Broncos reporter Mike Klis analyzes a key play from the Carolina Panthers’ 30-10 victory over Denver on Sunday:
The play: On the opening drive of the second half, the Panthers picked up two quick first downs while moving the ball to their 44-yard line. Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams ran left, only to bounce off the back of fullback Brad Hoover, who was pushed back by Broncos penetration. Williams cut back right, saw a wide lane in the middle of the field, made a cut left and exploded through. He sprinted in for a 56-yard touchdown run that gave the Panthers an insurmountable 27-10 lead.
Point/counterpoint: This was a classic case of Broncos defenders overpursuing, particularly defensive tackle Marcus Thomas and linebackers Mario Haggan and D.J. Williams. “That was the gap I was assigned,” said Thomas, who got turned around twice on the play. “I was supposed to stay backside, and it was my fault.” Left defensive end Elvis Dumervil didn’t overpursue, but it was his presence that caused DeAngelo Williams to cut in. The Broncos still could have held Williams to a minimal gain, but free safety Josh Barrett dived and missed his tackle. Broncos defensive backs Dre Bly and Marquand Manuel were unable to chase down Williams.
Future prospects: Can’t blame the coaches. The Broncos put on the perfect call. And for a while, the Broncos had the runner snuffed out. But it was a lack of backside discipline by the Broncos’ defense, and Barry Sanders-like instincts exhibited by Williams, that caused the play to break. Thomas wasn’t the only overeager Bronco. “We were coached up to stay backside,” he said. “Just the heat of the game, we were all trying to make a play.”
