Reporter 1: Coach, both the Broncos and Cardinals are coming into this game 0-2. How important is this matchup for setting the tone moving forward?
Coach: Calling it critical, would be an understatement. Look, it’s still early in the season, a lot of ball left. But every game counts. Both the coaching staff and players understand the importance of this game. Nobody wants to start 0-3, and we’ve had a strong week of preparation emphasizing execution and discipline. Our mindset is to take this one game at a time and focus on controlling what we can.
Reporter 2: Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride have been a dangerous receiving duo for the Cardinals. How do you plan to contain them?
Coach: They’re both elite playmakers, and we have tremendous respect for what they bring to the game. Our defensive backs will have to be disciplined in their coverage, and we’ll need to apply consistent pressure up front. It’s going to take a collective effort, staying tight in coverage and not giving Kyler Murray time to extend plays. It’s gonna be hard to take them both out of the game plan but limiting their effectiveness and not allowing them to get into open space is key to closing out a win this week.
Reporter 3: Puka Nakua, your elite playmaker and highly praised pick up hasn’t seen as many targets in the first two games. Placing seventh in receptions behind two RBs. Are there plans to get him more involved this week?
Coach: Absolutely. Puka’s a dynamic playmaker, and we need to maximize his touches. We’ve made some adjustments to our game plan to create more opportunities for him, whether that’s through quick screens, intermediate routes, or working him into motion to keep the defense guessing. He has not expressed any frustration around lack of involvement in the first two games, he understands his impact without the rock and the importance of being a team player. Puka has also garnered a lot of attention allowing for other playmakers such as Mims to get open and involved. But we understand that in order to take it to the next level he must play a proficient role in the offense going forward.
Reporter 4: Turnovers have been costly in the first two games. What adjustments are being made to limit them against Arizona?
Coach: Ball security has been a major point of emphasis throughout the offseason up to now. It is unfortunate that the statistics do not back that up but throughout the week we took steps to bettering our turnover differential. Working on decision-making drills with Bo in practice and stressed fundamentals like protecting the ball in traffic. Ultimately, it’s about being smart, making the right reads, and not forcing plays.
Reporter 5: Since 1990, only 11.5% of teams that have started 0-2 have made the playoffs. What needs to happen for this 26’ Broncos team to beat those odds?
Coach: …Next question.
Reporter 6: Kyler Murray’s ability to extend plays has made him a threat both through the air and on the ground has given defenses trouble. How do you plan to disrupt him?
Coach: Kyler is a special talent, no question. I mean how many people are drafted in the first round for two major sports. The key is keeping him in the pocket. Obviously easier said than done, but our defense can’t let him escape the pocket and turn broken plays into big gains. Our focus will be on disciplined rush lanes, spying him with an athletic linebacker, and mixing up coverages to make his reads more difficult.
Reporter 7: With your starter Anthony Belton out due to his abdominal tear, how do you plan to stop Abdul Carter from pressuring Bo Nix?
Coach: Abdul undoubtedly is a force off the edge, and losing Anthony is tough. We’ve worked on shifting protections and getting the ball out faster. Our tight ends and running backs will also play a bigger role in chipping and helping our offensive line hold their ground. It’s going to be team effort and staying assignment-sound.
