Breaking Down Broncos DE Derek Wolfe's Get-Right Performance in Week 6
Week 6 was a favorable matchup for Derek Wolfe with how poor the Tennessee Titans are at right guard. The Broncos were able to exploit that, and Wolfe had a huge game as a result, finishing with six combined tackles (three solo), two tackles for a loss, two QB hits and two sacks.
There are a few plays that really stood out of Wolfe’s that are worth breaking down. Denver really needed Wolfe to step up, as he has kind of been missing in action for the first few games of the season.
Again, it was the perfect, get-right matchup for him, and there is no doubt that he delivered. What did Derek Wolfe do that resulted in such a massive game as a pass rusher? Let's break it down.
Play 1: 2:12 | Second Quarter | A Powerful Punch
Situation: 3rd-&-8
Entering the game, the right guard spot for the Titans was a glaring weakness and Wolfe exploits that on this play. Off the snap, Wolfe hits the RG with a punch that knocks his opponent off balance. Wolfe has the RG on his heels, and just overpowers him and gets to the quarterback.
Plenty of power on display from Wolfe on this play, but the punch is what got him the sack. It forced the hands of the RG off of Wolfe and he had to rest, but Wolfe had quicker hands to get them on the guard and extended. It was a veteran play against a young, inexperienced RG for the big play.
Play 2: 8:17 | Second Quarter | Twist & Howl
Situation: 3rd-&-9
Denver walks away with an interception on this play, and it's because the pressure forces a bad throw. The Broncos run a twist with Dre’Mont Jones as the nose tackle and Wolfe as the 5-tech (DE). This is something the Broncos had done all game with great success. Twists are a huge part of the Vic Fangio defense, and we are finally starting to see them.
With the Titans' issues at RG, this was the perfect way to exploit that. Jones ends up holding the center up, and the RG gets caught up in it. Wolfe cuts inside, and because the center is held up, he has a free shot to the quarterback.
The center does enough to keep the sack from happening, but the deed was done with Wolfe and Jones harassing the QB and just throwing it up for the interception.
Play 3: 1:51 | Second Quarter | Twisted By Design
Situation: 2nd-&-14
It is late in the game and the Titans are in scoring range. The defense needs a big play here to shut down any comeback momentum, and Wolfe brings just that. Wolfe is lined up against the right tackle, but again the Broncos run a twist with Wolfe coming up the middle free and easy once again.
The RG fails at picking up DeMarcus Walker, which means the center can’t adjust to take on Wolfe. Wolfe is able to get flat and get the quarterback’s legs to bring him down for a sack.
Even if Wolfe wasn’t able to finish, Walker is right there to make the play. Twists can be huge for this Broncos defense, and they have the pieces to run them extremely well.
The Takeaway
Denver needed Wolfe to step up, and he did just that in this game. Can he build on this performance and continue to be a force for this defense?
Time will tell, but this was a good, get-right game for him, even though it was an advantageous matchup for him. The biggest takeaway should be that twists/stunts are very good for this Broncos defense.
