When they think back and wince, the Broncos realize all that stood between them and the Super Bowl was third-and-forever.
Five times in the first half of the AFC championship game on a late January afternoon, the Broncos had the Pittsburgh Steelers backed into third-and-7 situations, or worse.
All five times, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger turned those into first-and-10 or, worse, a touchdown and extra point.
Against plenty of Denver blitzes but little rush, Roethlisberger converted eight of his first nine third-down plays. In the biggest game of the season, third down left the Broncos with an insurmountable 24-3 halftime deficit. They lost 34-17, and the Super Bowl trophy went to Pittsburgh.
The solace for the Broncos during their offseason training programs beneath the summer sun is in learning to deal with the haunting images of another Roethlisberger third-down completion.
“It’s been a point of emphasis,” Broncos middle linebacker Al Wilson said after the first team camp workout Wednesday. “In previous years before last year we were pretty good on third down. … We had a letdown last year.”
About this time last year, the Broncos’ top three priorities were red-zone efficiency, turnover margin and field position. In all three areas, the Broncos improved dramatically, going from 29th in 2004 to seventh last year in red-zone touchdown-scoring efficiency, 29th to 10th in average starting field position, and 24th to second in turnover differential.
This year the Broncos’ primary concern is defending on third down, specifically through the act of sacking the quarterback. The Broncos had only 28 quarterback drops last year; the average among playoff teams was 40.
There are essentially two ways for a defense to address a pass rush: personnel and scheme.
The Broncos’ talent equation this offseason has been mixed. They added another former Cleveland Browns veteran in defensive end Kenard Lang and drafted Louisville defensive end Elvis Dumervil, but they also subtracted Trevor Pryce, who had been their most talented lineman for nearly a decade.
The Broncos also believe they have found another pass-rushing gem in Corey Jackson, a former college basketball rebounder.
As for the defense designed by coordinator Larry Coyer, there has been consideration that less is more. Pryce has said the Broncos’ reliance on the blitz – only Pittsburgh blitzed with greater frequency in 2005 – made it difficult for defensive linemen to register sacks. How’s that?
A lineman’s role on a blitz, Pryce said, is to hold up the blockers so the attacking linebacker, safety or cornerback can come free. Apparently, blitzes are great for forcing interceptions but not for sacks.
“Sacks usually generate from up front,” Broncos defensive tackle Gerard Warren said. “The blitzes and pressures, offenses usually try to beat those with quick throws.”
By the time the Broncos played Roethlisberger in their 18th game of the season, the blitz had seemingly gained in predictability what it lost in surprise.
“I know Coach Coyer wants the front four guys to apply that pressure,” Warren said.
Staff writer Mike Klis can be reached at 303-820-5440 or mklis@denverpost.com.
