Indianapolis – The Broncos’ defense is at the angry stage in its recovery program after another dismal showing Sunday.
The players seemed to be as angry as the Denver fans have been after the 38-20 loss in yet another game in which the Broncos were no match for Peyton Manning. The Indianapolis Colts’ offense ran and passed at will in the second half, turning a tight game into a rout.
“It’s inexcusable,” said star left cornerback Champ Bailey, never one to mince words. “It looks like it should be easy because of the talent we have, but obviously it is not that easy because we are not getting it done. We have to get this fixed right now.”
Bailey was particularly upset with the defense’s busted assignments that led to big plays and overall poor tackling against the Indianapolis running game, which ate the Broncos alive in the second half.
“The tackling and the being out of our gaps, that keeps happening,” Bailey said. “That’s the inexcusable part. We keep watching film and talking about it, but it keeps happening.”
Broncos linebacker Nate Webster was just as upset as Bailey, and agreed that something needs to be done.
What, specifically?
“Everything,” Webster said. “We have to go back to the drawing board.”
Webster said he is sickened by the defensive performance because he believes the Broncos have quality players but the same mistakes keep getting repeated.
“We need to tighten it up,” Webster said. “It’s just football stuff. We just have to man up and get it done.”
Because of the gap-control issues, the problem is most noticeable when attempting to stop the run. The defense does not appear to have to become accustomed to new defensive boss Jim Bates’ system. With seven new starters, continuity is lacking.
“People can use that excuse if they want, but I really don’t think that’s it,” Bailey said. “We’re just not getting the job done.”
The defensive collapse in the second half was alarming.
In the first half, the Broncos played well at times, holding the Colts to 14 points by using an unusual defensive front that often featured rookie ends Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder playing inside at tackle. Starters Sam Adams and Amon Gordon were inactive. After the game, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said Gordon might continue to be inactive because of the play of fourth-round pick Marcus Thomas, who was unsure whether he is going to start or if his extra playing time Sunday was a reflection of the game plan built for the Colts.
In the second half, Indianapolis scored on every possession except when it ran out the clock to end the game. Bailey and fellow cornerback Dré Bly credited Indianapolis offensive coordinator Tom Moore for adjusting to the Broncos’ defense at the half.
The Colts came out in the second half and ran the ball right up the middle, and the Broncos had to go back to a more basic defense to fight it. That didn’t work.
Joseph Addai rushed for 76 of his 136 yards in the second half before he was injured. His backup, Kenton Keith, rushed for 77 yards on nine carries in the second half, and Manning passed only when necessary.
Manning completed 8-of-10 passes in the second half, including short touchdown passes to tight end Dallas Clark (3 yards) and receiver Reggie Wayne (5 yards).
“We knew they were going to adjust. We all did,” Thomas said. “We just couldn’t stop them.”
Second-half sorrow
The Colts’ offense dominated the Broncos’ defense in the second half, scoring 24 of its 38 points. The Colts’ scoring drives:
(Quarter Plays Yards)
Third Seven 73
Result: 1-yard Peyton Manning touchdown run.
Third Four 24
Result: 3-yard TD pass from Manning to Dallas Clark.
Third* 10 83
Result: 5-yard TD pass from Manning to Reggie Wayne.
Fourth 13 76
Result: 22-yard Adam Vinatieri field goal.
*Final eight plays of the drive came in the fourth quarter.
Bill Williamson: 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com
