As the Broncos’ defense worked to bounce back from a rough showing against Indianapolis, defensive coordinator Larry Coyer identified the biggest issue it’s facing Sunday at Pittsburgh.
“Getting off the field on third down,” Coyer said. “We have to do it. It’s the key to the whole thing.”
In Denver’s 34-31 loss to visiting Indianapolis, the Broncos’ defense – which allowed only 44 points and two touchdowns in six previous games – reverted to problems on third down.
The Colts were 7-of-11 on third-down plays. The same problem plagued Denver in its 34-17 loss to Pittsburgh in the AFC championship game last season.
The Steelers, controlled by Denver on first and second down, converted 10-of-16 times on third down in the title game.
“We were worse than bad against Pittsburgh and we weren’t any good against the Colts,” Coyer said. “We have to get better in that area fast.”
Wednesday marked the Broncos’ first practice since the loss to the Colts. While Coyer said it is important for the defense to move on, it also must recognize the issues in the Indianapolis game and correct them. Coyer said that goes for everyone.
“You can gripe and groan about your players all you want, but you have to look in the mirror, too,” he said. “Anytime you lose a game it’s that way. You have to look at yourself first. And then you look at the players. If you don’t look at yourself first, you’re making a big mistake.
“You get hit in the face every once and awhile. You’ve got to get up. That’s the test. The test is getting off the ground.”
Coyer said the defense will work on problems it had with the pass rush and coverage against the Colts, and will concentrate on correcting some miscommunication and errors.
“Our players own this defense,” Coyer said. “Just like it was when it was going good. We’re the same. It didn’t change overnight. We’re going to come back, I promise you, we’re going to come back.”
It all starts on third down.
