Before the season, Head Coach Josh McDaniels and the coaching staff had a decision to make. Should the Broncos enter the season a 4-3 team, like they had been in 2008 and for many years before that, or make a switch to the 3-4 defense.
The way McDaniels saw it, the choice was simple. The Broncos didn’t have the pieces for a successful 4-3 defense this season.
“The way that they had played (in 2008), the style and the guys, we just felt like it wasn’t like we had a solid 4-3 defensive scheme in terms of our personnel to fit that scheme,” McDaniels said. “In other words, why take a year and (transition gradually) when it really wasn’t in place to begin with?”
So the transition began immediately, and players from Andra Davis to Robert Ayers to Vonnie Holliday were brought in for the way they fit the new 3-4 scheme.
The early verdict? The choice has paid off in spades.
Everyone, including McDaniels, expected there to be a learning curve in the transition, and players are quick to point out that they haven’t been perfect. But after two games, the defense has allowed just one touchdown and only 13 points. Opponents have averaged just 70 yards on the ground and less than 185 through the air. The club has snagged three interceptions, notched seven sacks, caused three fumbles and recovered two.
Not too shabby for a group that wasn’t getting much respect heading into the season. The unit still doesn’t get much national attention, and that might just be the way the players like it, and what makes them successful.
“I just think we’ve got a good group of guys in this locker room on that defense,” Holliday said. “Guys that are seriously in their playbooks, know where they’re supposed to be, dependable if you will. Guys that aren’t selfish. Guys that just do their job. Everybody doesn’t get the glory, like on that defensive line, there’s no write-ups today about how Ronald Fields is playing or how Kenny Peterson played or even (Ryan) McBean played yesterday. But guys are selfless and that’s what it’s all about. There are going to be those games where you have an opportunity to make a play, you make it.”
But even with the defense playing as well as it has, Holliday said the unit and the team as a whole isn’t prepared to get a big head.
He and the rest of the veterans along with the coaching staff are there to remind players that while they’re playing well, there have only been two games. There’s still a long way to go for the Broncos to get to where they want to be at the end of the season.
“Nobody can crown us anything right now except that we’re 2-0,” he said. “It’s still early in the season. We have to be consistent and go out week in and week out and get it done. Just one game at a time, just chip away at it. Before you know it, you see yourself in December and things could be looking pretty good.”
-Gray Caldwell, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: 3-4, Head Coach Josh McDaniels, Oakland Raiders, Vonnie Holliday, Week 3
USC_#1bf I said the same thing weird isnt it I think the only way are D will get respect is if we can win against NE,PITT,andIND and I think we can win all three of those games.
The switch could be fickle. Schemes and calls are working very well for Denver.
Pressuring Raiders should turn some balls around.
How they kept Holliday under wraps until he was healthy is amasing. He brings leadership and knowledge to a young crew.
There are teams coming that will expose the defense weakness or will they. Our outside LB’s are inexperienced but have really shortened the learning curve.
Payton Manning is the one that can find weaknesses an ANY team. Tom Brady is showing flaws because of the knee. Big Ben needs the rushing game to get his time….WAIT one game at a time.
ICEBERG, u know i thought i was the only one yelling at my tv last week for them 18 seconds they tried to take away lol.
But hey i love the comments i can literally feel the energy from the shared excitement about our team but lets not get ahead of ourselves. I mean I absolutely love the way we’re playing right now. The rushing game has really improved and we’re pulling it all together but we have a lot more to prove. We have to stay consistent and show guys (notably Jamie Dukes and the rest of the world) that we are really for real because i know I’m not the only guy who remembers the Bills going 5-0 and then finishing the season 6-10. So look lets stay consistent not get the big head and take these weeks one game at a time. Nobody’s easy so lets make sure that we do what we have to do.
P.S. Crazy performance by Doom ,freaking phenomenal now lets keep that play up!!!!!! Go BRONC’S!!!!
dlmyers I agree with you I just said those teams because we all know the (experts) say those are the best teams in the NFL . One game at a time is the best mind set Im glad are players realy go with that theirs no big head in the locker room.
bcrush so true about management/system over players. Just look at the raiders for example. Until Al davis gets out they probably wont win for a while even with all these top choices they get. Also look at difference in moss at NE vs past places.
While you need talented players a strong winning culture can be the difference.
Also doesn’t matter who you play, wins are wins as any team can be beat any week.
Broncos 2-0
Socnorb, thanks for the back up, the great majority of the fans is too enamored with the players to see it the way we do.
I for one am sick and tired of people saying the Broncos are a fluke at being 2-0. And that they haven’t really had a challenge yet. Tell the Packers that the Bengals aren’t a challenge!! And tell Min. that the Browns aren’t a challenge. Our D SHUT DOWN those teams and the Packers and Vikings both let up at least 20 points each.
Our D is FOR REAL. They will get it done. I’m confident now. Our O is working into its stride largely seen against the poor Browns D
The longer others think we are a fluke, the more teams we’re gonna beat as they won’t take us seriously. I think it’s a good thing and I take this opportunity to thank all the people who don’t respect us, you are right, we are not worthy, right Raiders?
what happen to the rookie blogs? didnt ryan torain pass it on to phonzy….anybody know whats up with that?
I believe we will win at chokeland. but we will have to earn that win. they just came off a big win on the road and ready to play at home we need to be prepared. their defense is good but not as good as ours. we also dont have our same offense as last year. we’re stll getting into our groove. these so called experts will have raiders beating up on us but thats not going to happen. our key is orton playing smart and better without that glove, knowshon on his game, and we have no injuries. russel cant throw if he tried. living in so cal i have a lot of raider buddies and they hate russel. he hold the raiders back so our d should have a great game. Go Denver. Go Broncos
Hey gang I’m back. I saw someone asked or mentioned my writing for Fan Huddle? They had postponed the opening of the site till October 1st due to technical difficulties. But if you wish, here is the link to Fan Huddle (it will be up , as I said, on the 1st) and also my email address at Fan Huddle, should you have questions, concerns or just want to drop in a question related to our beloved Broncos.
http://www.fanhuddle.com/
dthew@fanhuddle.com
As for me, I’ve had personal health issues (I was poisoned) and I’m just now getting into my old self, 3 weeks and 20 lbs. less, later. I did watch half of the game at the Broncos bar but started feeling poorly and went home (I’ve only been drinking water). But thanks to everyone for asking about me. Now on to business…. ahem….
Balinorcrush, yeah, I was against the Shanny firing initially, but I was of the mindset that I will give McD a chance. As they say in Missouri, “show me.” He is doing well & I softened my stance well before the season started & like yourself, have told the fans to support McD, till it’s time not to. As for Cutler, I, like everyone else, was shocked to see him go, but when the whole story came out about him, I no longer supported him & was one of those who was helping him pack his bags.
Denver is looking good so far. The D is gelling faster than most anticipated. I thought they might, due to the veterans they have on the team. I’m satisfied with the play of Kyle Orton, so far. I understand that throwing with the injured finger & the glove has got to be giving him problems. He lacks the velocity that he should have. Glove off, Ortons on. I feel that Marshall & Moreno will improve as the season goes on. They just needed to get familiar with the playbook. Sure glad Gaffney is back. Stokley is an animal. Orton & him have built the beginning his main WR. He is acting more like the #1 then a #3. Still the best slot receiver in the business. He is playing like every game is his last. Have to respect that mans play. He brings it to the table each game. Buckhalter has been playing well. Reminds me of his good play in Philly.
Oakland will be a test. Not because they are overly dominant or anything, but rather, because they always play Denver tough. Will it be different now that Denver is basically a new team? I think it could.
Oh, and my hats off to the Ravens for beating the Dolts. Gotta’ love it.
Hey gang, I just wrote a long post and now it’s awaiting moderation. Too funny. I’m not going to rewrite the thing. I just wanted everyone to know, FanHuddle opens Oct. 1 and you can catch me there. I also have an email address at Fan Huddle. It’s dthew@fanhuddle dot com.
Here is the link to Fan Huddle, should any of you decide to stop in & say hello and talk about the Broncos. Remember, Oct 1st, you can access the site.
http://www.fanhuddle.com/
i have that feeling that this is going to be a special year. GO BRONCOS!!!
Yea, you right Baylin, thats the closest im ever gonna come to praising Orton lol but I call it like I see it. Hopefully he improves and gives me more reason to praise him
We are still so slept on and I LUV it. Thought we could be a sleeper team this year and so far we headed in that direction. Optimistically predicted 10-6 but now I have hope that we can actually do it. So they can keep doubting us, we luv to fly under the radar until its to late. All ill say is 2-0. 2nd Defense, 8th Offense…..and we are still improving as our opponents get tougher. Still not a fan of McD (just something about him, i dunno) but he is slowly growing on me, no need to fight what u can’t change right? lol
THE SEASON IS OURS FOR THE TAKING
GO BRONCOS!!!
dead on 24is#1
the o will eventually catch on and play at an even higher level than last week. the D should be able to fix the few mistakes they made and play extremely well. they will need to because our schedule is very tough(steelers, patriots, colts, ravens, dallas(so so), giants, eagles)
however i think that they will do just great
let the “experts” tell their fantasies…this makes us underdogs…teams will be sleeping on us…the last laugh is always the greatest….
I’m very sure our D will keep that silly Raider offense in check..question is, can they contain our spread offense??..last year Eddie Royal alone showd that raider defense,(in that first game), we now have a new scheme and its proven to work..
Go Broncos
ryan torain is back and healthy and several teams have shown interest in him… man if this guy doesn’t get injured watch out
news flash guys our team has been 2-0 in 07 and 3-0 in 08 to start off the season so lets not get to excited just yet!
yea in 07 and 08 we had no D say what you will Ive said it from the start this team just has it !Will we win every game heck no but will we be in every game BET ON IT !!!!4 sacks count um 4 u know what that spells DOOM!!! and that are just getting warmed up this team will improve each and every week and when its down and second nature watch out. and McDaniels is a master mind on both sides of the ball(like it,hate it its true its true) these next few years will be a blast cant wait to shut all the haters up D-Town all day dont worry about 2 weeks from now JUST BEAT THE RAIDERS !!!!!!!!
You know, fans booing at Orton for his incompletions in the first half really disgust me. Why cannot we support our QB at all times? He is doing everything the Broncos are asking him to do. Be smart with the ball, don’t put your team in jeopardy, don’t force anything. He is doing just that. No, he’s no Jay Cutler. Jay Cutler has the arm of a god, but the brain of an ant. Orton has a brain like and elephant, and decent arm to wing the ball down field if necessary, but that’s not this team’s forte any longer. For all those fan’s booing, get used to it!
While it is early in the season, here’s a comparison of the four quarterbacks to this point:
Orton: 19.5 points per game, zero interceptions, 90.9 rating.
Brady: 17.0 points per game, two interceptions, 76.8 rating.
Cutler: 16.0 points per game, four interceptions, 71.5 rating.
Cassel (one game played): 10 points per game, two interceptions, 66.3 rating.
Hello!?!? 90.9 pass rating! 90.9!
Can’t wait for the “Legion of Doom” to get into full swing. Every year I hope the defense is for real, just to be disappointed. But this year, I know this is the start of a great Bronco defense. Let’s hope we stay healthy and the ball continues to bounce our way. How many games is Ed officiating for us this year?
I was just watching ESPN first take I know I shouldn’t because they are idiots. But they were talking about who is a bologna team at 2 0 and they said that Denver was bologna wich is so funny to me they said that because there just waiting for the team to fall apart. because the MCD will lose the locker room. The funny thing to me also is the power rakings that is a joke and a half they got team that have played horrible and have lost way ahead of us but we as Broncos fan we really know the truth
hey HolleyBronco I dont think I want Ed calling any games for us this year not after the way he called so many crappy penalties against us when we played the bears in the preseason.
bronco55, you forgot Orton has a the 4th qt. rate of 152.1
WHY CAN’T I GET EXCITED?
Stop telling us we can’t get excited! Those were 2 NFL teams we SHUT DOWN!
I know we have a challenging schedule ahead of us. Heck, we all know that.
Let us not sit idoly by and be passive in our play on the field or our CELEBRATORY CHEERS FOR THEM! DON’T GET EXCITED YET? WHAT ?????
Thank god this coaching staff isn’t coaching the way some are supporting!!!!
Can you imagine that? After a touchdown, Coach JMac tells the offense:
“Now settle down, it’s only 7 pts….”
COME ON BRONCO NATION GET EXCITED!!!!!
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
…..I just want to say, I wasn’t be negative towards anyone stating the obvious. I certainly don’t want to dissrespect anyone who is blogging.
I know what some of you are saying. I hear it all the time here in Chicago. Wether it’s the Bears or Cubs, many fans don’t want to cheer to hard because of the fear of being let down at the end.
However, that’s the glory in having a team that’s competitive. Yes the let down is horrible, but the ride getting there is so much fun!!!!!
I appreciate sincerely everyone’s comments on the blog!
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
Good morning fellow Bronco fans. I went to bed last night thinking about our team this year. I wondered about when/if Marshall was gonna pull his head outta his rear end and digest the playbook like any player devoted to his team would. And when they are gonna get Eddie Royal more involved in our offense. So when I woke up I began to do some digging. Did you know that Kyle Orton has a passer rating of 90.9 currently. And that he has only been sacked 3 times? Looks like the o-line picked up where it left off last year. Great job to everyone on the team. I’ve been very impressed with how things have gone this far. The defense has been better than I thought they’d be at this point. I wonder though, if we’re getting off a little easier than in years past due to the fact that teams don’t really know what to expect from us. Either offensively or defensively. And maybe, just maybe, this rotation we’re seeing at wr is a disguise to mask our true intentions of how we’re gonna be using those guys once the tougher part of our schedule arrives. I’m all about spreading the wealth, but I think that Marshall and Royal are 2 of the best wr’s in the league and not having them in most of the time is holding us back a little. Granted we’re 2-0 with things as they are, but I’ve seen what those 2 can do and I believe the sky’s the limit with them on the field. Not criticizing, just my opinion. Here’s to our continued success.
not being able to see the last game i can only go by what is written and what is on tv. imo we should be 3-0 no matter what. raiders, browns and bengals are all push overs. some fans have gone off the deep end and buying SB tickets, while in reality we have a lot to improve.
we are a very good team overall, much better than the last 3 or 4 years. if you can remember we got off to a good start but we hardley scored in the 4 qt last year, this year it seams that the coaches are making great half time adjustments and puting up points in the second half. even thow it would be less nerve racking if we could start out stronger in the first half.
i am not sure (i did not see the game) but not all of our O is in place yet. BM is our ‘TRUMP CARD’ we have not needed him yet, so why play it. we will need him badly in the cowgirls game and thats when i think MAC will unleash marshall. until then nobody know how to play him or us. i hope this is what is happening.
Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. Last season we started off fast too and it went down from there. Don’t get me wrong I love the way we are playing and I hope it continues to improve. This first part of the season we really need to get momentum and moral up cuz later this seaosn we’ll have a tougher schedule. I’m just saying lets not get too crazy “buying SB tickets.” Just remember that it is very easy to get humbled in this league. Lets go into Oakland and bust them up. Best case scenario is Miami beats SD and we beat OAK and were sitting on top 3-0 and SD is 1-3, OAK 1-3, and KC is 0-3.
brian_schneider:
I think Miami beating SD is a good possibility. I think those teams are evenly matched which tells me there is a 50% Miami can beat them.
I also think the Broncos are better than Miami, and they gave the Colts a run for their money. I think the Colts are a good team where I only put 2 teams in the Great category, that being Giants and Steelers – which tells me we went from bad to Good in 1 off season.
We will have to see how it all rolls out tho, as any given game day, who really knows what will happen!?!
Sorry previous post I have 4 games, should be 3 games:
DEN 3-0
SD 1-2
OAK 1-2
KC 0-3
….This is off the subject I know but I thought you guys would like to hear.
I live outside of Chicago in Illinois, so you can imagine the love affair this state is having with Cutler.
After the Green Bay game, the major sports radio station in the state was asking what the h*ll is with all the pouty faces Cutler shows. LOL! They actually had a contest on who had the worst “jerk” face. Him or Milton Bradley
Just thought it was funny….
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
Guys i love to hear that Mike Martz *spelling* is sticking up for us. he keeps defending us everytime we get brought up, and it makes me respect him. he said we have alot of improvement but were not getting the respect we deserve.
Man, are we in for a touch stretch after Oakland. Dallas, New England, San Diego, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh all is a row. I think we’ll win at least 2 of those games- unlike all the so-called “experts”. I wouldn’t really be that surprised if we won 4 of those games, though. Dallas should be winnable, New England could be beaten if they stay in their slump, San Diego is a bit questionable with their injuries. Baltimore and Pittsburgh will be tough games. I think we could beat Baltimore over Pittsburgh, as the Steelers should have Polomaulu (I have no idea how to spell his name) back by the time we play them. They are a lot better with Polomaulu. All this 2-6 at midseason stuff is bull. We’ll be at least 4-4 or 5-3. I’m not saying Denver will make a deep playoff run (but they could surprise everyone!), but we won’t be as bad as everyone seems to think we will.
Two things, real quick: I’ve said it before, Orton is there when you need him to be, and you need great quarterback play in the 4th quarter! Excellent points Baylinor and Broncs55.
Secondly, I’m not worried about Marshall. While he hasn’t done much in terms of big plays, he very quietly is leading the team in receptions with 7…which means that Orton knows he is the most gifted pass-catcher we have, and also that McD hasn’t given up on him. I hope he gets a new, incentive laden deal with a bunch of off-the-field behavioral clauses. So many times I’ve seen players elevate their games after getting big $$$. I don’t care what it takes, I want him out there running through and spinning around defenders.
Im with you Royal blue, not worried about Marshall either, he is leading in receptions even tho he is barely out there but when he is he does his thing and from his interview today it seems like he is dealing with it and not bitching like most diva recievers would, must have been something rod and shannon told him….after all like he said, you cant argue with results. All he can do is be ready to go when they need him. His time out there will increase as the weeks go bye….We should be more worried about Eddie Royal. Was here all off-season did his thing preseason, and knows everything. we need him to get some touches although with Marshall on the sideline they are prolly double teaming him now more. Shannon said it best, Marshall is our best playmaker…need to have him out there on the field.
TheRoyalBeast, as of right now, Marshall is not our “playmaker.” That would be the other Brandon, as in Stokley. It’s been reported that Marshall was taken out of the game for the 2nd quarter because he was running wrong routes & not completing his routes. The holding penelty didn’t help either. He is not being the best he can be. He has a long way to go. I refuse to give him credit till he has proven himself a team player.
DD, They say he is not comfortable with it, and he says he is. when he gets out there he does stuff. of course stokely does more, its a probability thing, he is out there more (this isnt to take away from how intensely he is playing). The holding didn’t help situation but it was good hussle, now if he hadnt even tried to block him then he would be “the best that he can be”….I personally like what he is doing now, he isnt arguing, doing what he is told and not “fighting the system”. And the playmaker parts were Sharpes words not mine but i do agree.
he wouldn’t** be “The best he can be” was what i meant to say…..sure he is not as upbeat as he used to be but they are paying him to play not for his personality so he is doing just that. Seems fine with it cuz he sure was celebrating with stokely after he had that 87 yarder in week 1. Just my take on the whole situation