Long passes paid dividends against Jacksonville
If it looked like the Broncos were taking more shots downfield in last week’s loss to Jacksonville, the eyes weren’t lying.
Per The Denver Post’s game charting, quarterback Joe Flacco attempted nine passes that traveled at least 16 yards in the air; he had nine combined attempts in the first three games.
Flacco was 4- of- 9 passing against the Jaguars on downfield attempts for 110 yards with completions of 39 and 16 yards to Emmanuel Sanders, 28 yards to DaeSean Hamilton and 27 yards to Courtland Sutton.
“Each game, you have to attack it the best you can,” offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello said before practice Thursday. “In our home stadium and the style of defense ( the Jaguars) played, I think it lent to us being able to push the ball downfield and, tactically, it didn’t put us at risk for negative plays.”
The absence of Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey ( back injury) played a role.
“It was a big deal when Ramsey didn’t play,” Scangarello said. “That effected the game and it affects you as a play- caller. That allowed us to do some different stuff we probably couldn’t have been able to do ( if Ramsey had played).”
In losses to Oakland, Chicago and Green Bay, Flacco was 4 of 9 for 150 yards on downfield throws and also drew a 24- yard pass interference penalty on the Bears.
The Broncos enter Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers with 10 completions of at least 25 yards, tied for ninth- most in the league.
Lock’s progress.
Quarterback Drew Lock, on injured reserve ( wrist), is eligible to return to practice later this month. He has been an every- day presence on the practice field.
“You have to be creative when a guy is out like ( Lock) is, whether it’s in the meetings or on his own and there is technology that we use — different things those guys use that we did in San Francisco that any back- up has to do,” Scangarello said. “If you watch practice, the back- up ( Brandon Allen) hasn’t gotten a rep in three weeks — you just don’t in the NFL.
“If Drew was here ( practicing), he’d have to learn visually and through Joe and through the film and then on his own, finding ways to do that by mentally taking reps and being creative with how he can be better at what he needs to be better at. I think he’s done a good job at that and we’ve had a plan all along and he’s executing it.”
Footnotes.
Linebacker Josey Jewell ( hamstring) didn’t practice again Thursday. … Receiver Emmanuel Sanders said his quad felt “much better” and he was full go for practice. … Fangio said right tackle Ja’Wuan James, who began practicing Wednesday from a knee injury suffered in Week 1, is “highly questionable” to play Sunday and added James “maybe” will play in Week 6 against Tennessee.