If the Minnesota Vikings ran the ball the entire game against Denver, the outcome might’ve been different.
The Vikings, who had one of the worst rushing attacks in the league, ran the ball all over Denver’s defense, totaling a season-high 175 yards on the ground. Starting running back Alexander Mattison had 81 yards, while Ty Chandler had 73 yards despite rushing for a combined 87 in 10 games prior to Week 11.
Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has coached his tail off in recent weeks. Denver has gone from allowing 70 points to the Miami Dolphins to forcing 13 turnovers in four games. However, its run defense remains an issue, which doesn’t bode well against Cleveland on Sunday, as the Browns have one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL.
“I’m impressed every year when I watch (the Browns),” head coach Sean Payton said. “They’ve always got a good run game plan. We know that heading into this game.”
Denver showed signs of improvement as a run defense when it held the Kansas City Chiefs to 62 rushing yards in Week 8. But the Broncos have taken a step back since the bye week, allowing 367 rushing yards in two games.
Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper said the team’s issues stem from players not staying in their gaps and being where they are supposed to be.
Defensive tackle D.J. Jones mentioned that missed tackles and the team’s inability to win one-on-one battles have led to frequent struggles in containing the run.
The Broncos had 15 missed tackles against Minnesota, including six from Jones, according to Pro Football Focus.
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