Denver defense should dominate
Posted: Sunday January 24, 1999 01:25 PM
The Atlanta Falcons' offense is effective whenever 230-pound running back Jamal Anderson is effective. But he's up against the biggest challenge of his young career.
Denver's run defense has turned in the most dominating performances of the playoffs, holding the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets to 28 yards on 26 carries. Jimmy Johnson and Bill Parcells both believe in running the ball, but the Dolphins and Jets each barely averaged just one yard per carry against these Broncos.
Whether it's young Trevor Pryce getting a good read and tackle on the draw play, All-Pro Bill Romanowski delivering a big hit, Greg Robinson and his trademark defense or a safety like Tyrone Braxton stopping a run for no gain, the Broncos have been phenomenal.
Atlanta's Chris Chandler will use his excellent "hard count" to try to draw the Denver linemen offsides or slow them down. Chandler caught the Vikings four times in the loud Metrodome. That's almost unheard of on the road.
Atlanta got great production from Tony Martin deep against Minnesota. And Terance Mathis knows how to avoid a jam and find the open seam. Expect Atlanta to use a slot formation to prevent Denver from blitzing its safeties as much as it likes.
Atlanta needs to protect the injury-prone Chandler. The pressure here falls on rookie right tackle Ephraim Salaam. He will have his hands full with Neil Smith or Alfred Williams.
And never underestimate Denver's ability to create turnovers. Against the Jets, the Broncos were down 10 points, and the offense was struggling. What did the defense do? Force and recover three fumbles. Plus they had two big interceptions to finish off the day. If the Broncos force that many turnovers again, Atlanta's in for a long day.
Denver will give up a big play or two, especially down the middle of the field. But the Broncos' run defense, the pressure they'll put on Chandler, and the turnovers they'll create will put another Super Bowl ring on their fingers.
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