Dre Greenlaw’s conspicuous absence and a disturbing trend for Vance Joseph’s defense. Parker Gabriel’s 7 thoughts after the Broncos’ Week 2 loss to Colts
The Denver Broncos entered Week 2 of the 2021 NFL season with high hopes after a convincing victory over the New York Giants in their season opener. However, their optimism quickly turned to disappointment as they suffered a tough loss to the Indianapolis Colts. There were several key factors that contributed to their defeat, including the absence of linebacker Dre Greenlaw and a concerning trend for defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s defenses.
One of the biggest blows to the Broncos in their Week 2 matchup was the absence of Dre Greenlaw. The talented linebacker had been a key player for the defense in the season opener, recording several tackles and making crucial plays against the Giants. However, Greenlaw was forced to sit out the game against the Colts due to a nagging injury, leaving a noticeable void in the Broncos’ defensive unit.
Without Greenlaw on the field, the Broncos struggled to contain the Colts’ offense, particularly in the passing game. Quarterback Carson Wentz took advantage of the depleted defense, throwing for over 250 yards and two touchdowns. The absence of Greenlaw also affected the Broncos’ ability to stop the run, as the Colts’ running backs were able to find holes in the defense and rack up yards on the ground.
In addition to Greenlaw’s absence, there was also a concerning trend emerging for Vance Joseph’s defenses. Joseph, who had previously served as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, has a reputation for fielding aggressive and opportunistic defenses. However, in recent years, Joseph’s defenses have struggled to live up to expectations, and the Broncos’ Week 2 loss only highlighted these issues.
One of the main problems with Joseph’s defenses is their inability to generate turnovers. In the game against the Colts, the Broncos failed to force a single turnover, allowing Wentz and the Indianapolis offense to move the ball at will. Turnovers can be game-changing plays that swing momentum in a team’s favor, and the lack of takeaways from the Broncos’ defense was a major factor in their loss.
Another concerning trend for Joseph’s defenses is their struggles on third down. The Broncos allowed the Colts to convert on several key third-down plays, extending drives and keeping the Denver offense off the field. Third-down defense is crucial in today’s NFL, as getting off the field quickly gives the offense more opportunities to score points. The Broncos’ inability to get stops on third down was a major reason why they fell short against the Colts.
Despite these issues, there were some bright spots for the Broncos in their Week 2 loss. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater continued to impress, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns. Bridgewater’s accuracy and decision-making were on full display, as he consistently found open receivers and moved the ball effectively down the field. The Broncos’ receiving corps also had a strong showing, with several players making key catches and contributing to the team’s offensive production.
On the defensive side of the ball, there were a few standout performances as well. Safety Justin Simmons had a strong game, recording several tackles and breaking up a pass in the secondary. Linebacker Bradley Chubb also made his presence felt, registering a sack and putting pressure on Wentz throughout the game. Despite these individual efforts, the Broncos’ defense as a whole struggled to contain the Colts’ potent offense.
Looking ahead, the Broncos will need to address their issues on defense if they hope to bounce back from their Week 2 loss. The absence of Dre Greenlaw was certainly a factor in their struggles, but the team will need to find ways to overcome injuries and execute better on the field. Vance Joseph will also need to make adjustments to his defensive scheme, as the Broncos’ performance against the Colts raised questions about the effectiveness of his game plan.
Overall, the Broncos’ Week 2 loss at Indianapolis was a disappointing setback for the team. The absence of Dre Greenlaw and the concerning trends for Vance Joseph’s defense were key factors in their defeat. However, there were also some positive takeaways from the game, including strong performances from Teddy Bridgewater and the receiving corps. As the season progresses, the Broncos will need to address their issues on defense and make improvements if they hope to compete in a competitive AFC West division.
Source: The Denver Post
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