety John Lynch said. "I'm encouraged with the way they're continuing to happen in practice, and I think that will carry over."
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The defense was encouraged by several turnovers in three practices with the Houston Texans two weeks ago.
"They're aggressive," Houston quarterback David Carr said of the Broncos' defenders. "They fly around and make plays. They come hard at you."
Patterson said team speed will be a big help.
"We're just so doggone fast on defense," Patterson said. "That's the difference I've seen in this camp from the others I've been in. The turnovers are coming because the guys are making them happen."
Coyer has been drilling the defense on ways to force turnovers. At the start of every training camp drill, the defense worked on slapping the ball out of the possessor's hands, scooping up fumbles and running tip drills for interceptions.
Drills are good, but Coyer said the turnover process starts with pressuring the quarterback. Denver's inability to force turnovers has coincided with a poor pass rush in recent years. The Broncos have made that a priority this season and have had success rushing the passer in the preseason.
"You've got to get heat on the quarterback," Coyer said. "That's where it starts. Then you see the turnovers come your way."