Pass rush non- existent at Vegas
Add the pass rush to the evergrowing list of things the Broncos need to quickly address and fix.
In Sunday’s 37- 12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Broncos failed to post a sack for the first time this season and totaled only three disruptions, tied with Week 2 at Pittsburgh for lowest of the season.
Coach Vic Fangio went with a rush- four- and- cover- with- seven game plan against veteran Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. The Broncos rushed at least five players on only four of 31 dropbacks — the rate of 12.9% was their lowest of the year ( the previous low was 21.4% against the Steelers and Tampa Bay).
“Our pass rush overall and on third down in particular wasn’t quite good enough,” Fangio said. “We were rushing four because they’re a very good passing team. We were in coverages there to help with ( defending) their passing game and their good group of receivers.
“But… the pass rush wasn’t good enough for the most part.”
Carr was 6- of- 10 passing for 83 yards on third down. The ineffectiveness of the pass rush is illustrated by another goose- egg for outside linebacker Bradley Chubb and Carr’s 21- yard pass to Henry Ruggs — safety Justin Simmons was in man coverage on the left side, but Carr had 5.90 seconds to survey, slide around and eventually pass.
A DeMarcus Walker sack was negated by penalty, meaning Carr wasn’t officially knocked down either. The pressures were by Walker, outside linebacker Malik Reed and defensive end DeShawn Williams.
Here is the rest of our review of the Broncos’ loss to Las Vegas:
O-- EnsE
Under pressure. The Raiders rushed five or more players on only nine of quarterback Drew Lock’s 51 drop- backs ( 17.6%). They totaled 11 disruptions ( two sacks, five knockdowns and four pressures). The sacks came in 2.27 ( unblocked player) and 4.43 ( coverage) seconds. Right tackle Calvin Anderson was booked for 3 1/ 2 of the pressures. With sixman pressures, the Raiders produced a sack and two interceptions.
Going long. The only bright spot for Lock was his accuracy downfield. On passes that traveled at least 16 “air” yards, he was 5- of- 8 for 113 yards and one interception. The completions went for 17, 26, 27, 27 and 16 yards.
Interception stories. On Lock’s first interception, he looked deep middle to receiver KJ Hamler against Cover 2. In reality, Lock threw right into the coverage. Unknown is if Hamler should have adjusted the route to run underneath the two safeties. On the critical second interception ( goal- line late in the first half), it’s possible receiver Jerry Jeudy should have “run through” safety Jeff Heath to draw a penalty or break up the pass. The third interception, by Carl Nassib, was all on Lock. A defensive end,
Nassib dropped into coverage and Lock threw right to him.
First- half woes. They continued for the Broncos’ offense. First drive — one- yard dump off pass to running back Royce Freeman on third- and- 5. Second drive — three plays gained no yards to result in a field goal. Third drive — interception on third- and- 14. Fourth drive — Lock was sacked on third- and- 1. Fifth drive — Hamler one- yard catch on third- and- 3 ( perhaps detoured by his defender), resulting in a field goal. Sixth drive — interception.
PE- EnsE
Ojemudia sits. Six missed tackles in the previous two games earned rookie cornerback Michael Ojemudia a spot on the sideline — he didn’t play any of the 72 defensive snaps. Essang Bassey took over the third cornerback role ( 43 snaps), including the nickel spot to allow Bryce Callahan to stay outside. Callahan was targeted five times in man coverage ( two completions for nine yards). He was fortunate that Henry Ruggs and Darren Waller both dropped passes against him.
Second half adjustment. Throughout the second half, Fangio went with a different personnel package to account for the Raiders’ run game ( it didn’t really work). The Broncos basically went to a 4- 3 defense ( four down linemen, three linebackers, four defensive backs). Alexander Johnson served as the middle linebacker. The Broncos allowed rushes of one, eight, two, nine, two and 23 yards on the Raiders’ final drive while in that personnel package.
Game- sealing drive. Up 13- 6 midway through the third quarter, the Raiders put the game away with an 11- play, 78- yard drive. ( In the last three games, the Broncos’ defense has been on the field for nine drives of at least 10 plays compared to 10 in the first six games.) Josh Jacobs opened with an 11- yard carry against a nickel package. Carr threw 21 yards to Ruggs on thirdand4, followed by three Devontae Booker carries totaling 20 yards. After a penalty, on secondand- 18, the Raiders got 13 back on an easy pass to Jacobs. Two plays later, Jacobs waltzed in for a five- yard touchdown.
SsECiAn tEAms
Spencer’s adventure. Back from a shoulder injury that cost him three games, Diontae Spencer tried to make up for lost time on his opening kick return. Instead, he just lost yards. He caught the kick at the 2- yard line and reached the 14 before starting his adventure backward to the 5. Coupled with a penalty, the Broncos started their first possession at the 2.
Big tackle by Watson. One reason for the Broncos to keep inside linebacker Josh Watson on the active roster is he runs fast and packs a wallop. Covering a kickoff, he planted Jalen Richard ( who was shaken up on the play).