Defense: 'It's a Pride Thing'

[Denver Native (Carol)]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Just because a team is undefeated doesn't make it content. And no Broncos are more frustrated with their recent performance than those on the defensive side of the locker room.

Forty-eight points. Five-hundred and six gross passing yards yielded to Dallas quarterback Tony Romo. At least 20 points allowed in each of the first five games, something that hasn't happened to the Broncos in 28 years. The Broncos flew home from Texas 5-0, but only half of the team was soaring.

"I understand it was a ‘W,’ but at the same time, it felt like a loss because of the points and the mental mistakes and stuff like that," said defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson.

rest - plus video - http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Defense-Its-a-Pride-Thing/f34eb46e-fad9-4e1d-85c8-80ce48ab4ee4

[Joel]

Good. They SHOULD be angry at themselves and demand better, even missing Champ and Miller and despite all the second half starter injuries. As bad as the second half was, giving up 20 points in the first was nothing to be proud of either, especially when we scored a TD to take a two score halftime lead, kicked to Dallas with under a minute left and watched the D give up a 40 yd pass that resulted in a FG. I don't know why our guys can't play Prevent, but evidently they still can't, and that's a problem with a quick scoring team (on that note, it was nice to see our opening drive of the second half eat half the quarter.)

Let's face it, there's a reason why we didn't want to give Dallas the ball back Sunday, not even for one play: Because one play is all it takes against our D right now. That needs to be fixed before the playoffs; hopefully it will be once the injuries and suspension end. But guys get hurt in December and January, too; that's just part of football. Overcoming it is part of championships.