Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Paul Bright.
Speaker 2 (00:00):
Tonight big matchup on Sundays, the Indianapolis Colts traveled to
Denver to take on the Broncos and look, really for
both teams, kind of a must win situation year obviously
for the Colts six and seven, and must win for
them to just maybe potentially get within one game of
Denver and have the potential tiebreaker over them. For this conversation,
we're going to head out to our ka Common Spirit
Health hotline and bring in ESPN's Colts insider Stephen Holder.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
Stephen, how's it going going?
Speaker 3 (00:26):
Well? How about you?
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Fantastic look obviously Sunday's game. You know here in Denver,
we've been all talking about it. This has been kind
of the scene that this is probably the biggest game
for the Broncos in the last five six years, and
there's so much at stake, but also for the Colts,
a big game for them both teams coming off the
bye week. What's the general vibe so far this week
on the Colt side of things, Yeah.
Speaker 3 (00:49):
Much much the same. It's you know, they've played in
a few big games the last couple of years. They
had basically a play in game in Week eighteen last year,
they had a chance to win and get in three
years ago. They failed in both instances. So this is
a chance maybe to rectify some things that they potentially
at least some things that have gone wrong for them
(01:11):
in big games late in the season. But they're not
ducking the importance of this game. You know, we usually
get the you know, one game at a time, et cetera,
et cetera. They have been surprisingly honest about this and
they know that this.
Speaker 4 (01:26):
Is essentially a playoff game for them.
Speaker 3 (01:29):
They have their remaining games are against the Titans, Giants,
and Jaguars. They'll be favored in all of those, but
even winning all of those, if they went out, if
they lose this one, it puts them in a tough spot.
So they've been honest about that and they know what
the stakes are now.
Speaker 5 (01:46):
When it comes to the Colts running game, it hasn't
really been exactly where I guess anyone expected it to be,
and the Broncos have not run the ball well this game.
What kind of what is the mindset for the team
coming into this week? Know one is so that has
been one of the issues that has troubled them all
year long, being able to hold down to get the
run well.
Speaker 3 (02:06):
I really think they have to get back to that,
and I would say that it's not really been I
think the fault of Joas and Taylor as much as
at least in recent weeks, I think the offensive line
has really had some struggles. They've had multiple personnel losses
between injuries and personal matter with Braden.
Speaker 4 (02:28):
Smith, their right tackle has been a little problematic as well.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
He won't play on Sunday, at least we don't anticipate
that he will, so he's one of their better run blockers.
That's a big loss. You've had Quentin Nelson kind of
hanging in there on the left side, but he's been
in some instances because of injuries, he's been surrounded by
rookies on either side of him. So you have that
all throw out there left guard. But then they've had
(02:53):
a rookie left tackle at times, the rookie center at times.
So it's been a rough go and it has taken
a toll both on the passing game and the running game.
So but I do think there'll be a little bit
better personnel wise than the offensive line this week. They
can get back to running the ball at least a little.
Speaker 4 (03:10):
Bit efficiently that that's going to take some pressure off.
Speaker 3 (03:13):
Of Anthony Richardson, who has had to bail them out
and their last two losses on the final drive of
the game.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
Well, some of the things we're looking at as well
coming off the Broncos more recent game. We all saw,
the whole world saw Jerry Judy go off, and we've
been monitoring. Obviously Ridley Moss a non participant in practice
for two consecutive days. His status for a Sunday's game
is likely not going to be He's not gonna likely play.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
In that game here.
Speaker 2 (03:35):
So in factor in obviously Michael Pittman junior, you talk
about obviously Alec Pierce right now who's leading the team,
and then Josh Downs, you know, returning this week to practice.
Look at these three wide receivers here for the Colts,
and part of me is thinking, okay, hey, this is
gonna be a challenge here for Denver because of the
fact no Riley Moss. Obviously there's Pats or Tan, but
with Anthony Richmond. The one thing I've seen this Colts team,
(03:56):
and I've been watching him as of late, they love
to take that downfield shot and they certainly can connect
on it. What is Josh Downs being back in the
lineup mean for guys like Pittman and al Pierce, Well, it.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
Does create some opportunities with those downfield shots because you
can't just concentrate on Alec Pierce. Look, he's not going
to catch a lot of balls. Pierce, He's not a
big guy in terms of targets, but he definitely can
take the top off. Now, when Josh Downs is not
out there, you can kind of sort of pay a
(04:28):
little more attention to Pierce and you're kind of more
aware of where he is. But when Downs is out there,
they move him around a lot. He catches balls in
the middle of the field. He can also stretch the
field some. He's in motion a lot, so he gives
you a lot to deal with there, and so it
just complicates the picture for the defense. So he really is,
(04:50):
I think has been their best and most important wide
receiver this year. Michael Pittman is coming off i mean
three thousand yards in the last three seasons, so I
mean he's been a big producer for them, no question,
But he's been dealing with a real recurring back injury
all season and hasn't been himself Josh Downs has been
(05:11):
the guy who has been the chain mover for this
team when they need to when they absolutely have to
have a play, they've been going to Josh Downs. That
being said, Pittman has been getting a little better, maybe
stealing a little bit.
Speaker 4 (05:22):
Better in recent weeks and now has.
Speaker 3 (05:24):
Had to buy so perhaps he is further along physically.
But again, it's not a world beating group of receivers,
but I think it's a group that punches a little
bit above its weight in terms of you know, maybe
not having a big name, but guys who I think
you definitely have to prepare for.
Speaker 5 (05:43):
Well, let's see keep the momentum there as far as
punching and boxing metaphor as a concern, and talk about
Anthony Richardson because you know, with his skills said from
a passing standpoint and just sheer size as a run
of the quarterback, he gives the calls a punch. What
should the Broncos defense be concerned about as though you've
(06:04):
seen Anthony Richardson grow, especially since we saw him when
I say he tapped out of the game against the Texans, how.
Speaker 6 (06:12):
Has he grown and what the Broncos defense need to.
Speaker 4 (06:15):
Worry about well.
Speaker 3 (06:16):
I just think he's been a guy who I think
a little bit of the weight has been lifted off
of him.
Speaker 7 (06:22):
I saw a guy early in the season who, in
my view at least, was pressing too much. You know,
you get these Jett quarterbacks, and Bob Nixon has done
a good job of not doing this, but you get
a lot of these young quarterbacks and there's so much
pressure on them, and sometimes it's too much. And I'm
not saying that's why they benched him, but I do
think it was affecting him. And so when he was
(06:44):
benched and he came back, it almost freed him from
that where he just said, whatever happens happens. And I
do think he's playing more loosely now and he's not
burdened by that, and it's been good for him. He's
played better because of it at least, so leave some
park because of it. So what I see is a
guy who's making better decisions. And the other thing that
(07:06):
the Colts this is a combination of Richardson and coach
Saint Sich and they have really leaned into the quarterback
run game, and they have just kind of leaned into
that and not tried to sort of tiptoe into it
like they were.
Speaker 3 (07:22):
Now, that doesn't mean he's going to run it fifteen times,
but you could see him running eight to ten times.
In terms of designed runs, they most designed runs have
gone up three or four per game since he's come
back on average, So that's I think a sign that
that's a weapon for them. And when they have had
to have first downs, when they'd have to go and
(07:44):
get a first down, third downs or fourth downs, what
have you. In clutch situations, they have very often kept.
Speaker 7 (07:50):
The ball in his hand and.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
Say go get that first down. And he has done
it pretty routinely, So you got to be ready for
that at all times.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Es been Colts insider Steven Holder with us on the
Kawa Commas Spear of Health, holland last one for you here, Steven,
I look at this defense. I'm a defensive guy. Knicks
a defensive guy. I'll look at the Colts defense. I'm
sure there's been some injuries at times, but I look
at the personnel here and I just keep thinking to myself,
it is way too talented with the guys that they
have to be struggling as much as they are.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
What is it a scheme issue. What's going on with
the defense.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
Well, it's a good observation, and I agree. I think
there's sort of two ways to look at this, two
sides of the coin. On the one hand, they are
bottom five in yards allowed. I mean they're letting teams
go up and down the field to the point where
I mean you're just wondering, all right, you know, just
going to be the drive that beats them, you know?
Or are they going to find a way to get
(08:42):
a stop? Finally it gets sucked every single Sunday. But
on the other hand, I believe there are seventeenth in
points allowed. It doesn't make any sense, but part of
it is they get some turnovers and they find ways
to make big plays at critical moments. Now, that's a
really hard way to live and oftentimes you can't survive it,
(09:06):
and that's been their problem at times. But I agree
with you they have underachieved. I feel like on defense
they will point to them getting critical stops when they
need them. But I think when you give up as
many yards as the Colts do, there are going to
be instances where you don't get those stops and you're
going to give up critical scores and that's been a
(09:27):
little bit of an issue for them this year. So
I agree with you totally in terms of your characterization
of the defense.
Speaker 6 (09:33):
All right, Steven, I'm gonna put you on the spot
just a little.
Speaker 5 (09:36):
The Colts win the game on the road here in
denbro on Sunday if they do what.
Speaker 3 (09:42):
Well. I think, if they prevent a big play on
offense number one, and I think if Anthony Richardson can
avoid the turnovers. Those are the two things I think
they got to do when they've lost. Those are the
areas that I think have undermined them the most. So
we'll say if they can pull that off, those are
the two for me, the two hallmarks of a winning
(10:03):
effort for the Colts.
Speaker 2 (10:04):
Broncos Colts this weekend, big game for both sides. Steven,
thank you so much for your time here today, And
obviously if you're a Broncos fan tuning in, you want
to check out Steven and follow along to see what's
the latest on on injuries, Josh Down's making progress in
practice as well.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
Big matchup, Stephen, Thank you once.
Speaker 3 (10:19):
Again right here.
Speaker 7 (10:20):
You got it all right, Nick.
Speaker 1 (10:21):
I mean, look, this is a big game, and I
like the fact you also.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
Brought up the fact about Anthony and Richardson too, because
this is something I've been talking about all week long
as well, since being benched and since having that, like
that moment.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
Of Okay, I shouldn't have done what I did. The
culturalized really quickly. Ah, Joe Flacker was just not it.
We gotta stick with our young guy here.
Speaker 2 (10:41):
Do you feel like based on watching him play in
the last handful of games.
Speaker 1 (10:44):
Since that's happened, I've just noticed a little bit more
spark about him.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
But in particular if it's second and two, if it's
third and one, he's the.
Speaker 1 (10:52):
Guy I'm keen for.
Speaker 2 (10:53):
Look, you have to account for Jonathan Taylor, but I'm thinking, wow,
quarterback power here, That's the one thing I'm keeping my
eye on because that is what they ran the last
couple of weeksespecially against the Jets defense.
Speaker 5 (11:03):
Yeah, I mean, obviously you think about that because of
Anthony Richardson's ability as a runner, and he's a guy
that weighs about two hundred and forty four pounds, so
he's not.
Speaker 6 (11:12):
An easy man to bring down.
Speaker 5 (11:14):
But we think about Tennessees, So what happens in this
game is about who can break their Tennessees because like
you're saying, and just like Stema said, you know, on
those third down plays when they need to have a play, Now,
they're gonna go to Anthony Richardson to pull that off.
Speaker 6 (11:29):
But you got to be really careful about that. And
this is the game that you started to break.
Speaker 5 (11:32):
Tennessee's if you're Shane Sykein, because you put that on tape.
Speaker 6 (11:36):
Visually, you see a more I guess.
Speaker 5 (11:41):
Dedicated should I say Anthony Richardson based on what we've seen,
but he knows that he ruled his opportunity, but luckily
the team is coming.
Speaker 6 (11:49):
Back to him, giving him a second opportunity.
Speaker 5 (11:51):
And once again, this is one of those times where
you're seeing they run an RPO. You think he's gonna
run the ball, he steps back, DB's linebackers fall asleep.
Speaker 6 (11:59):
Now there's a shop.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (12:01):
So this is where the Broncos are gonna have to
be great once again with their eyes but more importantly
open field tackling, right because once again, I mean, I'm
not saying Athony Richardson is Cam Newton, but Dan Well,
he's the sillize that Cam Newton almost, So you have
to make sure that you don't end up on this hotlight.
Speaker 6 (12:21):
That's the one thing I would worry about.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
Yeah, and look, I was talking to Broncos players in
the locker room yesterday and really the focus was because
he's a big buddy, like he's mobile, but he's not
like Lamar Jackson mobile, right, but he's heavy mobile like
he is, he's gonna fall forward, right, So what do
you what do you have to do?
Speaker 1 (12:36):
What's your coaching point?
Speaker 6 (12:37):
Right?
Speaker 2 (12:37):
It's first guy, make contact, drive your feet.
Speaker 1 (12:41):
Everybody's got a rally in tackle with you two here.
Speaker 2 (12:44):
And I think that's one thing when I've watched the
Broncos this year, They've done a really good job of
their pursuit. They've done a really good job of rallying.
I know that's gonna be an emphetis, but you know
what I think we will see this week.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
We might see a lot of counter from the Colts.
That might be something to keep an eye on.
Speaker 6 (12:58):
Well, when you when you.
Speaker 5 (12:59):
See a lot of you take advantage of the aggressitives
of the defense. And knowing that the Broncos have done
a great job from a pressure rate sam point with
Zach Allen being able to penetrate that's where you take
advantage of. You let those guys get up feel and
you run outside. You put those corners someone of them
on the island, and you force them to be tacklers
and not just oh I made.
Speaker 6 (13:21):
The tackle on this one down. Coach.
Speaker 5 (13:22):
No, no, no, We're gonna see if you're gonna be
a consistent tackle because now you got Anthony Richson and
you got Taylor running the ball as well. So can
each single guy understand their run fits first and foremost
be in your lane. And if you are an interior lineman,
can you hit shed get that guy off of you,
and then run and chase and make it play.
Speaker 6 (13:43):
Those are things that are going to be important for
this Broncos defense.
Speaker 1 (13:46):
Well, and look Denver's defense to the last couple of weeks.
Speaker 2 (13:48):
They're seeing more max protection, they're seeing extra chip help.
I mean, for example, Cleveland did a really good job,
but they would come out in a two back set here,
Alan Shakam, you know they have they'd have a David
Njoku in and they'd have Jerome Ford or Nick Chubb
and then they would motion those guys to empty on
the edge. And so what they're doing is they're chipping,
Nick Benito, Jonathan Cooper, and then sometimes they're putting the
(14:10):
tailback and the running back to the same side, so
you're getting a tight end ship, you're getting the tailbackship,
and then you're working the one on one there with
the offensive tackle. All of that to negate the outside
pass rush, and I think that's where we saw Cleveland
kind of take advantag a little bit. They maximize their
chip opportunities. But then when we're asked to cover for
a certain amount of time, you got to be in
good position. And certainly Denver had a couple of miscommunications
(14:33):
on the back end. Sometimes they weren't in necessary in
the right spot. Technique wise, there's a lot we're gonna
break down. I even want to ask you something we're
gonna talk about here as well later on about who
should start a corner this week if Riley Moss does
not play, But we're gonna talk see you Travis Hunter,
Shooter Sanders, and obviously them in their bowl game against BYU.
That is coming up here on Broncos Country tonight.
Paul Bright.
Speaker 2 (00:00):
Tonight big matchup on Sundays, the Indianapolis Colts traveled to
Denver to take on the Broncos and look, really for
both teams, kind of a must win situation year obviously
for the Colts six and seven, and must win for
them to just maybe potentially get within one game of
Denver and have the potential tiebreaker over them. For this conversation,
we're going to head out to our ka Common Spirit
Health hotline and bring in ESPN's Colts insider Stephen Holder.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
Stephen, how's it going going?
Speaker 3 (00:26):
Well? How about you?
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Fantastic look obviously Sunday's game. You know here in Denver,
we've been all talking about it. This has been kind
of the scene that this is probably the biggest game
for the Broncos in the last five six years, and
there's so much at stake, but also for the Colts,
a big game for them both teams coming off the
bye week. What's the general vibe so far this week
on the Colt side of things, Yeah.
Speaker 3 (00:49):
Much much the same. It's you know, they've played in
a few big games the last couple of years. They
had basically a play in game in Week eighteen last year,
they had a chance to win and get in three
years ago. They failed in both instances. So this is
a chance maybe to rectify some things that they potentially
at least some things that have gone wrong for them
(01:11):
in big games late in the season. But they're not
ducking the importance of this game. You know, we usually
get the you know, one game at a time, et cetera,
et cetera. They have been surprisingly honest about this and
they know that this.
Speaker 4 (01:26):
Is essentially a playoff game for them.
Speaker 3 (01:29):
They have their remaining games are against the Titans, Giants,
and Jaguars. They'll be favored in all of those, but
even winning all of those, if they went out, if
they lose this one, it puts them in a tough spot.
So they've been honest about that and they know what
the stakes are now.
Speaker 5 (01:46):
When it comes to the Colts running game, it hasn't
really been exactly where I guess anyone expected it to be,
and the Broncos have not run the ball well this game.
What kind of what is the mindset for the team
coming into this week? Know one is so that has
been one of the issues that has troubled them all
year long, being able to hold down to get the
run well.
Speaker 3 (02:06):
I really think they have to get back to that,
and I would say that it's not really been I
think the fault of Joas and Taylor as much as
at least in recent weeks, I think the offensive line
has really had some struggles. They've had multiple personnel losses
between injuries and personal matter with Braden.
Speaker 4 (02:28):
Smith, their right tackle has been a little problematic as well.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
He won't play on Sunday, at least we don't anticipate
that he will, so he's one of their better run blockers.
That's a big loss. You've had Quentin Nelson kind of
hanging in there on the left side, but he's been
in some instances because of injuries, he's been surrounded by
rookies on either side of him. So you have that
all throw out there left guard. But then they've had
(02:53):
a rookie left tackle at times, the rookie center at times.
So it's been a rough go and it has taken
a toll both on the passing game and the running game.
So but I do think there'll be a little bit
better personnel wise than the offensive line this week. They
can get back to running the ball at least a little.
Speaker 4 (03:10):
Bit efficiently that that's going to take some pressure off.
Speaker 3 (03:13):
Of Anthony Richardson, who has had to bail them out
and their last two losses on the final drive of
the game.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
Well, some of the things we're looking at as well
coming off the Broncos more recent game. We all saw,
the whole world saw Jerry Judy go off, and we've
been monitoring. Obviously Ridley Moss a non participant in practice
for two consecutive days. His status for a Sunday's game
is likely not going to be He's not gonna likely play.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
In that game here.
Speaker 2 (03:35):
So in factor in obviously Michael Pittman junior, you talk
about obviously Alec Pierce right now who's leading the team,
and then Josh Downs, you know, returning this week to practice.
Look at these three wide receivers here for the Colts,
and part of me is thinking, okay, hey, this is
gonna be a challenge here for Denver because of the
fact no Riley Moss. Obviously there's Pats or Tan, but
with Anthony Richmond. The one thing I've seen this Colts team,
(03:56):
and I've been watching him as of late, they love
to take that downfield shot and they certainly can connect
on it. What is Josh Downs being back in the
lineup mean for guys like Pittman and al Pierce, Well, it.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
Does create some opportunities with those downfield shots because you
can't just concentrate on Alec Pierce. Look, he's not going
to catch a lot of balls. Pierce, He's not a
big guy in terms of targets, but he definitely can
take the top off. Now, when Josh Downs is not
out there, you can kind of sort of pay a
(04:28):
little more attention to Pierce and you're kind of more
aware of where he is. But when Downs is out there,
they move him around a lot. He catches balls in
the middle of the field. He can also stretch the
field some. He's in motion a lot, so he gives
you a lot to deal with there, and so it
just complicates the picture for the defense. So he really is,
(04:50):
I think has been their best and most important wide
receiver this year. Michael Pittman is coming off i mean
three thousand yards in the last three seasons, so I
mean he's been a big producer for them, no question,
But he's been dealing with a real recurring back injury
all season and hasn't been himself Josh Downs has been
(05:11):
the guy who has been the chain mover for this
team when they need to when they absolutely have to
have a play, they've been going to Josh Downs. That
being said, Pittman has been getting a little better, maybe
stealing a little bit.
Speaker 4 (05:22):
Better in recent weeks and now has.
Speaker 3 (05:24):
Had to buy so perhaps he is further along physically.
But again, it's not a world beating group of receivers,
but I think it's a group that punches a little
bit above its weight in terms of you know, maybe
not having a big name, but guys who I think
you definitely have to prepare for.
Speaker 5 (05:43):
Well, let's see keep the momentum there as far as
punching and boxing metaphor as a concern, and talk about
Anthony Richardson because you know, with his skills said from
a passing standpoint and just sheer size as a run
of the quarterback, he gives the calls a punch. What
should the Broncos defense be concerned about as though you've
(06:04):
seen Anthony Richardson grow, especially since we saw him when
I say he tapped out of the game against the Texans, how.
Speaker 6 (06:12):
Has he grown and what the Broncos defense need to.
Speaker 4 (06:15):
Worry about well.
Speaker 3 (06:16):
I just think he's been a guy who I think
a little bit of the weight has been lifted off
of him.
Speaker 7 (06:22):
I saw a guy early in the season who, in
my view at least, was pressing too much. You know,
you get these Jett quarterbacks, and Bob Nixon has done
a good job of not doing this, but you get
a lot of these young quarterbacks and there's so much
pressure on them, and sometimes it's too much. And I'm
not saying that's why they benched him, but I do
think it was affecting him. And so when he was
(06:44):
benched and he came back, it almost freed him from
that where he just said, whatever happens happens. And I
do think he's playing more loosely now and he's not
burdened by that, and it's been good for him. He's
played better because of it at least, so leave some
park because of it. So what I see is a
guy who's making better decisions. And the other thing that
(07:06):
the Colts this is a combination of Richardson and coach
Saint Sich and they have really leaned into the quarterback
run game, and they have just kind of leaned into
that and not tried to sort of tiptoe into it
like they were.
Speaker 3 (07:22):
Now, that doesn't mean he's going to run it fifteen times,
but you could see him running eight to ten times.
In terms of designed runs, they most designed runs have
gone up three or four per game since he's come
back on average, So that's I think a sign that
that's a weapon for them. And when they have had
to have first downs, when they'd have to go and
(07:44):
get a first down, third downs or fourth downs, what
have you. In clutch situations, they have very often kept.
Speaker 7 (07:50):
The ball in his hand and.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
Say go get that first down. And he has done
it pretty routinely, So you got to be ready for
that at all times.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Es been Colts insider Steven Holder with us on the
Kawa Commas Spear of Health, holland last one for you here, Steven,
I look at this defense. I'm a defensive guy. Knicks
a defensive guy. I'll look at the Colts defense. I'm
sure there's been some injuries at times, but I look
at the personnel here and I just keep thinking to myself,
it is way too talented with the guys that they
have to be struggling as much as they are.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
What is it a scheme issue. What's going on with
the defense.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
Well, it's a good observation, and I agree. I think
there's sort of two ways to look at this, two
sides of the coin. On the one hand, they are
bottom five in yards allowed. I mean they're letting teams
go up and down the field to the point where
I mean you're just wondering, all right, you know, just
going to be the drive that beats them, you know?
Or are they going to find a way to get
(08:42):
a stop? Finally it gets sucked every single Sunday. But
on the other hand, I believe there are seventeenth in
points allowed. It doesn't make any sense, but part of
it is they get some turnovers and they find ways
to make big plays at critical moments. Now, that's a
really hard way to live and oftentimes you can't survive it,
(09:06):
and that's been their problem at times. But I agree
with you they have underachieved. I feel like on defense
they will point to them getting critical stops when they
need them. But I think when you give up as
many yards as the Colts do, there are going to
be instances where you don't get those stops and you're
going to give up critical scores and that's been a
(09:27):
little bit of an issue for them this year. So
I agree with you totally in terms of your characterization
of the defense.
Speaker 6 (09:33):
All right, Steven, I'm gonna put you on the spot
just a little.
Speaker 5 (09:36):
The Colts win the game on the road here in
denbro on Sunday if they do what.
Speaker 3 (09:42):
Well. I think, if they prevent a big play on
offense number one, and I think if Anthony Richardson can
avoid the turnovers. Those are the two things I think
they got to do when they've lost. Those are the
areas that I think have undermined them the most. So
we'll say if they can pull that off, those are
the two for me, the two hallmarks of a winning
(10:03):
effort for the Colts.
Speaker 2 (10:04):
Broncos Colts this weekend, big game for both sides. Steven,
thank you so much for your time here today, And
obviously if you're a Broncos fan tuning in, you want
to check out Steven and follow along to see what's
the latest on on injuries, Josh Down's making progress in
practice as well.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
Big matchup, Stephen, Thank you once.
Speaker 3 (10:19):
Again right here.
Speaker 7 (10:20):
You got it all right, Nick.
Speaker 1 (10:21):
I mean, look, this is a big game, and I
like the fact you also.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
Brought up the fact about Anthony and Richardson too, because
this is something I've been talking about all week long
as well, since being benched and since having that, like
that moment.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
Of Okay, I shouldn't have done what I did. The
culturalized really quickly. Ah, Joe Flacker was just not it.
We gotta stick with our young guy here.
Speaker 2 (10:41):
Do you feel like based on watching him play in
the last handful of games.
Speaker 1 (10:44):
Since that's happened, I've just noticed a little bit more
spark about him.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
But in particular if it's second and two, if it's
third and one, he's the.
Speaker 1 (10:52):
Guy I'm keen for.
Speaker 2 (10:53):
Look, you have to account for Jonathan Taylor, but I'm thinking, wow,
quarterback power here, That's the one thing I'm keeping my
eye on because that is what they ran the last
couple of weeksespecially against the Jets defense.
Speaker 5 (11:03):
Yeah, I mean, obviously you think about that because of
Anthony Richardson's ability as a runner, and he's a guy
that weighs about two hundred and forty four pounds, so
he's not.
Speaker 6 (11:12):
An easy man to bring down.
Speaker 5 (11:14):
But we think about Tennessees, So what happens in this
game is about who can break their Tennessees because like
you're saying, and just like Stema said, you know, on
those third down plays when they need to have a play, Now,
they're gonna go to Anthony Richardson to pull that off.
Speaker 6 (11:29):
But you got to be really careful about that. And
this is the game that you started to break.
Speaker 5 (11:32):
Tennessee's if you're Shane Sykein, because you put that on tape.
Speaker 6 (11:36):
Visually, you see a more I guess.
Speaker 5 (11:41):
Dedicated should I say Anthony Richardson based on what we've seen,
but he knows that he ruled his opportunity, but luckily
the team is coming.
Speaker 6 (11:49):
Back to him, giving him a second opportunity.
Speaker 5 (11:51):
And once again, this is one of those times where
you're seeing they run an RPO. You think he's gonna
run the ball, he steps back, DB's linebackers fall asleep.
Speaker 6 (11:59):
Now there's a shop.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (12:01):
So this is where the Broncos are gonna have to
be great once again with their eyes but more importantly
open field tackling, right because once again, I mean, I'm
not saying Athony Richardson is Cam Newton, but Dan Well,
he's the sillize that Cam Newton almost, So you have
to make sure that you don't end up on this hotlight.
Speaker 6 (12:21):
That's the one thing I would worry about.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
Yeah, and look, I was talking to Broncos players in
the locker room yesterday and really the focus was because
he's a big buddy, like he's mobile, but he's not
like Lamar Jackson mobile, right, but he's heavy mobile like
he is, he's gonna fall forward, right, So what do
you what do you have to do?
Speaker 1 (12:36):
What's your coaching point?
Speaker 6 (12:37):
Right?
Speaker 2 (12:37):
It's first guy, make contact, drive your feet.
Speaker 1 (12:41):
Everybody's got a rally in tackle with you two here.
Speaker 2 (12:44):
And I think that's one thing when I've watched the
Broncos this year, They've done a really good job of
their pursuit. They've done a really good job of rallying.
I know that's gonna be an emphetis, but you know
what I think we will see this week.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
We might see a lot of counter from the Colts.
That might be something to keep an eye on.
Speaker 6 (12:58):
Well, when you when you.
Speaker 5 (12:59):
See a lot of you take advantage of the aggressitives
of the defense. And knowing that the Broncos have done
a great job from a pressure rate sam point with
Zach Allen being able to penetrate that's where you take
advantage of. You let those guys get up feel and
you run outside. You put those corners someone of them
on the island, and you force them to be tacklers
and not just oh I made.
Speaker 6 (13:21):
The tackle on this one down. Coach.
Speaker 5 (13:22):
No, no, no, We're gonna see if you're gonna be
a consistent tackle because now you got Anthony Richson and
you got Taylor running the ball as well. So can
each single guy understand their run fits first and foremost
be in your lane. And if you are an interior lineman,
can you hit shed get that guy off of you,
and then run and chase and make it play.
Speaker 6 (13:43):
Those are things that are going to be important for
this Broncos defense.
Speaker 1 (13:46):
Well, and look Denver's defense to the last couple of weeks.
Speaker 2 (13:48):
They're seeing more max protection, they're seeing extra chip help.
I mean, for example, Cleveland did a really good job,
but they would come out in a two back set here,
Alan Shakam, you know they have they'd have a David
Njoku in and they'd have Jerome Ford or Nick Chubb
and then they would motion those guys to empty on
the edge. And so what they're doing is they're chipping,
Nick Benito, Jonathan Cooper, and then sometimes they're putting the
(14:10):
tailback and the running back to the same side, so
you're getting a tight end ship, you're getting the tailbackship,
and then you're working the one on one there with
the offensive tackle. All of that to negate the outside
pass rush, and I think that's where we saw Cleveland
kind of take advantag a little bit. They maximize their
chip opportunities. But then when we're asked to cover for
a certain amount of time, you got to be in
good position. And certainly Denver had a couple of miscommunications
(14:33):
on the back end. Sometimes they weren't in necessary in
the right spot. Technique wise, there's a lot we're gonna
break down. I even want to ask you something we're
gonna talk about here as well later on about who
should start a corner this week if Riley Moss does
not play, But we're gonna talk see you Travis Hunter,
Shooter Sanders, and obviously them in their bowl game against BYU.
That is coming up here on Broncos Country tonight.
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