Denver Native (Carol)
10-13-2008, 12:54 PM
http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=8462
DENVER -- The Broncos couldn't quite pull out a victory in the end, falling to the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday at INVESCO Field at Mile High, 24-17. Here are some quick hits from the contest.
FILLING IN
The Broncos came into the game on Sunday with several injuries to starters and key role players. Starting receiver Eddie Royal (left ankle), starting running back Selvin Young (left groin), occasionally starting tight end Tony Scheffler (left groin) and a key member of the defensive line rotation, Ebenezer Ekuban (left groin), were all inactive for the game.
But their replacements stepped in and produced in a game where it was necessary they do so. It's been well documented that Michael Pittman stepped in and played exceptionally at running back -- 109 yards on 20 carries along with 16 yards on three catches. But the production didn't end there.
Daniel Graham, who has started all six games for the Broncos this season, caught a touchdown in Scheffler's absence. Nate Jackson, the team's third tight end, made his third career start. He didn't catch a pass, but he found a way to get wide open streaking toward the left side of the endzone before a potential touchdown pass went over his head and just off his diving fingertips.
Kenny Peterson, part of the non-starting defensive rotation along with Ekuban, came in and was a difference-maker from the start. Peterson's second-quarter sack-and-forced-fumble put him in the lead on the team in sacks with three.
Three receivers joined to help replace Royal, and Darrell Jackson, Glenn Martinez and Brandon Stokley did an admirable job. They combined for eight catches, 67 yards and a touchdown. Then when Stokley left the game after a blow to the head, Jackson and Martinez had to do even more. Martinez filled in on punt returns, almost breaking one for a touchdown -- it was a 27-yard return. He had three returns for a total of 47 yards.
Head Coach Mike Shanahan said he was pleased with the effort of the players who stepped in.
"We lost a couple guys and a couple guys stepped up," he said. "Unfortunately we didn’t get it done."
DEFENSE SOLID IN OPENING FRAME
The Broncos defense remains one of only three units in the league -- along with undefeateds Tennessee and the New York Giants -- that has not allowed a touchdown in the first quarter. Through six games, they have allowed a total of six field goals in the quarter.
They also caused -- and recovered -- two fumbles and sacked the quarterback twice.
D.J. Williams said he was pleased with the little things, but overall he was disappointed that the team lost.
"We hung with them till late in the game, but in the end we couldn’t stop them on third downs and they were able to run the clock out," he said. "We played better defense today than we have been, and we fought hard in the second half. We just have to move forward and keep fighting."
Dre' Bly said he felt the defense was able to change the tempo of the game at times, and made some big plays, but when it's not enough for a victory, it doesn't matter as much.
"It's tough to lose again like we lost (Sunday) -- we kept fighting, kept battling and we still had a shot at the end, but those guys were able to overtake us," Bly said. "It's tough. But like I say, at the end of the day we're still 4-2, still at the top of our division. We still have a lot of football left to be played and still can play great games. We're going to evaluate this game and just try to get better for next week."
ORANGE AND BRUISING
The offensive line has been fairly dominant through the first six games of the season. Sunday was no different, as they once again performed well, paving the way for a 100-yard rusher and not allowing a single sack. It marked the fourth time out of six games that the team has not allowed a sack. The unit has only allowed two sacks on the season, and they lead the league with a 0.9 sack percentage per pass play.
The fact that no one really addresses the offensive line after games is a good sign that everything is going well. When no one has to think about the unit's performance after a win or a loss, it's a sign of solid, steady play.
One of the key components of the line has been rookie left tackle Ryan Clady. He was called for his first holding penalty of the season in the first quarter, which was just his second penalty this year. Clady, who has started all six games this season, has not allowed a single sack.
INJURY REPORT
Stokley left the game, and it was reported afterward that he suffered a concussion.
"I got slammed to the ground and the back of my helmet hit the ground," Stokley said.
He said after the game that he was still feeling the after-effects.
"I still don't feel good," he said. "When you have a brain injury like that, you just need time to let it heal up."
Shanahan said he hopes that Royal will be ready to go when the Broncos travel to New England for a Monday night matchup this week.
DENVER -- The Broncos couldn't quite pull out a victory in the end, falling to the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday at INVESCO Field at Mile High, 24-17. Here are some quick hits from the contest.
FILLING IN
The Broncos came into the game on Sunday with several injuries to starters and key role players. Starting receiver Eddie Royal (left ankle), starting running back Selvin Young (left groin), occasionally starting tight end Tony Scheffler (left groin) and a key member of the defensive line rotation, Ebenezer Ekuban (left groin), were all inactive for the game.
But their replacements stepped in and produced in a game where it was necessary they do so. It's been well documented that Michael Pittman stepped in and played exceptionally at running back -- 109 yards on 20 carries along with 16 yards on three catches. But the production didn't end there.
Daniel Graham, who has started all six games for the Broncos this season, caught a touchdown in Scheffler's absence. Nate Jackson, the team's third tight end, made his third career start. He didn't catch a pass, but he found a way to get wide open streaking toward the left side of the endzone before a potential touchdown pass went over his head and just off his diving fingertips.
Kenny Peterson, part of the non-starting defensive rotation along with Ekuban, came in and was a difference-maker from the start. Peterson's second-quarter sack-and-forced-fumble put him in the lead on the team in sacks with three.
Three receivers joined to help replace Royal, and Darrell Jackson, Glenn Martinez and Brandon Stokley did an admirable job. They combined for eight catches, 67 yards and a touchdown. Then when Stokley left the game after a blow to the head, Jackson and Martinez had to do even more. Martinez filled in on punt returns, almost breaking one for a touchdown -- it was a 27-yard return. He had three returns for a total of 47 yards.
Head Coach Mike Shanahan said he was pleased with the effort of the players who stepped in.
"We lost a couple guys and a couple guys stepped up," he said. "Unfortunately we didn’t get it done."
DEFENSE SOLID IN OPENING FRAME
The Broncos defense remains one of only three units in the league -- along with undefeateds Tennessee and the New York Giants -- that has not allowed a touchdown in the first quarter. Through six games, they have allowed a total of six field goals in the quarter.
They also caused -- and recovered -- two fumbles and sacked the quarterback twice.
D.J. Williams said he was pleased with the little things, but overall he was disappointed that the team lost.
"We hung with them till late in the game, but in the end we couldn’t stop them on third downs and they were able to run the clock out," he said. "We played better defense today than we have been, and we fought hard in the second half. We just have to move forward and keep fighting."
Dre' Bly said he felt the defense was able to change the tempo of the game at times, and made some big plays, but when it's not enough for a victory, it doesn't matter as much.
"It's tough to lose again like we lost (Sunday) -- we kept fighting, kept battling and we still had a shot at the end, but those guys were able to overtake us," Bly said. "It's tough. But like I say, at the end of the day we're still 4-2, still at the top of our division. We still have a lot of football left to be played and still can play great games. We're going to evaluate this game and just try to get better for next week."
ORANGE AND BRUISING
The offensive line has been fairly dominant through the first six games of the season. Sunday was no different, as they once again performed well, paving the way for a 100-yard rusher and not allowing a single sack. It marked the fourth time out of six games that the team has not allowed a sack. The unit has only allowed two sacks on the season, and they lead the league with a 0.9 sack percentage per pass play.
The fact that no one really addresses the offensive line after games is a good sign that everything is going well. When no one has to think about the unit's performance after a win or a loss, it's a sign of solid, steady play.
One of the key components of the line has been rookie left tackle Ryan Clady. He was called for his first holding penalty of the season in the first quarter, which was just his second penalty this year. Clady, who has started all six games this season, has not allowed a single sack.
INJURY REPORT
Stokley left the game, and it was reported afterward that he suffered a concussion.
"I got slammed to the ground and the back of my helmet hit the ground," Stokley said.
He said after the game that he was still feeling the after-effects.
"I still don't feel good," he said. "When you have a brain injury like that, you just need time to let it heal up."
Shanahan said he hopes that Royal will be ready to go when the Broncos travel to New England for a Monday night matchup this week.