If you had DeShawn Williams and Anthony Chickillo selected to make big defensive plays that led to a Broncos’ victory, well, it may be time to run to the nearest sports book.
When the Broncos opened against Tennessee, Williams was on their practice squad and Chickillo was on New Orleans’ practice squad.
But in Sunday’s 18-12 win over New England, Williams (36-of-57 snaps) had an interception and Chickillo (13 snaps) had a sack that moved the Patriots out of field goal territory.
Last week, defensive coordinator Ed Donatell saluted the Broncos’ position coaches for teaching up so many new faces in such a short period of time.
“Vic (Fangio) has put together a really good structure here,” Donatell said. “We’re looking at every change as an opportunity. Everybody is counting on us so you might as well come through.”
The entire Broncos defense came through, saving an offense that failed to score a touchdown and turned it over twice in the fourth quarter.
Here is a review of the game:
Offense
Lindsay’s return. Melvin Gordon’s absence (illness) thrusted running back Phillip Lindsay into the featured role after missing the previous three games (turf toe). Lindsay carried 23 times for 101 yards. The attempts were a career high and only the second time in 33 career games he’s had at least 20 attempts. Eleven of his carries gained at least four yards, including three nine-yard carries and one 20-yarder. He gained 20 to start a second-quarter drive when right guard Graham Glasgow pulled to left and blocked Anfernee Jennings.
Stretching the field. Lock’s first four passes all traveled at least 25 air yards. He started the game with a 41-yard completion to receiver Tim Patrick (31 yards downfield) and ended the opening drive with two incompletions to the tight end Albert Okwuegbunam in the end zone. Okwuegbunam should have caught the second one. In all, Lock was 4-of-11 passing for 109 yards and two interceptions in passes that traveled at least 16 air yards.
Patriots’ pass rush. New England rushed at least five players on 13 of Lock’s 27 drop-backs. Against extra rushers, Lock was 6-of-12 passing (one interception). The Patriots’ two sacks were 3.84 seconds and we split the blame between Lock and Glasgow and 2.46 seconds when Glasgow and left tackle Garett Bolles lost their blocks.
Third-and-long conversion. Entering Sunday, the Broncos were 4-of-24 on third down when needing at least eight yards. One of those conversions was a 27-yard catch on third-and-20 by Patrick against Tampa Bay. Patrick did it again vs. the Patriots, turning a third-and-21 into a 35-yard reception.
Big drop by Hamilton. Receiver DaeSean Hamilton is getting regular playing time because of injuries to Courtland Sutton (ACL, out for year) and KJ Hamler (hamstring, out two of five games). But he’s not capitalizing — three catches in 11 targets. He had a big drop in the fourth quarter when Lock perfectly placed a 31-yard throw down the right sideline that bounced off Hamilton’s chest for a drop.
Playing time story. Okwuegbunam played 24-of-64 snaps in his NFL debut. Patrick (59) and Jeudy (47) led the skill position players, followed by Lindsay (40), tight end Jake Butt (39) and Hamilton (39). The Broncos used at least two tight ends on 26 snaps, not including the three end-of-game kneel-downs.
Defense
Pressuring Newton. The Broncos rushed five or more players on 11 of Cam Newton’s 31 drop-backs. Newton was 4-of-8 passing for 28 yards and one interception against extra rushers. They posted 10 disruptions (four sacks and three knockdowns and pressures apiece).
Sack recap. Chickillo (4.41 seconds) was chipped by tight end Ryan Izzo, but was released and given a free run at Newton. … Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (2.82) bull-rushed left tackle Isaiah Wynn. … Outside linebacker Malik Reed (3.25) was chipped by Izzo before beating right tackle Justin Herron. … And Reed (3.13 seconds) beat Wynn.
Defending the run. Newton busted loose for one big run (38 yards), but the Broncos held the Patriots’ running backs in check — 15 carries for 41 yards. The Broncos had six run “stuffs.” Safety Justin Simmons had two and inside linebacker Josey Jewell 1 1/2 (plus a tackle for lost yardage in the passing game).
Ojemudia active. Rookie cornerback Michael Ojemudia had two forced fumbles, the first went out of bounds and the second was recovered by Simmons. Ojemudia played all 57 snaps and was targeted six times in man coverage — four completions for 55 yards. Cornerback Bryce Callahan was targeted once — his interception.
Special teams
McManus in rare company. Kicker Brandon McManus made all six of his field goal attempts on Sunday, tied for 11th in single-game NFL history. Tennessee’s Rob Bironas made eight field goals in a 2007 win over Houston. His makes were from 52, 25, 21, 30, 28, 43, 29 and 29 yards for a total of 257 yards (32.1-yard average). McManus’ day was much more difficult — his makes were from 45, 44, 27, 52, 20 and 54 yards for a total of 287 yards (47.8-yard average).
Two punts for Martin. Punter Sam Martin didn’t get to kick until the fourth quarter and he posted hang times of 4.46 seconds (31 yards) and 4.28 seconds (46 yards). On the second punt, P.J. Locke was penalized 15 yards for running into the punt returner.
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