3 Looks Ejiro Evero could use to maximize Broncos defensive talent
Denver Broncos short-yardage looks
When the game comes down to 4th and short or someone is knocking on the goal line, we have a wealth of guys we can count on to stuff the run.
These are high-pressure situations, and being able to field 11 personnel right for the job is a must. Goal-line stands often end up as a 4-4-3 alignment on defense, where down linemen try to engage all 5+ linemen, with backers hovering just behind the line to pounce and plug gaps.
The backs are often arranged in a triangle over the top to counter any play-action/outside pitch/screen attacks.
Starting in the middle, Mike Purcell is a prototypical nose tackle who has the bulk and push to anchor a stand. Definitely the kind of player who can soak up multiple blockers and hold his ground.
Flanking him, there are a lot of options but keeping the bulk in the middle, DJ Jones brings the most dominant physicality to the trenches.
DJ Jones is 6’0″ 321 pounds and is a leverage god who can use his body to seal up the middle as well, and between the two of them could eat up anything headed straight downhill.
With the biggest guys loading up the A gaps, we’ll want pressure mounting from the outside, and sealing the edges.
At defensive end, Dre’Mont Jones is perfect to do both and would be poised to crash whichever side of the line he’s on. Across from him, Uwazurike stands tall at 6’6″ 320 and would be a wrong way to charge if a runner wanted to try and leap over the pile.
He also had the second-most pressures in the Big-12 last year, and can absolutely push the backfield.
At outside linebacker, you want guys who can both set the edge and react quickly to the ball, and Bradley Chubb would be the choice candidate here. His size and speed will often make that side of the field a no-go.
Across from him, Randy Gregory is still the top option, as younger pass rushers often need to develop this aspect of their game, and his run defense is considered by many to be an underrated part of his skillset.
Inside, the mike is Josey Jewell, no question. Remember this play? Anyone who can starch Derrick Henry in the backfield like this should be calling the shots, and he has experience serving as a defensive play-caller as well.
Next, I’d actually want Alex Singletary for his stout run defense, though the athleticism of Baron Browning is a plus as well.
For the DBs, Justin Simmons remains the leader of this defense, and as a rangy burst tackler is a perfect option to take half of the sideline away.
In the center, K-Jack himself lives for downhill plays and big hits, and on the other side, Caden Sterns seems like the perfect option, as he’s good both in coverage, and attacking the ball.