The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Chatting With the Buccaneers’ Opponent

By Alan Schechter

Sep 25, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) looks to pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) looks to pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

On the Defense

PP: Danny Trevathan defected prior to the season and now DeMarcus Ware is out for multiple games. How is coach Phillips so effectively compensating for the changes in personnel?

PO: Let us not forget that Malik Jackson also left via free agency. But back to the question.

I really like what Wade Phillips has done with this defense. I like to describe it perfectly as having a second starting team at times. With players like Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett to name a few, this defensive unit has enough backup power to create a whole new defense in my opinion.

Wade has been coaching in the NFL longer than I have been born. So, his has seen just about everything. The players love playing for him and the bond he shares with them. So the fact that they have that bond and how great Wade is as a coordinator shows how well he can adjust at moments notice.

PP: They may be 1-2, but the Bucs can put points up on the board. What is the biggest key to shutting down the Bucs’ attack?

PO: Getting Jameis Winston off of his game. That is going to be the biggest thing. His numbers indicate that he has done a solid job at helping the team get the points. But the Broncos defense enjoys getting to the quarterback.

I mean, just look at the last five quarterbacks that the Broncos have faced since the AFC Championship Game and look at their numbers.

The Carolina Panthers were an offense that could score at will and the Broncos limited them to 10 points in Super Bowl 50. With players like Derek Wolfe, Von Miller, Chris Harris Jr., Aqib Talib, and others, this defense makes offensive coordinators throw fits.

Offense wins games, but defense wins championships.

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