Broncos’ Strategy Against Raiders' Tight End Brock Bowers
Without Pat Surtain II available, the Broncos used a rotating defensive approach to contain tight end Brock Bowers. Head coach Vance Joseph planned from the outset to share Surtain’s responsibilities among multiple players.
Last Sunday in Houston, Denver successfully managed man-to-man coverage without the reigning defensive player of the year, as cornerbacks held their assignments and safeties Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones neutralized deep threats.
Thursday Night Challenge Against Bowers
The real test came Thursday night versus the Raiders, who rely heavily on Bowers as their offensive weapon. With Surtain sidelined again due to a pectoral strain, cornerback Riley Moss was not the sole responder.
“The toughest job with him is getting him tackled,” Joseph said of Bowers. “You can kind of cover him with a safety or a defensive back body, but can you get him on the ground after he catches the ball?”
Defensive coordinator Joseph implemented a rotating coverage, utilizing multiple players to try to limit Bowers after his standout performance the previous Sunday with 12 catches and three touchdowns against the Jaguars.
- Barron covered Bowers on a critical third down during the Raiders’ first drive.
- McMillian took turns shadowing him in the slot during the first quarter.
- Moss also shadowed Bowers on an alignment in the Raiders’ second drive.
Score Update
Broncos 7, Raiders 7: Both teams punted on their opening drives of the second half on Thursday Night Football.
Author's summary: The Broncos used a rotating defensive scheme to compensate for Pat Surtain II’s absence and effectively contained Raiders’ tight end Brock Bowers with multiple defenders working in coverage and tackling assignments.