For the second consecutive year, the secondary was a major focus of Denver’s offseason.
The moves weren’t the high- profile variety of 2004, when Denver traded for Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey and signed Pro Bowl safety John Lynch. However, when the Broncos used their top three picks of this year’s draft on cornerbacks Darrent Williams, Karl Paymah and Domonique Foxworth, they served notice.
“You can’t have enough good defensive backs, especially in this division,” Denver defensive coordinator Larry Coyer said. “You have to reload.”
If there is a division in the NFL in which a team can’t afford to have a troublesome secondary, it’s the AFC West. The Broncos’ division foes – Kansas City, Oakland and San Diego – are pass-happy. The addition of star wide receiver Randy Moss in Oakland makes it even more challenging.
Thus the Denver secondary, under the leadership of new position coach and three-time former NFL defensive coordinator Bob Slowik, needs to tighten. Last season, the unit was solid overall as the first season in Denver for Bailey and Lynch ended with Pro Bowl berths for both.
But the unit had issues. It had poor games in losses to Cincinnati, Atlanta, Oakland, and Kansas City. Of course the epicenter of Denver’s poor pass defense came in a wild-card playoff game in Indianapolis, when NFL MVP Peyton Manning ripped through the Broncos’ defense. He threw for 366 yards in the first half and 457 yards overall.
In addition to the lapses, Denver’s secondary was not proficient at creating turnovers. The Broncos had just 12 interceptions last year, seven by the defensive backs. In 2003, Denver had nine interceptions, seven by the defensive backs.
Thus the secondary once again is a focus. All three draft picks are expected to contribute. Williams and Foxworth should play extensively.
“We all have to get better,” Bailey said. “Our DBs need to stand out and make this team better. That’s the goal.”
Staff writer Bill Williamsoncan be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
