The simple goal of defense is to get off the field and give the ball to your offense. That’s it.
To accomplish that, the defense must be solid on third down. In Denver, that has been a problem.
While stopping the run clearly has been the Broncos’ biggest problem, the underlying issue has been giving the opposition more cracks at wearing down the defense and keeping the Denver offense on the bench.
“It all starts on third down, it all does, it affects everything,” Broncos defensive coordinator Jim Bates said. “We haven’t been very good at it, and that has been really hurting us.”
The Broncos’ defensive play on third down has declined as the season has progressed. It has been atrocious during a three-game losing streak. Against Jacksonville, Indianapolis and San Diego, Denver’s opponents have converted on 20-of-36 third- down opportunities.
“We have to get it lower,” Bates said.
In victories over Buffalo, then Oakland, Denver was solid on third down. The Bills converted only 3-of-11 times, and Oakland made six first downs in 16 third-down opportunities. Denver made key stops on third down late in both games. Next came the three-game streak.
“Overall, on defense we haven’t been good in these three games,” cornerback Dré Bly said. “We started out good in all areas and we won. Now, we’re not getting it done. That has to change.”
Bates and Bly said the team used last week’s bye and the extra practice Monday to work on all facets of the defense. Bates explains that if Denver can improve on third down, the entire defense will improve, and consequently the Broncos’ offense will be better because of more chances to strike.
“Everything will change if we improve there,” Bates said. “We’ll get off the field, and the offense will have their chance. We have to do the little things better.”
Without getting into specifics, Bates said there are schemes the team can use to improve on third down, but defensive line coach Bill Johnson’s philosophy remains simple.
“I’ve always said playing on the third is for big boys,” Johnson said. “It’s a big boy’s down. It’s all about getting it done and we haven’t done as well as we should have been doing in these last few games.”
Added defensive tackle Amon Gordon: “It’s really about execution and approach on third down. Teams have been running on us on third down because we have been giving up the run. If we stop the run better on first and second down, we’ll be in better shape on third down. It’s all about progression and execution. That’s where we’re failing.”
Denver is ranked 11th in the AFC and 26th in the NFL while allowing opponents to convert 46 percent of their third-down opportunities. New England (6-0) has the best third-down defense at 30.6 percent. Miami (0-6) is ranked No. 32, last in the NFL, at 53.8 percent.
“It’s very important to stop teams on third down,” Johnson said. “You won’t be successful if you don’t. Third down is the possession down. You can’t get off the field if you keep failing on third down.”
Bill Williamson: 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com
Third time, no charm
A look at the Broncos’ defensive woes on third down, with the number of attempts and conversions:
W/L Att. Conv.
Buffalo W 11 3
Oakland W 16 6
Jacksonville L 16 8
Indianapolis L 10 6
San Diego L 10 6
