Perhaps the problem on defense is everything is too new.
There’s a new defensive boss, Jim Bates. He is trying to teach a new system. There are seven positions with new starting players from last year.
And perhaps the most important player to this new defense, D.J. Williams, is trying to adapt to a new position.
Williams now understands the move from strongside linebacker to middle linebacker involves much more than a few feet in. Bates’ system is supposed to create double-digit tackle numbers for middle linebackers, but Williams had just one stop in one quarter against San Francisco and two tackles in two quarters in the Broncos’ second preseason game Saturday night against Dallas.
“The first game for me, I felt I did a bad job,” Williams said. “(Saturday), I felt I made a few steps forward. There’s still a few things where I need to improve. But I think with repetition at the position, things will go a lot better.”
In its three preseason quarters, Denver’s first-string defense has allowed – gulp! – 34 points and 316 yards. Another element to Bates’ new system has been discovered. Besides beefier tackles, wide-open pass-rush schemes from the defensive ends, freedom for the linebackers and bump-and-run coverage at cornerback, there also is a slow learning curve.
“Apparently so,” said Broncos safety John Lynch, who was far too busy making tackles in the secondary Saturday. “In practices it seems like we’re getting it, but we still have our bad plays. We’re supposed to be playing basic fronts and coverages in all these preseason games. Jim’s trying to establish we just play with fundamentals.”
Even without defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban, who suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear against the Cowboys, and defensive tackle Gerard Warren, who figures to leave the roster in some fashion by week’s end, the Broncos’ defense believes it will get better.
“The defensive line and linebackers, we’re just not on the same page,” Williams said. “Guys are playing hard, but it’s little things that need to be tweaked.”
Marshall update
Wide receiver Brandon Marshall has moved quickly from Mike Shanahan’s doghouse to Jay Cutler’s favorite target.
After nursing a strained quad muscle for a period that went beyond Shanahan’s comfort level, Marshall was nudged out of Steve “Greek” Antonopulos’ training room and onto the Broncos’ practice field Aug. 10.
Eight days later against Dallas, Marshall caught three passes – two for first downs.
“I’m very surprised – shocked, really – at how good my leg feels right now,” Marshall said. “But I’ve got a lot of experience around me as far as Greek and Coach Shanahan knowing the injury.”
Two sides of Pears
Now that Adam Meadows is down with a strained calf, former Colorado State offensive lineman Erik Pears has captured the Broncos’ starting right tackle spot. But with rookie Ryan Harris down for at least a month after back surgery last week and Matt Lepsis fighting through preseason injuries, Pears also is the Broncos’ top reserve left tackle.
Position battles
Although film reveals assignment execution that the live game can’t detect, the naked eye showed Nate Webster may have won the starting strongside linebacker position against the Cowboys. Somewhat reserved off the field, Webster arguably is the Broncos’ most frenetic player on it.
“You turn into that beast on the field,” he said. “At the same time you have to know when to turn it on and when to turn it off. You can’t get so worked up that you miss assignments.”
At the backup receiver spots, Brian Clark jumped ahead of Domenik Hixon at the No. 3 spot during last week’s practices against the Cowboys. Clark didn’t hurt himself Saturday when he led all receivers with four catches for 117 yards – 90 coming on a touchdown pass from Patrick Ramsey.
Footnotes
Concussion symptoms have cleared for Ben Hamilton, but the Broncos may continue to exercise caution and not have the left guard return to practice today. … Warren had not heard from the team regarding his situation as of Sunday night.
Staff writer Mike Klis can be reached at 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com.
