SoCalBronco
10-19-2006, 12:34 AM
broncos notes
Coyer a constructive critic
The defensive coordinator says his players must be consistent in the pass rush and better in zone drops.
By Mike Klis
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated:10/19/2006 01:14:10 AM MDT
Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil (92) had a breakout game Monday night with two sacks in a 13-3 win over the Raiders. (Post / Andy Cross)
By the time Larry Coyer is done with them, Broncos defensive players might not feel like they're the greatest NFL unit of the past 72 years.
"We've got a lot of things to work on," said Coyer, the Broncos' defensive coordinator.
Yes, but the Broncos just became the first team since the 1934 Detroit Lions to give up no more than one touchdown in their first five games. How can the Broncos improve a defense that, in terms of touchdowns allowed, is the best of the past 72 years?
"We've got to be more consistent in our zone drops," Coyer said.
Indeed, in the Broncos' most recent game on Monday night, the Oakland Raiders top three receivers - Randy Moss, Courtney Anderson and Alvis Whitted - combined for 10 receptions and 168 yards. It's that 16.8 yards per catch that's a concern.
The Broncos have found opponents love to pass to the space between their linebackers and safeties. For their next game Sunday against the Cleveland Browns (1-4), the Broncos (4-1) must defend against talented receiver Braylon Edwards, who is among the league leaders with 17.6 yards per catch.
"And more consistent pressure," Coyer said. "We're constantly trying to improve our rush."
The Broncos pass rush has improved slightly from last year, when the team ranked 28th in the NFL with 28 sacks. The Broncos are ranked 25th with 10 sacks, putting them on pace for 32.
Elvis sighting
The Broncos pass rush may not be a problem for long. Television replays isolated on Elvis Dumervil as he got the first sack Sunday against Raiders quarterback Andrew Walter. The rookie from Louisville, who led the NCAA with 20 sacks last year, lined up at left end and got from his spot to Walter in a blur on an inside stunt.
"That's his deal, quickness," said Andre Patterson, the Broncos' defensive line coach. "He can close quick."
Dumervil got his second sack in the second quarter. Not bad considering he didn't dress in the Broncos' first three games and played sparingly in the fourth before having his breakout game Sunday.
"It was kind of frustrating watching those first three games, but I wasn't up to speed on special teams," Dumervil said. "Once I finally started getting up to speed on special teams, I knew the playing time would come."
Reuben and friends
A battered, and therefore quickly restructured, offensive line has made rushing yards tough to come by for Browns and former Broncos running back Reuben Droughns, who has also been bothered by a shoulder injury. After back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons, Droughns is averaging only 3.3 yards a carry and is on pace for 717 yards.
Meanwhile, Droughns' backup with the Broncos in 2004, Tatum Bell, is on pace for 1,500 yards. Is Droughns surprised that Bell finally became the Broncos' featured back?
"Not at all, my thoughts were, 'Why didn't they get him in there that first day?"' Droughns said. "One thing I told Tatum when I was there was play to your strengths. He's done that well. He's using his speed a little bit more and he's physical when he has to."
"Amadeus" over Arizona
No, Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer did not watch his old team, the Arizona Cardinals, blow a late, 20-point lead Monday night against the Chicago Bears.
Instead, Plummer found cultural enrichment by taking his girlfriend to the play "Amadeus" at the Denver Center for Performing Arts.
"I always seem to forget to watch football on Monday night," Plummer said, smiling. "I heard about it. I feel for those guys. But I tell you what, 'Amadeus' was great."
Footnotes
Fullback Kyle Johnson did not participate in the team workout Wednesday because of a sprained ankle, but Broncos coach Mike Shanahan expressed confidence Johnson could practice today and be available for the game Sunday at Cleveland. ... Running back Cedric Cobbs, out the past three games with an ankle injury, returned to practice. ... Broncomania lives. Despite a humdrum, offensive performance by both teams, the Broncos- Raiders game Sunday night drew a 38.6 local rating that was the highest among NFL teams last week. For the season, the Broncos' 35.6 local rating is third behind Pittsburgh (45.2) and Green Bay (36.3).
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_4514064
http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site36/2006/1019/20061019_011350_sp19bnotes_500.jpg
Coyer a constructive critic
The defensive coordinator says his players must be consistent in the pass rush and better in zone drops.
By Mike Klis
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated:10/19/2006 01:14:10 AM MDT
Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil (92) had a breakout game Monday night with two sacks in a 13-3 win over the Raiders. (Post / Andy Cross)
By the time Larry Coyer is done with them, Broncos defensive players might not feel like they're the greatest NFL unit of the past 72 years.
"We've got a lot of things to work on," said Coyer, the Broncos' defensive coordinator.
Yes, but the Broncos just became the first team since the 1934 Detroit Lions to give up no more than one touchdown in their first five games. How can the Broncos improve a defense that, in terms of touchdowns allowed, is the best of the past 72 years?
"We've got to be more consistent in our zone drops," Coyer said.
Indeed, in the Broncos' most recent game on Monday night, the Oakland Raiders top three receivers - Randy Moss, Courtney Anderson and Alvis Whitted - combined for 10 receptions and 168 yards. It's that 16.8 yards per catch that's a concern.
The Broncos have found opponents love to pass to the space between their linebackers and safeties. For their next game Sunday against the Cleveland Browns (1-4), the Broncos (4-1) must defend against talented receiver Braylon Edwards, who is among the league leaders with 17.6 yards per catch.
"And more consistent pressure," Coyer said. "We're constantly trying to improve our rush."
The Broncos pass rush has improved slightly from last year, when the team ranked 28th in the NFL with 28 sacks. The Broncos are ranked 25th with 10 sacks, putting them on pace for 32.
Elvis sighting
The Broncos pass rush may not be a problem for long. Television replays isolated on Elvis Dumervil as he got the first sack Sunday against Raiders quarterback Andrew Walter. The rookie from Louisville, who led the NCAA with 20 sacks last year, lined up at left end and got from his spot to Walter in a blur on an inside stunt.
"That's his deal, quickness," said Andre Patterson, the Broncos' defensive line coach. "He can close quick."
Dumervil got his second sack in the second quarter. Not bad considering he didn't dress in the Broncos' first three games and played sparingly in the fourth before having his breakout game Sunday.
"It was kind of frustrating watching those first three games, but I wasn't up to speed on special teams," Dumervil said. "Once I finally started getting up to speed on special teams, I knew the playing time would come."
Reuben and friends
A battered, and therefore quickly restructured, offensive line has made rushing yards tough to come by for Browns and former Broncos running back Reuben Droughns, who has also been bothered by a shoulder injury. After back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons, Droughns is averaging only 3.3 yards a carry and is on pace for 717 yards.
Meanwhile, Droughns' backup with the Broncos in 2004, Tatum Bell, is on pace for 1,500 yards. Is Droughns surprised that Bell finally became the Broncos' featured back?
"Not at all, my thoughts were, 'Why didn't they get him in there that first day?"' Droughns said. "One thing I told Tatum when I was there was play to your strengths. He's done that well. He's using his speed a little bit more and he's physical when he has to."
"Amadeus" over Arizona
No, Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer did not watch his old team, the Arizona Cardinals, blow a late, 20-point lead Monday night against the Chicago Bears.
Instead, Plummer found cultural enrichment by taking his girlfriend to the play "Amadeus" at the Denver Center for Performing Arts.
"I always seem to forget to watch football on Monday night," Plummer said, smiling. "I heard about it. I feel for those guys. But I tell you what, 'Amadeus' was great."
Footnotes
Fullback Kyle Johnson did not participate in the team workout Wednesday because of a sprained ankle, but Broncos coach Mike Shanahan expressed confidence Johnson could practice today and be available for the game Sunday at Cleveland. ... Running back Cedric Cobbs, out the past three games with an ankle injury, returned to practice. ... Broncomania lives. Despite a humdrum, offensive performance by both teams, the Broncos- Raiders game Sunday night drew a 38.6 local rating that was the highest among NFL teams last week. For the season, the Broncos' 35.6 local rating is third behind Pittsburgh (45.2) and Green Bay (36.3).
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_4514064
http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site36/2006/1019/20061019_011350_sp19bnotes_500.jpg