The Broncos defense could be better with Evero than it was under Fangio
Jun 8, 2022, 4:50 AM
The Denver Broncos had two players at the podium at UC Health Training Center on Tuesday, and both play up front on the defensive line. Defensive tackle Mike Purcell was the first one to talk to the media, followed by defensive end Dre’Mont Jones.
Both players have important roles for the Broncos defense, and Purcell knows it starts with a strong rush defense.
“To me, it is. There is certain scheme stuff that we can use to benefit our side of the ball, whether it’s leveraging fronts, or whatever it may be. To me, we have to have that run defense. It’s one of the biggest things, depending on the team that you may play (because) it may be a passing offense, but there’s always going to be runs in the game that you have to stop. If you don’t stop those runs, then it makes the game easier (for the other team) and cuts the time off,” Purcell said.
Here are my three biggest takeaways from Tuesday’s press conferences.
***
Pressures >>> Sacks
Pressures create turnovers, sacks create punts. Both are good, but which one is better? In my mind, pressures are much better. Most fans focus on sacks – and they are important – but take a look at how pressure can wreak havoc.
Most starting quarterbacks get rid of the ball in around 2.5 seconds. From snap-to-sack the average time is about 2.6 seconds. That means passers will get rid of the ball before a defender can get to him. If a defender can get pressure, that makes a quarterback move and that can cause him to throw an ill-advised pass or run into another defender.
Jones is built to create pressure. He’s strong and quick off the line of scrimmage, and when Jones sees a quarterback in his sights he has an extra burst to get to the passer.
"I'm consistent with being disruptive. I pride myself on that and I'm going to continue doing that. Those guys in my room inspire me to do that." Dre'Mont Jones #Broncos @1043TheFan
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) June 7, 2022
Jones is the type of player who can get pressure regularly. More importantly, Jones will get interior pressure and that can make any quarterback seem mortal. Jones will strengthen the edge and hold up against the run, but stunts and twists inside should be his calling card in what could end up a Pro Bowl season.
***
Throwback Chubb
Bradley Chubb is not a bust. The former No. 5 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft has yet to play up to his potential due to various injuries. His rookie season showed he could get off to a great start, and many (including myself) thought the sky was the limit after he registered 12.0 sacks.
Over the next three seasons, Chubb only has 8.5 sacks in 29 games combined. This offseason, Chubb is fully healthy for the first time in what seems like forever. He’s preparing to dominate in his contract year, and Chubb has the abiilty to be one of the most disruptive players in the game.
Chubb is trying to not only get his mojo back, but he’s trying to be better than ever. Staying healthy is the key for him. He’s healthy in practice, and Chubb has been impressing his teammates.
"You can tell (Bradley Chubb) is comfortable. You could tell last year. Now, he can bend, he can move. He's looking like he was during his rookie year." Mike Purcell #Broncos @1043TheFan
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) June 7, 2022
If Chubb does play like he did as a rookie that’s great news for the Broncos. I think this is Chubb’s last year with the Broncos no matter what happens. If Chubb plays great, he will get a huge contract in free agency the Broncos can’t afford since they must pay some guy named Russell Wilson. If Chubb gets hurt again and does not play up to his potential, the team will move on. The Broncos are in a Super Bowl window now, and Chubb’s play could help put them over the top.
***
Knock Em Back
The Broncos defense could be better under Ejiro Evero than they were under Vic Fangio. I don’t know why that’s such a bold statement to some because to me it seems almost automatic.
The Broncos defense had talent under Fangio, but they failed to perform at a high level. Now, under Evero there seems to be a better connection between players and coach.
These players on the defensive side of the ball continue to talk about the communication being different in this defense. They also continue to comment about playing on the other side of the line of scrimmage. Not only against the pass and creating pressure, this team wants to knock blockers into their backfield and be disruptive against the run.
"For us up front, we want to be explosive. We want to penetrate that offensive line. For us, if we can knock them back it makes that RB think even longer." Mike Purcell #Broncos @1043TheFan
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) June 7, 2022
Purcell is a big part of the run defense for the Broncos. He rotates in on the line in the middle, and he takes up a lot of space when he’s on the field. Purcell needs to stay healthy and if he does then opponents will find him tough to move – and they may find Purcell in their backfield more than they’d like.
***
