There is no need to overanalyze.
The primary problem with the Broncos’ defense in recent years wasn’t necessarily the lack of a pass rush, overall speed or pass-coverage breakdowns.
All the flaws can be condensed into one missing word.
Ball!
There is no sweeter sound to a defensive player’s ears. The problem with the Broncos’ defense the past three years was more often than most teams, they heard silence.
Last season, the Broncos forced only 20 turnovers in 16 games. Only three teams had fewer. The 2004 season was a repeat of 2003. Only 20 turnovers. The Buffalo Bills were the only NFL team with fewer.
In 2002, the Broncos’ defense had just 22 turnovers. Only three teams generated fewer.
It’s a little disquieting how little the Broncos’ defense has screamed “Ball!” – the one-word alert for turnover – the past three years.
“A lot of it is luck,” Broncos defensive line coach Andre Patterson said. “You have to be in the right spot, but they also have to come to you. Usually, teams get them in bunches and then don’t get any for a while. Maybe it’s our turn.”
An emphasis on turnovers was placed on the Broncos’ defense last year, and it didn’t help. So forcing turnovers has been emphasized again this year.
Tacklers are told, and told again, that once they have the ball carrier stopped, go ahead and take a swipe at the ball.
Cornerbacks are urged to anticipate a pass route, and jump it if it’s there. Just don’t get beat.
There also is hope heavy turnover in personnel, particularly in the defensive line, will create numerous turnovers on the field. Courtney Brown and Gerard Warren were considered underachievers in Cleveland, but the Broncos hope to tap into their agility and strength. Trevor Pryce, the Broncos’ best defensive lineman from 1999-2003, is healthy after missing most of last season with a back injury.
There is more speed at linebacker with the return of Ian Gold. At strong safety, Nick Ferguson isn’t as imposing as predecessor Kenoy Kennedy, but he has more quickness.
Considerably more speed was added to the cornerback position with rookies Darrent Williams, Domonique Foxworth and Karl Paymah.
The idea is speed equals turnovers.
The Broncos also hope the addition of punter Todd Sauerbrun and kickoff specialist Paul Ernster will pin opponents closer to their goal line, an area where quarterbacks are more apt to panic.
“It’s going to give our defense more opportunities to do some things because there should be more field to play with,” Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist said.
