Film Room: No sacks but Bradley Chubb was still great for Broncos in Week 3

The film doesn't lie, though sometimes the box score does. Bradley Chubb is still affecting games.

The Denver Broncos' defense has struggled to get takeaways or sacks, which has led to a historic start, and not in a good way. There is a lot of focus on the lack of sacks, especially with the pass rush duo of Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. 

Not getting sacks isn’t great, but it hasn’t been all bad from the Broncos. They have managed to get some pressures, and have played the run extremely well. There is also the issue of what teams are doing to avoid sacks from Denver, but I digress.

Of the two rushers, Chubb has been exceptional when it comes to his run defense. He has really stepped up his game in that department, and his technique getting after the quarterback has really improved. When the sacks come, they will come in bunches.

Bradley Chubb was on another level with his run defense against the Green Bay Packers in Week 3, but he showed up in coverage and as a pass rusher. The three plays that are getting broken down show just that. There is one in run defense, in coverage and as a pass rusher.

Play 1: Penetrating vs. the run

The first play up we see Bradley Chubb against the run. He is facing off against David Bakhtiari, one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Chubb isn’t the only one who stands out here, but also Adam Gotsis.

Just to highlight Gotsis real quick, he is lined up against the left guard. On the snap, he cuts inside, past the center's right shoulder and blows up the play behind the line of scrimmage. This is a really quick play by Gotsis.

Anyway, Back to Chubb. On the snap, Chubb sets up an outside attack and gets Bakhtiari to overset outside. This leaves a huge gap inside that Chubb is just able to explode through. There is a fullback, but Gotsis takes him out leaving the ball-carrier to Chubb.

The ball-carrier tries to cut back inside, but it is too late. Chubb has his hands on the running back, and uses his strength to pull him to the ground. Excellent teamwork from these two to blow up this running play and make it a third and medium again.

Play 2: The pressure

On this play, we get to see Denver get some pressure form multiple players. Chubb doesn’t get much pressure, but how he attacks is great. First, though, let’s look at the pressure that gets applied.

Dre’Mont Jones is lined up as the nose, with Miller to the outside. This isn’t a good look for Jones, but Denver helps him out with a stunt. Miller crashes inside the right tackle, and draws the right guard. This closes any chance Aaron Rodgers has of climbing the pocket. Jones is now able to use his speed and burst to get around the corner and put pressure on Rodgers. Miller eventually breaks free to add more pressure.

As for Chubb, he gets chipped by the tight end and is cutting inside. It is another stunt from him and DeMarcus Walker. Denver wants Miller and Chubb providing interior push with Walker and Jones pressuring the edge. The left guard catches Chubb on his cut inside, and is able to slow him down. He also gives Chubb a shove, but it just helps Miller break free.

The swim Chubb gives the tight end makes the attempted chip from him have little-to-no effect on the pass rush. Then he shows some explosiveness to get inside quickly. He doesn’t really provide pressure here, but there is some good technique, footwork and extra burst that he shows off.

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Play 3: Shutting down screens

Chubb in coverage? Say it ain’t so. Well, it really isn’t a play with Chubb in coverage. He does attack the pass, but he makes a quick read of the receiver screen and goes with the flow of the play.

Chubb again shows up one of the best left tackles in the NFL. He is controlling the tempo of the block, which can either see him continue to push to outside, or slow it down to hold the inside. The whole time, Chubb is keeping his eyes on the receiver and reading what they do.

When Chubb sees the receiver go to cut inside, he gets off the block and makes the tackle for a one-yard loss. This sets up the Packers in a 3rd-&-long situation late in the game.

This is a very veteran play from Chubb. Reading the play and using proper technique to protect the outside and inside lanes for the receiver. He shuts down the lead blocker, and whenever you can do that, screens don’t go anywhere.

The Takeaway

Chubb is showing tremendous progress in multiple facets of his game. Denver needed him to really progress, and that is what he is doing. 

No sacks? Well, they will come. The player is young, growing and is really ready to break out. 

Follow Erick on Twitter @ErickTrickel and @MileHighHuddle.