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No panic attack for Broncos defense
Communication issues need to be worked out, Pro Bowler Bailey says
By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published September 24, 2008 at 9:48 p.m.
Throw the numbers at Bob Slowik and he waits patiently for you to finish. Then he latches on to one single figure - three, as in the number of wins thus far for the Broncos.
Slowik, the team's defensive coordinator, knows there's work to be done from his group, which is last against the pass in the NFL and 25th or below in seven major categories. But he seems even keeled, steeled by his 17 years in the business.
Before practice Wednesday, he spoke confidently about having time to find the right play-calling mix and getting his players on the same page, beginning with Sunday's game in Kansas City, Mo., against the Chiefs. And the fact they'll do it with a 3-0 season head start is what he deems the biggest plus.
"In my mind, the No.1 goal in the NFL is to win games - that's it," he said. "And however we find a way to win, that's what you've got to do. And when winning is no longer important, then why are you playing? That's the way I look at it.
"The guys are working their butts off, playing hard. We've given up some points, absolutely. But we're not in a panic," he said, adding with a laugh, "If someone doesn't like the way we're winning, they'll get a new play-caller, a new defensive coordinator. That's the way it goes. You just keep working to get better."
That task, based on talks with several players, begins with smoothing out communication issues that have hurt the Broncos in back-to-back weeks.
The defensive call on a given snap might get to the linebackers but not up front, or the defensive backs might be getting the defensive checks but one individual mistakenly is playing another coverage.
The loud crowds at Invesco Field at Mile High have exacerbated the issue for a defensive group that has introduced five new starters and has two other players switching positions. And teams spreading out the Broncos because of early deficits that make them more one-dimensional present even more of a challenge to get the call to everyone smoothly.
"I just think, assignmentwise, we're not in the right places," Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey said. "You look at the tape. We've hustled. Every now and then, we give up a bad one that hurts us. And 'Slo' always says to us, every touchdown drive usually gives up a big play. We've been doing that."
They've also been nickel-and-dimed, especially through the air, as the Chargers' Philip Rivers and the Saints' Drew Brees combined for a 74.1 percent completion rate.
A lack of pressure - the Broncos have five sacks in three games - has put stress on the back end to hold up in coverage.
But those past two quarterbacks also are adept at getting the ball out on time and accurately - and have, minus a stout rush.
There likely will be more concern if the same problems occur Sunday. Kansas City has been a mess at quarterback but will start veteran Damon Huard.
At the same time, a ball-control game plan is expected, with Chiefs running back Larry Johnson a strength and a mind-set to play keep away from the Broncos a likely approach.
"It's a process," Slowik said. "And it's me, in particular, finding out what we're best at in pass situations. I think everybody's pretty comfortable where we are in the run. We've just got to keep on working on what we can do best to defend the rest. And that's kind of on me."
A 3-4 alignment on 21 snaps Sunday was one wrinkle as part of that mad experiment last week. So it isn't as if Slowik's reining things back so everyone can play catch-up.
But some hesitancy in movement, especially in the frequent zone coverages it's run, has cost the Broncos , too. Waiting denotes thinking.
"It takes a long time, in my opinion, where you can just look and know what's going on and you don't need verbal communication anymore and guys are just reacting, where they've been through the calls, been through a regular season. So it takes a little time," Slowik said. "I don't think anybody can pick it up and say, 'Shoot, we're full throttle here after three games.' "
There have been some large-scale successes that can be used as building blocks in the defensive meeting rooms this week - and have been.
Linebacker Nate Webster scored on a fumble recovery against the Saints. There also was a goal-line stand and a critical third-and-1 stop late, which was particularly huge given opponents' 44.7 percent success rate, to date, when faced with drive-killing plays.
"We have to get off the field on third downs, check the backs coming out of the backfield and make teams earn everything," safety Marlon McCree said. "And we'll do that this week."
Kansas City is scoring only 10.7 points a game and is 28th in total offense, so there's a chance for a quick turnaround.
"I'm absolutely confident we won't be talking about this for long because we're going to work hard at it," linebacker Boss Bailey said. "We've got too many guys in this room who want to get better and win conventionally, instead of a lot of close ball games."
Link - http://www.rockymountainnews.com/new...oncos-defense/
Communication issues need to be worked out, Pro Bowler Bailey says
By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published September 24, 2008 at 9:48 p.m.
Throw the numbers at Bob Slowik and he waits patiently for you to finish. Then he latches on to one single figure - three, as in the number of wins thus far for the Broncos.
Slowik, the team's defensive coordinator, knows there's work to be done from his group, which is last against the pass in the NFL and 25th or below in seven major categories. But he seems even keeled, steeled by his 17 years in the business.
Before practice Wednesday, he spoke confidently about having time to find the right play-calling mix and getting his players on the same page, beginning with Sunday's game in Kansas City, Mo., against the Chiefs. And the fact they'll do it with a 3-0 season head start is what he deems the biggest plus.
"In my mind, the No.1 goal in the NFL is to win games - that's it," he said. "And however we find a way to win, that's what you've got to do. And when winning is no longer important, then why are you playing? That's the way I look at it.
"The guys are working their butts off, playing hard. We've given up some points, absolutely. But we're not in a panic," he said, adding with a laugh, "If someone doesn't like the way we're winning, they'll get a new play-caller, a new defensive coordinator. That's the way it goes. You just keep working to get better."
That task, based on talks with several players, begins with smoothing out communication issues that have hurt the Broncos in back-to-back weeks.
The defensive call on a given snap might get to the linebackers but not up front, or the defensive backs might be getting the defensive checks but one individual mistakenly is playing another coverage.
The loud crowds at Invesco Field at Mile High have exacerbated the issue for a defensive group that has introduced five new starters and has two other players switching positions. And teams spreading out the Broncos because of early deficits that make them more one-dimensional present even more of a challenge to get the call to everyone smoothly.
"I just think, assignmentwise, we're not in the right places," Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey said. "You look at the tape. We've hustled. Every now and then, we give up a bad one that hurts us. And 'Slo' always says to us, every touchdown drive usually gives up a big play. We've been doing that."
They've also been nickel-and-dimed, especially through the air, as the Chargers' Philip Rivers and the Saints' Drew Brees combined for a 74.1 percent completion rate.
A lack of pressure - the Broncos have five sacks in three games - has put stress on the back end to hold up in coverage.
But those past two quarterbacks also are adept at getting the ball out on time and accurately - and have, minus a stout rush.
There likely will be more concern if the same problems occur Sunday. Kansas City has been a mess at quarterback but will start veteran Damon Huard.
At the same time, a ball-control game plan is expected, with Chiefs running back Larry Johnson a strength and a mind-set to play keep away from the Broncos a likely approach.
"It's a process," Slowik said. "And it's me, in particular, finding out what we're best at in pass situations. I think everybody's pretty comfortable where we are in the run. We've just got to keep on working on what we can do best to defend the rest. And that's kind of on me."
A 3-4 alignment on 21 snaps Sunday was one wrinkle as part of that mad experiment last week. So it isn't as if Slowik's reining things back so everyone can play catch-up.
But some hesitancy in movement, especially in the frequent zone coverages it's run, has cost the Broncos , too. Waiting denotes thinking.
"It takes a long time, in my opinion, where you can just look and know what's going on and you don't need verbal communication anymore and guys are just reacting, where they've been through the calls, been through a regular season. So it takes a little time," Slowik said. "I don't think anybody can pick it up and say, 'Shoot, we're full throttle here after three games.' "
There have been some large-scale successes that can be used as building blocks in the defensive meeting rooms this week - and have been.
Linebacker Nate Webster scored on a fumble recovery against the Saints. There also was a goal-line stand and a critical third-and-1 stop late, which was particularly huge given opponents' 44.7 percent success rate, to date, when faced with drive-killing plays.
"We have to get off the field on third downs, check the backs coming out of the backfield and make teams earn everything," safety Marlon McCree said. "And we'll do that this week."
Kansas City is scoring only 10.7 points a game and is 28th in total offense, so there's a chance for a quick turnaround.
"I'm absolutely confident we won't be talking about this for long because we're going to work hard at it," linebacker Boss Bailey said. "We've got too many guys in this room who want to get better and win conventionally, instead of a lot of close ball games."
Link - http://www.rockymountainnews.com/new...oncos-defense/
(give a few more by the time its read), it took me 1000+ posts to get to my level. 
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