With first win out of the way, defense turns to takeaways
Through four weeks last year, the Broncos’ defense failed to create a takeaway during an 0- 4 start.
Through four weeks this year, the Broncos’ defense has only two takeaways during a 1- 3 start.
Only Houston ( zero) has fewer takeaways than the Broncos, who are tied with Las Vegas and Dallas. The Broncos’ minus- 6 turnover differential is secondworst in the NFL, ahead of only Dallas ( minus- 7).
“We take full accountability for that,” defensive coordinator Ed Donatell said. “We had a tough month.”
Both of the Broncos’ takeaways came in the Week 2 loss at Pittsburgh — an interception by safety Justin Simmons and fumble forced/ recovered by defensive end Shelby Harris/ safety Kareem Jackson — that led to 10 points.
“Really, the only thing that matters is what we do this week to help our team win and a major emphasis is catching the ball ( and) we have to attack ( the rushers),” Donatell said. “We really want to set up our offense for points. If we help them, good things are going to happen.”
Lock limited again. Quarterback Drew Lock ( right shoulder) was listed as a limited practice participant on Thursday.
Lock returned to practice on Wednesday and coach Vic Fangio said: “He did some individual drills and some throwing on the side. … We’ll keep judging it day to day.”
Fangio added: “Besides just the throwing, which is the obvious evaluator, you also have to know if he’s capable physically and mentally to take a hit or go to the ground.”
Normal preparations. The Broncos practiced as scheduled Thursday, but New England canceled a second consecutive day of in- person work due to positive COVID- 19 tests.
“I think everybody wants the game to be played on time as scheduled,” Fangio said. “We certainly do, but we understand with COVID(- 19), there is going to be improvising and adjusting that has to go on for everybody and this would be our turn to adjust if they change it, but we’ll be ready to go.”
Said Simmons: “Most of the guys who signed on for this season knew there would be some bumpy roads along the way.”
Footnotes. Nose tackle Mike Purcell’s new contract has been filed with the league and it’s worth $ 11.5 million over three years. Purcell’s salary cap numbers will be $ 3,546,875 in 2021 and ’ 23 and $ 3,796,875 in ’ 22, according to a league source…. Purcell ( knee) and outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu ( quad) missed another practice Thursday. “They’ll be questionable for the game,” Fangio
said. “Hopefully they’ll make some improvements in the next 24- 48 hours.” Attaochu missed the New York Jets game and Purcell played 48 snaps. … New to the injury report were inside linebacker Joe Jones and running back LeVante Bellamy, who were both limited because of knee injuries…. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur on Brett Rypien’s start against the Jets: “There were a couple of plays he would like to have back, but for the most part, I like the fact he is aggressive ( and) has a pretty good view of what’s going on in the game.” … Through his charitable foundation, Jackson will be donating $ 250 for every tackle in the month of October to the Denver- based Stomp Out Breast Cancer Foundation, which is dedicated to working with Black women who have been impacted by breast cancer.