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Lonestar
08-20-2010, 03:28 PM
Mock 4-3 employed as a prep strategy
Broncos "D" swaps its own scheme to get ready for six of next seven opponents.
By Lindsay H. Jones
The Denver Post
POSTED: 08/20/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT


As the Broncos held their final full practice of training camp Thursday morning, coaches found themselves trying to balance two objectives: Get the team better while still managing to prepare for preseason and regular-season opponents.

That means at times swapping out the defense's familiar 3-4 scheme (with three linemen and four linebackers) for the four-man front (with only three linebackers). That's what the Broncos will face in six of their next seven games, including Detroit on Saturday.

The Broncos spent the first two weeks of camp working against their own base defense, which features Jamal Williams at nose tackle and pass-rushing outside linebackers.

But with games against Detroit, Minnesota, Jacksonville, Seattle, Indianapolis and Tennessee between now and Oct. 3, learning to play against the 4-3 is the priority. Only the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Broncos' preseason opponent on Aug. 29, lines up in a 3-4.

"You've got to be versatile and be able to adjust," quarterback Brady Quinn said. "You really have to be on top of your game, and it really tests you and challenges you as a quarterback."

Detroit, despite winning only two games in two seasons, has an improved defensive line that should be a challenge to the Broncos' young offensive line, with rookie starters J.D. Walton at center and Zane Beadles at left guard. The Lions' line includes star rookie defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and end Kyle Vanden Bosch, who signed as a free agent after five seasons in Tennessee.

"They haven't been shy about talking about the fact that they want the strength of their defense to be on their defensive line," coach Josh McDaniels said. "It's not just the players are good; it's a different scheme than what we see out here."

Lindsay H. Jones: 303-954-1262 or ljones@denverpost.com

Front range

The 3-4 defensive scheme has been the hot defense in recent seasons, and 15 NFL teams now run it as their base defense. A look at the Broncos' schedule and which defense the team will face:
4-3 opponents: Jacksonville, Seattle, Indianapolis, Tennessee, Oakland (twice), St. Louis, Houston.

3-4 opponents: Baltimore, New York Jets, San Francisco, Arizona, Kansas City (twice), San Diego (twice).

Lindsay H. Jones, The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_15834778

gobroncsnv
08-20-2010, 06:28 PM
"They haven't been shy about talking about the fact that they want the strength of their defense to be on their defensive line," coach Josh McDaniels said.

Statements like that about Detroit makes one think they are finally serious about becoming a good team. If the dline ain't there, then the d ain't there.