tk13
09-22-2005, 02:52 AM
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_3050443
Green may be tough to blitz
Quick release key factor for Chiefs QB
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
At first glance, the Broncos' sudden bonanza of sacks in their brilliant defensive performance against San Diego in the second half Sunday was the byproduct of blitzing.
But blitzing was only a part of the package Denver put together in its 20-17 victory on the way to recording four sacks and holding the Chargers to 41 yards in the second half. Denver will need more than the blitz to have success Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High.
What made blitzing Chargers quarterback Drew Brees effective was the Broncos were able to stop the run on first and second downs, allowing flexibility to come with a blitz when they chose.
"I don't even know how many times we blitzed Brees," Broncos defensive coordinator Larry Coyer said. "But we did it just enough."
Timing is everything.
"You just don't blitz and think you're going to succeed," Broncos defensive line/tackles coach Andre Patterson said. "You have to make sure it's the right time. Some of our sacks Sunday didn't come on blitzes. Do we want to blitz? Yes, but in the right situation."
The right situation may not come often against Kansas City quarterback Trent Green, who has a quick release and typically is not affected by the blitz. Green has been blitzed 18 times this season and has completed 13 passes for 175 yards on those downs. He has been blitzed an average of nine times a game this season, tied for 23rd among quarterbacks.
Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer is 14-for-28 for 149 yards on blitzes and New England's Tom Brady and Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb each have been blitzed a league-high 41 times.
"There are certain guys you blitz more, but Green isn't one of them, usually," Coyer said. "He'll eat you up if you plan on blitzing him all game."
So what can be done to stop Green and the high-powered Chiefs?
"Balance, and being quick and fast to react," Coyer said.
"Against the Chargers we were quick and fast. So we have to be quick and fast again."
Several Broncos players said their success against the Chargers was not predicated on the blitz.
"When you have to blitz, it's a bad deal," safety John Lynch said. "You want to have options."
To have options, however, you have to perform on first and second downs. Against the Chargers, Denver shut down the Chargers' running attack on second down. On third down, obvious passing situations, the Broncos had the luxury of not having to show their cards.
"We could have brought our front four or brought everybody," Lynch said. "When you can do that, you can have success."
With the quick release of Green, the controlled passing game that features star tight end Tony Gonzalez and the clock-eating running game of Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson, the Broncos know a different game plan may be necessary.
"We did great last week, but it's a new week," defensive tackle Gerard Warren said. "We're facing a new attack, and that means we have to find a way to attack a new way. Whether that's through the blitz or not, we have to adjust. We did it against San Diego, and we have to do it again."
Green may be tough to blitz
Quick release key factor for Chiefs QB
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
At first glance, the Broncos' sudden bonanza of sacks in their brilliant defensive performance against San Diego in the second half Sunday was the byproduct of blitzing.
But blitzing was only a part of the package Denver put together in its 20-17 victory on the way to recording four sacks and holding the Chargers to 41 yards in the second half. Denver will need more than the blitz to have success Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High.
What made blitzing Chargers quarterback Drew Brees effective was the Broncos were able to stop the run on first and second downs, allowing flexibility to come with a blitz when they chose.
"I don't even know how many times we blitzed Brees," Broncos defensive coordinator Larry Coyer said. "But we did it just enough."
Timing is everything.
"You just don't blitz and think you're going to succeed," Broncos defensive line/tackles coach Andre Patterson said. "You have to make sure it's the right time. Some of our sacks Sunday didn't come on blitzes. Do we want to blitz? Yes, but in the right situation."
The right situation may not come often against Kansas City quarterback Trent Green, who has a quick release and typically is not affected by the blitz. Green has been blitzed 18 times this season and has completed 13 passes for 175 yards on those downs. He has been blitzed an average of nine times a game this season, tied for 23rd among quarterbacks.
Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer is 14-for-28 for 149 yards on blitzes and New England's Tom Brady and Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb each have been blitzed a league-high 41 times.
"There are certain guys you blitz more, but Green isn't one of them, usually," Coyer said. "He'll eat you up if you plan on blitzing him all game."
So what can be done to stop Green and the high-powered Chiefs?
"Balance, and being quick and fast to react," Coyer said.
"Against the Chargers we were quick and fast. So we have to be quick and fast again."
Several Broncos players said their success against the Chargers was not predicated on the blitz.
"When you have to blitz, it's a bad deal," safety John Lynch said. "You want to have options."
To have options, however, you have to perform on first and second downs. Against the Chargers, Denver shut down the Chargers' running attack on second down. On third down, obvious passing situations, the Broncos had the luxury of not having to show their cards.
"We could have brought our front four or brought everybody," Lynch said. "When you can do that, you can have success."
With the quick release of Green, the controlled passing game that features star tight end Tony Gonzalez and the clock-eating running game of Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson, the Broncos know a different game plan may be necessary.
"We did great last week, but it's a new week," defensive tackle Gerard Warren said. "We're facing a new attack, and that means we have to find a way to attack a new way. Whether that's through the blitz or not, we have to adjust. We did it against San Diego, and we have to do it again."