The Denver Broncos defense made Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers life difficult in Sunday’s 26-7 win on Sunday. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph deployed a variety of different blitz looks and coverages that seemed to be timed perfectly and made it hard for Mayfield to get into a rhythm.
Denver Broncos Defensive Film Room vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
We’ll take a look at several of the team’s seven sacks, Brandon Jones interception, and his fumble recovery late in the game.
Nik Bonitto gets the sack on Baker Mayfield
Denver mans up across the board here as they send the interior defensive line and both linebackers on a blitz look. Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto drop back into coverage after jamming the nearest receivers by them. Baker Mayfield looks to scramble inside, but Bonitto cleans up the play with a sack.
Brandon Jones interception
Denver’s defense comes out in a Cover 2 against a 3×1 offensive formation. Ja’Quan McMillian does a great job playing underneath against Mike Evans after playing the quick sit route by Chris Godwin. Brandon Jones does a great job floating over the top and reading Mayfield’s eyes the entire way.
Jonathon Cooper sacks Mayfield
Jonathon Cooper works against Tristan Wirfs on this play. Denver plays perfect coverage against Evans, Godwin, and company. Denver’s communication in the secondary is evident on the tape, and Mayfield has no options to throw to. Cooper and Bonitto rush off the edge, attacking high and maintaining outside contain. Mayfield tries to step up into the pocket and run, but Cooper wraps him up after bulling over Wirfs.
Dondrea Tillman gets his first career sack
Undrafted rookie and former UFL star Dondrea Tillman comes up with his first career sack on this play against Mayfield. Tampa Bay comes out in an empty look out of 11-personnel. Vance Joseph drops outside linebacker Jonah Elliss into coverage, taking away the tight end on a quick sit. It appears Denver is playing man at the top of the play, with zone on the other side. Tillman cleans it all up.
Tillman’s second sack sets up big play
Tillman’s second sack of the day comes in a big moment with the Buccaneers knocking on the door inside the redzone. Tampa Bay runs a pick concept on the left and right side to free up an inside route and outside route, but Denver does a great job of not getting caught in it. Tillman beats a weak chip from the tight end, and wins his one-on-one against the right tackle to knock Mayfield and the Bucs into a deep third and goal on the next play.
Brandon Jones recovers a forced fumble
Following Tillman’s second sack of the day, the Bucs are in a third and long goal situation. Denver understands this and their coverage has them playing with cushion against some of the vertical and underneath routes that Tampa Bay is deploying. Mayfield dumps it off to the tight end, who is caught and held up by Ja’Quan McMillian. Riley Moss comes in and dislodges the football with his shoulder, and Brandon Jones comes up for the scoop and return.
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