Larry Coyer’s task last week was to temper the criticism. This week, the Broncos’ defensive coordinator has to resist overplaying the joy.
“It is what it is. It’s the preseason,” Coyer said after Denver’s 35-10 handling of the overmatched Tennessee Titans on Saturday night at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Coyer was pleased to see his defenders bring the heat. Preseason or not, the Broncos had to display an ability to rush the passer. It’s arguably the team’s biggest question mark. It could be what stands between a Super Bowl run and a disappointing season.
The Broncos put consistent pressure on the Tennessee quarterback.
They had three sacks, two by defensive tackle Demetrin Veal – starting in place of injured Gerard Warren, who is expected back for the Sept. 10 regular-season opener at St. Louis – and another by outside linebacker D.J. Williams.
Williams and Veal registered back-to- back sacks on the third and fourth plays of the game. Veal had the other sack later in the first quarter.
“It was nice to get in there and bring the quarterback down,” said Veal, emerging as one of Denver’s top role players. “The coaches challenged us and we answered it. That’s the goal, to get to the quarterback.”
On Denver’s lone forced turnover, a first-quarter interception by safety Nick Ferguson, Titans starting quarterback Billy Volek was hurried into making the mistake. The charge was mounted by starting ends Kenard Lang and Ebenezer Ekuban and tackles Michael Myers and Veal. Ekuban played inside in some pass-rushing situations.
Defensive end Courtney Brown, who is recovering from minor knee surgery, is expected back in the starting lineup for the season opener.
The pressure, much to the delight of the coaching staff, was consistent all game, from all three defensive units. It was a big improvement from the preseason opener at Detroit, in which Denver didn’t have a sack and provided only sporadic pressure on the Lions’ quarterbacks. Saturday night, whether it was Volek or first-round draft selection Vince Young, the Titans’ quarterbacks were never comfortable.
For a team with just 28 sacks last year, the pressure was encouraging.
“We needed to see that,” defensive line/tackles coach Andre Patterson said. “We still have a ways to go, but the guys did a good job. They’re coming along well.”
Denver has vowed to blitz less, and if the four-man defensive front rush can be successful, it will give Denver options. On Ferguson’s interception, Denver gave the look that it was going to blitz with eight men but then backed off and went with a four-man rush.
Whatever works.
“It was wonderful,” cornerback Domonique Foxworth said.
For the night, Coyer had to agree.
“It’s just the preseason, but it was big,” Coyer said. “We needed it.”
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
