Offense looks for faster start on road
The Broncos open their road schedule Sunday at Baltimore. Here is a Week 3 whiparound:
Pressing question.
Can the better than in Broncos start
Weeks 12?
The Broncos have punted on their opening possession in both games (sevenandpunt and threeandpunt). They’re not alone — 19 teams are also scoreless on their opening drives.
Last year, the Broncos had only one openingdrive touchdown and three field goals.
The Broncos got away with playing uphill in their two home wins. It could be a different story on the road.
Against Seattle, the Broncos converted a thirdand14 on their first drive to reach their 39 before a punt. Against Oakland, the Broncos could not convert a thirdand5.
“Our thought was to run the ball (on Oakland) a little bit and they were pretty stout,” offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said. “We found some more air in the front when we got them to get into a different front (with) different personnel. And then (we) also started throwing the ball down the field rather than just nibbling at them.”
That should be on Musgrave’s opening script. Get the Ravens into their sub personnel so Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay have some “air” to run against. And maybe open with a downfield shot.
Spotlight player.
Bradley Roby’s journey as the Broncos’ No. 2 cornerback has been difficult so far.
Week 1: Seattle was 2 of 2 for 31 yards (20yard touchdown) against Roby in man coverage.
Week 2: Oakland was 6 of 6 for 46 yards against him in man coverage.
The Ravens’ plan should be to run personnel that forces corner back Chris Harris to the slot and then go after Roby and Adam Jones/Tramaine Brock/Isaac Yiadom outside.
“The thing with Roby is always being consistent,” defensive coordinator Joe Woods said. “He has the ability to be a true No. 1 corner and I hold him accountable to that level. I expect him to shut down receivers. I expect him to make big plays. He’s doing well — he can just be a little more consistent.” Watch for …The Broncos ending Baltimore’s perfect red zone per centage. The Ravens enter Sunday with nine touchdowns in nine red zone possessions.
Citing statistics, Broncos coach Vance Joseph said Baltimore is the first team in 20 years to be at least 9 for 9 through two games.
“That’s amazing,” Joseph said. “They’re running the football (and) passing the football so it’s going to be a challenge, but we’re looking forward to it.”
Seattle and Oakland went a combined 2 of 4 in the red zone against the Broncos.
“We’ve kind of figured out what we’re good at in the red zone and that’s helped us play better there,” Joseph said.
Against Seattle, Harris and safety Justin Simmons had pass breakups. Against Oakland, they stopped Marshawn Lynch for a fouryard loss on a third down swing pass.
The Broncos have not called a red zone blitz this season.
Injury report.
The Broncos listed four players as questionable to face the Ravens: Jones (thigh), right tackle Jared Veldheer (concussion), linebacker Brandon Marshall (knee) and safety Dymonte Thomas (abdomen).
Joseph said Veldheer is “totally cleared from the (concussion) protocol and ready to go,” and he is “OK” with Jones and Marshall playing even though they missed practice time this week.
“They know our system,” Joseph said. “Their health is the most important (thing). It’s only Week 3 so we’re being smart with our guys so we don’t lose them longterm.”
If Jones is inactive, the Broncos will have a new punt returner. Special teams coordinator Tom McMahon was mum about a replacement although Lindsay and receiver DaeSean Hamilton caught punts during training camp.
“We feel good about what our plan is,” McMahon said. “We got it all handled.”