Review: The Broncos’ pass protectors were unable to withstand pressure during their loss to the Lions.
Review: The Broncos’ pass protectors were unable to withstand pressure during their loss to the Lions…
When defender Ifeatu Melifonwu swooped in unblocked for the strip sack on Denver’s opening offensive play in the team’s 42-17 loss to the Detroit Lions on Saturday, the starting quarterback for the Broncos went to the right on a naked bootleg. After recovering the ball, defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs raced 33 yards into Broncos territory.
Pro Football Focus reports that Melifonwu’s sack, which resulted in 22 pressures and two sacks, set the tone for the Detroit defense’s ultra-aggressive style of play throughout the game, even though the Lions were unable to capitalize on the turnover.
“They got us out of our run game and (brought) pressure from different spots, so when we were in 11 personnel, (the Lions) did a great job,” tight end Adam Trautman said.
NFL Game Recap: Broncos vs. Lions, December 16, 2023
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The defense of Detroit has given up 28.3 points in their previous three games going into Saturday. On Saturday, however, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and his staff pulled a switch that left the Broncos’ pass-protectors straining to keep up. Only 75 yards were gained by Denver in the first half, and they didn’t start to play until the Lions had taken a 21-0 lead.
The success of the Lions’ pass rush was mostly due to their defensive backs. There were times when Melifonwu, rookie defensive safety Brian Branch, and cornerback Kindle Vildor put pressure on Wilson during blitzes.
With 12:31 remaining in the second quarter, Vildor was set up to face rookie wide out Marvin Mims Jr. on first-and-10. In an attempt to force an incomplete pass from Wilson, he raced into the backfield at the snap.
Detroit used a two-deep safety look later in the second quarter, with four defenders beneath. Melifonwu broke through the gap to force Wilson to attempt an incomplete pass on third down, and the Lions responded with a five-man rush.
“They haven’t done it (before), so it kind of surprised us,” Trautman remarked.
Despite not having a sack on Saturday, second-year defensive end Aidan Hutchinson caused a lot of disruptions off the edge, recording a team-high five pressures and four hurries.
Head coach Sean Payton stated, “They pressured a lot (on second down), and it was effective at times.” “We didn’t measure up. Although I am aware of the Lions’ difficulties over the past three or four weeks, they performed admirably tonight.
The offsides call against Denver in the red zone, Payton’s ranting at Wilson from the sidelines, and the head coach’s choice to not contest McLaughlin’s reception or Javonte Williams’ rush attempt close to the goal line will all be recalled from Saturday. The Broncos put themselves in a position from which they would be difficult to escape, even if one of those two plays ended in a score. And they may attribute that to the Lions’ defense.
Detroit was excellent at pressing Wilson, and the Lions were also successful at stopping Denver’s main offensive weapon, the run game. The Broncos managed just three yards per rush and were limited to 83 yards on 28 carries. Earlier in the week, Payton stated that Detroit’s unique brand of physicality on the field is a reflection of head coach Dan Campbell. On Saturday, Williams demonstrated such qualities as he was frequently greeted by many defenders whenever he touched the ball.
Glenn made a great call, and Campbell stated, “We felt that there were a few wrinkles in it that would be beneficial to us, and they were.”
Extra Points: Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Lions got an easy route to the end zone with 24 seconds remaining in the first half as a wide receiver. When the Broncos cornerback dropped back, St. Brown had Ja’Quan McMillian covering him in the slot. He took advantage of the opening and scored on a 15-yard touchdown throw from quarterback Jared Goff to take a 21-0 lead.
A recurring motif emerged in the play as Goff exploited the Broncos defense in the middle of the field. Three of quarterback Jared Goff’s five touchdown passes, per Pro Football Focus, occurred there.
Inside linebacker Josey Jewell of the Broncos remarked, “It goes back to fundamentals and keeping your eye on your guy.” They are an excellent team that draws your attention in the wrong direction. Certain forms that we will encounter are examples of things that we only need to comprehend.
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Keeler: Sean Payton of the Broncos did not simply walk away from his group. Jerry Jeudy, a wide receiver with the Broncos, had his best game of the season, hauling in three passes for 74 yards on seven targets. He quit on Broncos Country amid a playoff chase. Despite receiving little praise, Jeudy’s performance provides a foundation for future work.
In the first quarter, Jeudy got going. On the outside, he was positioned next to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. In order to lure the defender, Sutton broke free to the left. Meanwhile, Jeudy found space on a slant route, caught a pass from Wilson, and ran down the field for a 40-yard gain. Later in the game, Jeudy made receptions of 19 and 15 yards. He was positioned in the slot on both catches and managed to elude opponents for wide-open catches.
Payton saw that the Lions frequently double-teamed Sutton, and he anticipates that the defense of the New England Patriots will do the same on Sunday. If that’s the case, Jeudy may have opportunities.
• How did you live your life before Nik Bonitto? Outside linebackers Jonathan Cooper and Baron Browning had to shoulder a significant workload while the Broncos’ second-year edge rusher was sidelined due to a knee injury. Against the Lions, neither player saw much time off the field—Browning played 60 defensive snaps, while Cooper played 56. Sanders only played 11 defensive snaps, despite looking like he should have more playing time on the edge. Sanders is still a work in progress, despite the Broncos liking his potential. This is evident from his playing time.
