The Denver Broncos plan to use a frequent pass rush rotation to affect opposing quarterbacks in 2023.
The team’s outside linebackers will be primarily responsible — but not solely responsible — for providing Denver’s pressure this fall.
“Hopefully, our outside linebacker position are guys that we look at as pressure players,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said on June 13. “You don’t have to be an outside linebacker to be a pressure player. You can be an interior lineman that is exceptional, but there are some traits. … We use that term when evaluating talent. ‘Does this guy have the potential to be a pressure player?’
“I think Frank [Clark] does. I think there are a number of players on our team that have those traits, but if you lack those traits in your lineup, then you are forced by scheme to create pressure. Then, you get into a whole other game. I think that it’s evolved to more of a passing game. You have to be able to sub guys in and out. It’s a hard position to play 60-70 snaps.”
Clark just signed with the team earlier this month and he will join an OLB depth chart that already includes Randy Gregory, Baron Browning, Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto, among others.
“That depth is important because it’s a constant fight,” Payton said. “It’s like wrestling. If you have ever wrestled with somebody, it’s exhausting. [It’s about] having enough of those guys that can affect the quarterback, especially in our division.”
Typically, the Broncos will only have two outside linebackers on the field at a time, but Gregory, Browning, Clark, Cooper and Bonitto could all see snaps in the same game as Denver rotates through pass rushers to keep them fresh.
The Broncos recorded just 36 sacks last year, tied for the ninth-fewest in the NFL (the Philadelphia Eagles led the league with 70 sacks). With Clark added to the rotation, Denver will hope to generate more pressure in 2023.
Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
