Broncos’ Strategy Against Raiders’ Tight End Brock Bowers
Without Pat Surtain II available against the Raiders, the Broncos used a rotating mix of defenders to cover tight end Brock Bowers. From the start, Vance Joseph's plan was to share Surtain's responsibilities among multiple players.
Last Sunday in Houston, the Broncos succeeded with cornerbacks winning their man-to-man matchups even without the reigning defensive player of the year on the field. Safeties Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones effectively cut off deep threats.
Adjustments for Brock Bowers on Thursday Night
The real defensive variety appeared Thursday night against the Raiders' top offensive weapon, Brock Bowers. With Surtain out again due to a pectoral strain, the Broncos did not assign cornerback Riley Moss as the sole defender against Bowers. Instead, defensive coordinator Joseph used a rotating group of players to contain him after Bowers caught 12 passes and scored three touchdowns against the Jaguars the previous week.
“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?”
- Barron covered Bowers on a third down during the Raiders’ first drive.
- McMillian took turns covering him in the slot during the first quarter.
- Moss shadowed Bowers in another alignment on the Raiders' second drive.
Game Context
Denver and Vegas each punted on opening drives of the second half during Thursday Night Football, leaving the score tied 7-7 as the Broncos continued adapting to the absence of their star cornerback.
Author's summary: The Broncos countered the Raiders' Brock Bowers with a rotating defensive approach, balancing coverage duties to compensate for Pat Surtain II’s injury and limit Bowers’ impact.