While getting trounced 41-3 on Sunday by the Chargers, the Broncos’ defense allowed two demoralizing plays. The first was a 49-yard run by backup tailback Michael Turner even though the Chargers were trying to run out the first-half clock. Then there was a second-and-33 conversion in the third quarter when quarterback Philip Rivers completed a 45-yard, play-action pass to Vincent Jackson. Broncos reporter Mike Klis analyzes what went wrong.
The play: Turner escaped right after the Broncos’ left defensive end and outside linebacker were caught pinching inside. That play was embarrassing. The second-and-33 conversion was preposterous.
Broncos cornerbacks played bump-and-run against the Chargers’ four-receiver set that found a mismatch with Jackson covered by outside linebacker Ian Gold.
Point/counterpoint: The first defensive blunder was about poor execution. The second can be explained by the wrong play call.
“Those are simple things where you have to play smarter football,” Broncos safety John Lynch said. “Second-and-33, you have to back everybody up 10 yards. We’re out there pressing and they go play-action and they get behind the defense. That can’t happen.”
Future prospects: Denver’s D is 25th in scoring (27.2 points) and 32nd against the run (187.6 yards). Faith is gone until the defense shows, not explains, otherwise.
