In a tightly contested preseason Week 4 matchup, the Broncos secured a 19-9 victory over the Falcons on the road, showcasing their improved tactical approach under head coach Charles Reddick. A game defined by field position, defensive resilience, and meticulous kicking strategy, Denver’s coaching staff demonstrated an adeptness in scheme execution and situational football.
From the onset, the Broncos emphasized a disciplined offensive game plan anchored by precision kicking and efficient rushing. Fred Allison’s impeccable accuracy was a critical factor, as he connected on all four field goal attempts, including a daunting 55-yarder early in the first quarter that set the tone. His consistent leg provided Denver with reliable scoring avenues when drives stalled, a testament to Reddick’s emphasis on capitalizing on scoring opportunities even without extended offensive possession.
Quarterback Robert Bruton delivered a measured performance, completing 21 of 37 passes for 229 yards and one touchdown. The Broncos’ offensive coordinator evidently designed a balanced attack that leveraged Bruton's connections with Derrick Jarrell, who led receivers with 71 yards, and Roy Keane, who capped a third-quarter drive with a short rushing touchdown. This play typifies the strategic use of Broncos’ personnel in versatile roles—Keane’s four-yard rushing touchdown on third down exemplifies Reddick's penchant for misdirection and exploiting defensive tendencies.
The Broncos' ground game was equally pivotal. Running back Billy Alvarado amassed 81 rushing yards and 24 receiving yards, consistently providing a dual-threat that kept the Falcons’ defense honest. Denver’s rushing efficiency helped control the clock and field position, complementing a defense that sacked Falcons quarterback James Carter’s offense three times.
Defensively, the Broncos showed resilience but not without flaws. Notably, a costly safety resulted when Gary Wilbanks missed a blocking assignment, allowing the Falcons’ Logan Wilson to sack Robert Bruton deep in their territory early in the fourth quarter. However, the Broncos’ defensive front applied consistent pressure and limited the Falcons' red-zone effectiveness — Atlanta’s offense was held scoreless in the red zone despite multiple visits.
Falcons’ Jared Wells was a bright spot for the home team, breaking a coverage mismatch to score a rushing touchdown on an 8-yard reception, capitalizing on a coverage breakdown. Yet the Falcons struggled to sustain drives, evidenced by several punts and zero third-down conversions.
Special teams emerged as a decisive factor. Broncos punter Jason Thomas flipped field position time and again, launching punts of 48, 50, and 57 yards that pinned Falcons deep and forced conservative plays. Conversely, Broncos’ defensive backs consistently secured fair catches, denying the Falcons’ return game crucial yardage and momentum.
Coach Charles Reddick’s game management radiated strategic acuity. By blending a conservative yet opportunistic offensive approach with an aggressive special teams and defensive scheme, Denver controlled the tempo and limited mistakes. The Broncos’ three-point lead at the half and defense-driven second-half scoring underscored a methodical victory aligned with preseason developmental goals.
While penalties were slightly higher for Denver (3 for 25 yards) compared to the Falcons (1 for 10 yards), these minor setbacks did not derail the Broncos’ overall scheme execution. Reddick’s staff clearly emphasized minimizing risk and maximizing every possession’s value.
All in all, this game served as a strong testament to the Broncos’ preseason progress in establishing a cohesive scheme under Charles Reddick, blending solid special teams strategy, disciplined defensive adjustments, and a versatile offense. The Broncos walk away with a hard-fought win that bodes well for further tactical refinement as the regular season approaches.
Broncos Win Defensive Battle Behind Tactical Discipline and Special Teams Precision
Charles Reddick’s Broncos edged the Falcons 19-9 in a preseason contest marked by strategic adjustments and key special teams execution.
James Morris
· Rocky Mountain Gazette
· 8/26/2017