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Broncos Make More Changes Along Their Defensive Line

Dec 6, 2007 – 11:20 AM
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Josh Alper

Josh Alper %BloggerTitle%

In an effort to improve the play of one of the NFL's worst defenses, the Denver Broncos made yet another roster move along their defensive line this week. They released veteran Sam Adams, starter of 11 games at defensive tackle this year, in the latest shuffling of a unit that's been in flux since the summer. Adams will be replaced by Steven Harris, a Florida alum who had been on Denver's practice squad.

The Adams move is the latest sign that the Broncos don't know what they want to do on defense. When Jim Bates was hired as defensive coordinator, the party line was that the Broncos would play massive defensive tackles as an integral part of the scheme. 12 games into his first season, though, they've parted ways with two players who fit that bill in Adams and Amon Gordon, and veered in the direction of more nimble players who can shoot gaps.

That's not a tweak, it's a wholesale change and nothing new from a team that's run through 26 defensive tackles in seven seasons. Many have been free agents that had little left in the tank because they've only used one first day draft pick on the position. Whatever system they decide on, the Broncos need to implement it with more homegrown players. They've got no choice but to do that for the rest of this season.
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