Weakness for Broncos' defense? Why RBs, TEs can cause issues - ESPN

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — In the tapestry of good play we've seen from the Denver Broncos' defense this season, opposing offenses have been able to pull at a loose thread. Denver has struggled at times taking away running backs and tight ends in the passing game.

And with the New England Patriots coming to town Sunday for the AFC Championship Game (3 p.m. ET, CBS), it could create a mess for Denver.

«Sometimes we give up too many little dunks down the field,» Broncos cornerback Riley Moss said. "… I've said people who want to be the best are hard on themselves in the things you can objectively look at and say, 'That needs improvement.' Sometimes we do so many good, good things, but objectively that does need improvement."

The Broncos led the NFL this season in sacks (68), were third in scoring defense (18.3 points allowed per game), ranked sixth in defensive EPA and held opposing quarterbacks to the third-lowest QBR (49.0). But several opponents have found success by using tight ends and running backs as receivers in a variety of down-and-distance situations. As one opposing personnel executive put it, playcallers have looked to «the one place you're not going to have to deal with [Broncos cornerback Pat] Surtain.»

Of the six scrimmage touchdowns the Broncos have surrendered of at least 30 yards, five were scored by tight ends or running backs (including three of four passing scores). Seven of the 14 pass plays that went for at least 30 yards came on throws to running backs and tight ends.

For a defense that surrendered just three 100-yard receiving games — one of those to a tight end in Washington's Zach Ertz in Week 13 — and allowed more than 73 rushing yards to one running back in the regular season (Jonathan Taylor's 165 in