No matter how this burgeoning Broncos season ends, there’s no play likely to be more galvanizing than the first play from scrimmage in the second half of Game 2.
It is almost legendary already. Champ Bailey, who wasn’t even supposed to be playing because of a bum shoulder, intercepted a pass by San Diego’s Drew Brees and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown that gave life to a team that had been dormant the first six quarters of the season.
The Broncos haven’t looked back since, but when they have considered checking the rearview mirror, they have seen similar moments.
Oct. 30, Philadelphia was charging back from a 28-0 deficit and was primed to tie the game. Rookie Domonique Foxworth came to the rescue, making a diving interception in the end zone.
Sunday, with Oakland trying to make it a one-possession game, rookie cornerback Darrent Williams read a pass by Kerry Collins and took it 80 yards for a touchdown to close the door on Raider Nation.
Interceptions are plentiful and paramount for Denver in 2005.
“Very timely,” Broncos defensive backs coach Bob Slowik said. “We’re getting them in a timely fashion.”
One of the most significant improvements for Denver this season has been the sudden ability to pick off the pass. With three interceptions at Oakland, Denver has 10 in nine games, tied for 12th in the NFL. The Broncos had 12 interceptions last season and nine each in 2003 and 2002.
More could be on the way Sunday when Denver hosts the 2-7 New York Jets at Invesco Field at Mile High. Jets quarterback Brooks Bollinger threw four interceptions Sunday at Carolina.
Even though Bailey has missed two games and has been hampered by injuries, he leads the team with four interceptions, one short of his career best during the 1999 and 2000 seasons with Washington.
“I used to think interceptions were all luck until I met Champ,” Foxworth said of the five-time Pro Bowl selection. “But he’s a ball magnet. They just come to him. It’s amazing. It’s great to learn from him, to see how it’s done.”
Just how is getting interceptions accomplished?
“It’s a combination of fortune, intuition, preparation and then, basically, you just hope you’re in the right place at the right time,” said Broncos safety Nick Ferguson, who picked off a pass from Collins on Sunday. “It’s a reward for working hard. But we never know when they’re going to happen. You just got to be there. Thankfully, we’ve been there a lot this year.”
A strong pass rush and tight coverage also breed interceptions. The Broncos have given opposing offenses a steady diet of blitzes.
“When you can get that pass rush coupled with the coverage, it happens,” said Broncos safety John Lynch, who has one interception this season. “The pass rush has really helped.”
The Broncos practice interception drills nearly every day. On one drill, defenders are thrown the ball with players running in front of them, giving them just a split second to react.
“We work hard at it, but we also have guys who can react to the ball,” Foxworth said. “You have to be ready for when the quarterback makes a mistake. You have to pounce, and that’s what we’ve been doing. It can really change a game.”
Added Williams: “Nothing changes a game like an interception. When I was running down the field at Oakland, I was just so happy. It’s the best thing for a defense.”
Staff writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
