Linebacker D.J. Williams has returned to the team, and Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway is confident that Williams has remained in top shape during his time away.
In Tuesday’s episode of Elway Access, hosted by Broncos TV’s Chris Hall, Elway said that Williams “has been working out hard” during the suspension, but it’s still important to ease him back into the game.
“You can only get in football shape by playing football,” Elway said. “That’s why it’s important to work him in there slowly. This time of year, those linebackers take a lot of hits. He is going to be able to give those guys some time and some rest and not take that beating that they take. But we have to work him in there. We can’t give him too many reps. We’ll slowly work him in there and we’ll see how he fits.”
Elway also spoke on another Broncos linebacker during the 30-minute podcast. After a stellar performance against Carolina, linebacker Von Miller garnered praise from the boss.
“I’m not sure one guy can block Von Miller,” Elway said. “I think it takes two guys because he is that athletically gifted and has such a great feel to get there. He is powerful and fast, and I’m just thrilled he’s on our team.”
Elway continued to praise the performance of the defense and special teams as he reflected on last week’s 36-14 victory at Carolina.
Offensively, while the unit has come a long way since the start of the season, he looks for more consistency.
“We go back to how good the defense has been on third down, but offensively it’s important for us to get better,” Elway said. “We were three-for-13 on third downs last week, so that’s always a big indicator offensively of how you’re doing — if you continue to keep the offense on the field and you put first downs together. It wasn’t what we wanted, but we got a win. It’s always about the consistency on the offensive side.”
Addressing the upcoming game against the Chargers, Elway cited a couple different aspects that make Sunday’s matchup particularly critical. Most importantly, the Broncos have an opportunity to increase their divisional lead to three games and also snag the tie-breaker against San Diego.
He also pointed out San Diego’s recent string of success in Denver. On Sunday, the Broncos will look to end a streak of three consecutive home losses to the Chargers.
“They don’t mind playing here,” Elway said. “We have to change that this week.”
Tags: Elway Access, Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway, Week 10, Week 11
Well I for one am excited to see what DJ can do… I know this has been frustrating with all his off the field issues but there is a reason management kept him around…. The man is talented and he will help this defense! He is clearly on his last life here in Denver, and I am a believer that he will realize he wont get it any better then he has it right now and I think the depth he adds will really help this team as we approach the playoffs. This guy is one of our most complete linebackers and I see huge things for the rest of the season from DJ!!!
As for the rest of this team, I am jus so excited for the direction we are headed. You have got to love a 22 point victory when our offense wasnt really clicking. That says we have a complete team and I would love a chance at Hou or NE again in the playoffs… This team has what it takes to be great and I am enjoying every single minute of the ride!!!
LETS GO BRONCOS!!!!!!
P.S. If you would like a laugh go to the Panthers site and check out some of their fans blog posts…. That team is in shambles and they are calling for everyones head including Cams lol… Makes me really happy to be a Broncos fan!! Our team is heading upwards every week and I really cant wait to see where the ride takes us!! Hopefully New Orleans baby!!!
ILMSDB!!!!!!!
i think the chargers are in for a beatdown this sunday… Peyton throws for 350 and 4 TD, Decker and Thomas both go over 100 on defense Miller adds 2 more sacks and the secondary gets 2 more picks
34-14 Denver over SD
Peyton is just too hot and the defense WAY too hot for this to be a close game
I’ve missed the last 2 games. Traveled alot on the weekends this season. But ive been able to watch the highlights. Glad to see another win on the board. This is one of the few seasons ive missed so many games and been so out of touch. Almost didn’t know what our record was. Just so much work and life going on. But im glad to see the team geting better with every week. Looking forward to finally watching game on sunday. Been too long. Been so long I almost have to refresh my self on our roster situation lol. But the Broncos are playing at a High Level and Much like 98, we might be seeing the falcons in the superbowl … which is ironic as the last team JE beat as a player was them and in the superbowl in which he retired.
Im also interested in this game because I was a big fan of Denario Alexander coming out of college. Wanted us to get him. He has been doing some thigns for the chargers. Talented kid, just has bad knees. I believe he is still wearing knee braces. Anyway, looking forward to the game
Later days, TRB
Good Morning Broncos Country!!
Broncos/Chargers matchup on Sunday will be a tough fight.
Turner’s and his boys are backed into a corner and will come out scrapping. With that said, it’s time to dig deep and take advantage of home field! The home crowd is certainly looking forward to this matchup!
Been awhile since Broncos last beat the Chargers at home.. (2008 – I believe). Thanks Ed Hochuli.
On defense, Ayers/Jackson should be able to spell Elvis if he’s not ready.
Elvis has had great success in the past vs. Chargers but no need to push him if he’s not at 100%.
Defense has been impressive and it’s great to see them playing as one unit.
Good to see you on her TRB!!
Weather should be at about 55/56 degrees for kickoff on Sunday !!
See you at SAFAMH!!!!
GO BRONCOS!!!!
** on here TRB***
As a fan since Elway started and watching the games from the armchair with Grandpa when I was 4 it has been gratifying to see the Broncos have so much success over the past 28 years. This team has what it takes to get to the SB again and it really is because of P. Manning. Of the past 10 Super Bowl winners, 9 had a HOF QB….the game has become one in which you MUST have that player. It takes more to Win the Super Bowl than just the QB, but it’s nearly impossible without him. The defense is good, special teams is good, running game may be good enough, but Manning puts the team over the top. This is the best chance we’ve had in a long time, so let’s enjoy it!
Schmidt. You hit it right on the head. That trip to the AFC championship game in ’05 pales in comparison to what this team is capable of. Look what the Bengals did to the Giants and we went in there and broke them down. It was tough but we did it. My only concern is how our defense hold up to Brady and such. I just hope we can keep getting better so when we do meet those teams in the playoffs we are a formidable force. Let’s get past SD first though. This will be a tough game.
Cant wait for this game!!! with williams back, our run stop & pass rush gets even better!!
I don’t mean to jump the gun but I just want to touch on what TRB said about the super bowl….. Since the big game is in New Orleans this year. I’d like for us to make it there and face the 49ers. A team that stomped us back in 1990 55-10.
Now with that out of the way I’m back to here and now. So I look fwd to our team using this Sunday’s game as another building block/stepping stone. Continue the streak and finish strong!
I still don’t get how DJ’s return helps the defesive numbers? Especially since he will see less than 25% of the defensive snaps.
I can’t wait for this game on Sunday. Time for our boys to play lights out and bury the Chargers……..nothing would please me more. Taking a 3 game lead, which would essentially be a 4 game lead with the head-to-head, we will all but sew up the AFC West title. I cannot for the life of me see our team collapse in the final 6 games considering we play the Chiefs twice, the Raiders and the Browns.
All the media heads were picking the Chargers and the Chiefs of all teams to win the division………..I can’t wait to see them all eat crow.
We are in position to win out………I mean the games against the Ravens and Bucs will be the toughest tests…..but I certainly don’t see them as unwinnable.
GO BRONCOS!
RH……I think DJ will really help our D down the stretch. Maybe not so much right away, but as he knocks off the rust, he’ll make an impact. He certainly won’t hurt the team.
I feel that D.J. should have to earn his position back. The Bronco defense has been playing very well without him. I don’t want him to come in and change the chemistry of the defense. The defense is doing just fine without him, I forgot he was even gone. Not a big D.J. fan. He’s like Mays, he gets caught out of position alot.