Vance Joseph Shares Honest Opinion on Chargers’ QB Trey Lance
In a high-stakes matchup this weekend, the Denver Broncos will compete against the Los Angeles Chargers. With the top playoff seed in the AFC at stake, Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is preparing to face Chargers quarterback Trey Lance, who steps in for Justin Herbert.
Vance Joseph on Chargers’ Quarterback Trey Lance
Joseph is aware of the challenges Lance presents. Despite being a backup, Lance is a first-round pick with significant athletic ability. During his recent statements, Joseph emphasized the importance of a tailored defensive strategy. He described the need for a “cage rush” to contain Lance’s ability to escape pressure.
“He can make every throw on the field. Playing our best ball is going to be crucial,” Joseph stated, highlighting the need for the Broncos to adhere to their defensive principles despite the quarterback switch on the opposing team.
Dynamic Skill Set of Trey Lance
Joseph also pointed out that Lance has the capacity to extend plays with his legs, a skill that can lead to unexpected outcomes in games. Broncos’ Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who remembers Lance from their 2021 draft class, echoed Joseph’s sentiments. He noted that while Justin Herbert is a formidable player, Lance deserves equal preparation.
- Patrick Surtain II believes Lance is capable and brings essential intangibles.
- “We’re definitely not taking this game lightly,” Surtain added.
Broncos’ Defensive Strategy
Joseph explained the concept of “caging” the quarterback. Each quarterback has unique scrambling traits, and the team’s rushing strategy must adapt accordingly. This upcoming game requires excellent execution to prevent Lance from exploiting defensive weaknesses.
Last week, the Broncos faced Chris Oladokun, who managed to evade their rush, resulting in some defensive lapses. Joseph reiterated the importance of maintaining high standards in their pass-rush approach.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The Broncos face opportunities against a Chargers offensive line that has allowed 56 sacks, ranking fifth in the NFL. The absence of Herbert is a boost for the Broncos’ defense, as they look to capitalize on Lance’s inexperience and gain momentum in their playoff positioning.
Additionally, Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto aims to break a recent sack drought. With injuries affecting his performance, careful management of player workloads remains a priority for head coach Sean Payton. The depth in the defense, including players like Jonah Elliss and Dondrea Tillman, will be vital in their quest to pressure Lance effectively.
Conclusion
The Broncos’ preparations for Trey Lance highlight strategic nuances in NFL gameplay. As Vance Joseph and his team gear up for this crucial encounter, the focus remains on sharpening their defense to ensure they can execute their plan against the dynamic skill set of the Chargers’ quarterback.
