Broncos’ solution for Raiders TE Brock Bowers? Vance Joseph sends the cavalry.

Broncos’ Strategy Against Raiders TE Brock Bowers

Without Pat Surtain II available to face the Raiders, the Broncos employed a rotating defensive approach to contain tight end Brock Bowers. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph aimed to compensate for Surtain’s absence by using multiple players to share the coverage responsibilities.

Defensive Adjustments in Recent Games

Last Sunday in Houston, despite Surtain not playing due to injury, Denver’s cornerbacks effectively won their man-to-man matchups. Safeties Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones also disrupted threats from the top of the field. However, the most varied defensive tactics appeared Thursday night against the Raiders, who rely heavily on Bowers.

Rotation to Contain Brock Bowers

Instead of relying solely on cornerback Riley Moss, the Broncos rotated several players to limit Bowers, who had a standout performance the previous week with 12 receptions and three touchdowns against the Jaguars. Joseph explained the challenge they face:

“The toughest job with him is getting him tackled. You can kind of cover him with a safety or a defensive back body, but can you get him on the ground after he catches the ball?”

On the Raiders’ first drive, Barron was assigned to cover Bowers on a third down. McMillian took turns shadowing him in the slot during the first quarter, while Moss also made appearances covering Bowers on the second drive.

Game Situation

Both teams punted on their opening drives of the second half during Thursday Night Football, with the score tied at 7-7.

Summary: The Broncos adapted to cover Brock Bowers through a rotating defensive scheme, compensating for the loss of Pat Surtain II by spreading coverage duties among multiple players.

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The Denver Post The Denver Post — 2025-11-07

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