StcChief
12-02-2005, 09:02 AM
Gonzo needs a big day against Browncos.
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_3270511
Chiefs may take cue from Cowboys
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
DenverPost.com
Larry Coyer knows he's in a copycat business.
One team has success against you, and the next opponent is going to try to exploit the same potential weakness. It's inevitable.
In this case, the copycats could be the Kansas City Chiefs and star tight end Tony Gonzalez. They may try to emulate the success Dallas had with its tight end in Denver's last game.
"We're going to have to tighten it up," said Coyer, the Broncos' defensive coordinator. "The Chiefs are probably looking at the game film and saying they can do something there."
The something there could be plenty of receptions and yardage from Gonzalez. In Denver's 24-21 overtime victory at Dallas on Thanksgiving Day, the Cowboys' most consistent offensive weapon was Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten. He had nine catches for 82 yards and a touchdown.
Denver contained the Cowboys' running game, allowing 85 yards on 32 carries, and held quarterback Drew Bledsoe in check despite 44 pass attempts. But if Witten could succeed against Denver's timely, big-play defense, the Broncos are positive the Chiefs will try to unleash Gonzalez.
"Witten is very good. Gonzalez is great." Coyer said. "He was going to get the ball no matter what happened. Now they'll probably try to get him the ball even more."
After a slow start this season, Gonzalez has become a huge part of Kansas City's offense. Gonzalez has teamed with running back Larry Johnson - who has averaged 142 yards rushing the past four games - to carry the Chiefs. Gonzalez has 40 of his 58 catches in the past six games. His lowest yardage total in that stretch was 63 yards on four catches in a 26-16 victory over New England on Sunday.
Gonzalez wasn't much of a factor when the Broncos beat the Chiefs 30-10 in Denver on Sept. 26. Gonzalez, who has only one touchdown catch this season, had five catches for 29 yards against the Broncos.
"We did a good job against him in that game," Coyer said. "But we have to gear up."
For the most part, Denver's defense has been strong against tight ends this season. Before Witten's performance, the Broncos had held tight ends to less than five catches for seven games and hadn't allowed a touchdown to a tight end since the Dolphins' Randy McMichael scored in the season opener.
Broncos safety John Lynch attributes Witten's big day to the tight end's talent, but also to the Cowboys taking what the Broncos gave them. Witten often was open for short yardage; he had just one long reception - 18 yards.
"I'm sure Kansas City will notice it, but it was just how the game plan went," Lynch said. "The game plan changes every week."
There likely will be several defenders on Gonzalez, including linebackers and safeties. Last year, cornerback Champ Bailey was assigned some time on Gonzalez. Whatever the plan is, stopping Gonzalez will be a key goal.
"We all know what Gonzalez can do," rookie cornerback Domonique Foxworth said. "If they come at us with him, we won't be surprised. It's up to us to stop him."
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_3270511
Chiefs may take cue from Cowboys
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
DenverPost.com
Larry Coyer knows he's in a copycat business.
One team has success against you, and the next opponent is going to try to exploit the same potential weakness. It's inevitable.
In this case, the copycats could be the Kansas City Chiefs and star tight end Tony Gonzalez. They may try to emulate the success Dallas had with its tight end in Denver's last game.
"We're going to have to tighten it up," said Coyer, the Broncos' defensive coordinator. "The Chiefs are probably looking at the game film and saying they can do something there."
The something there could be plenty of receptions and yardage from Gonzalez. In Denver's 24-21 overtime victory at Dallas on Thanksgiving Day, the Cowboys' most consistent offensive weapon was Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten. He had nine catches for 82 yards and a touchdown.
Denver contained the Cowboys' running game, allowing 85 yards on 32 carries, and held quarterback Drew Bledsoe in check despite 44 pass attempts. But if Witten could succeed against Denver's timely, big-play defense, the Broncos are positive the Chiefs will try to unleash Gonzalez.
"Witten is very good. Gonzalez is great." Coyer said. "He was going to get the ball no matter what happened. Now they'll probably try to get him the ball even more."
After a slow start this season, Gonzalez has become a huge part of Kansas City's offense. Gonzalez has teamed with running back Larry Johnson - who has averaged 142 yards rushing the past four games - to carry the Chiefs. Gonzalez has 40 of his 58 catches in the past six games. His lowest yardage total in that stretch was 63 yards on four catches in a 26-16 victory over New England on Sunday.
Gonzalez wasn't much of a factor when the Broncos beat the Chiefs 30-10 in Denver on Sept. 26. Gonzalez, who has only one touchdown catch this season, had five catches for 29 yards against the Broncos.
"We did a good job against him in that game," Coyer said. "But we have to gear up."
For the most part, Denver's defense has been strong against tight ends this season. Before Witten's performance, the Broncos had held tight ends to less than five catches for seven games and hadn't allowed a touchdown to a tight end since the Dolphins' Randy McMichael scored in the season opener.
Broncos safety John Lynch attributes Witten's big day to the tight end's talent, but also to the Cowboys taking what the Broncos gave them. Witten often was open for short yardage; he had just one long reception - 18 yards.
"I'm sure Kansas City will notice it, but it was just how the game plan went," Lynch said. "The game plan changes every week."
There likely will be several defenders on Gonzalez, including linebackers and safeties. Last year, cornerback Champ Bailey was assigned some time on Gonzalez. Whatever the plan is, stopping Gonzalez will be a key goal.
"We all know what Gonzalez can do," rookie cornerback Domonique Foxworth said. "If they come at us with him, we won't be surprised. It's up to us to stop him."