Denver Broncos Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph Takes Responsibility for Historic Loss to Miami Dolphins
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph knows there is no way, and no place, to hide from the historic 70-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He pointed the finger squarely at himself for his group’s efforts.
“When your unit plays that way, my first thought is, it’s me, and doing better as a coach and getting ready for the challenge,” Joseph said after practice Thursday, the first time he had spoken publicly since Sunday’s 10-touchdown barrage by the Dolphins.
He added: “When those days happen, it’s always, in my opinion, it’s me first and I’ll fix it and quickly. I take it first. … It became a buzzsaw.”
The Dolphins’ 70-point game was the third-highest total in NFL history, and their 726 total yards were the second-most in a league game. The loss dropped the Broncos to 0-3. Joseph, who was the Broncos head coach in 2017-18, finds his defense last in the league in almost every major statistical category.
And, the Broncos had almost two dozen missed tackles Sunday, as Miami rushed for 350 yards and five touchdowns.
“A team like that will expose you with their speed because of the angles you’re taking and your leverage,” Joseph said.
“Again, the speed, the angles — it was overwhelming for us.”
Joseph, a longtime assistant in the league, said he had “everybody” reach out to him in recent days, including former Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips on Thursday morning, whom Joseph said told him to “keep grinding, keep pushing.” Phillips was the Broncos’ defensive coordinator for the team’s Super Bowl 50 win, and Joseph was Phillips’ secondary coach for three seasons when Phillips was Houston’s defensive coordinator.
It was a rough Monday for Broncos coaches and players alike, with the review of the game video to go with an extended discussion of the mistakes. Joseph said the focus is Sunday’s game against the 0-3 Chicago Bears in Soldier Field.
Joseph is already taking plenty of heat for the defense’s struggles in a winless September, including being last in the league in total defense, scoring defense, and rushing defense. The Broncos are 31st in red zone defense, 29th in pass defense, and 27th in sacks.
Joseph’s players, however, have been quick to support him.
Safety Kareem Jackson said the defense Sunday “didn’t execute anything we put in place … me included.”
“You go watch that film, and there are numerous amounts of things that went wrong, but in no way, shape, or form does that ever come down to one person,” said safety Justin Simmons, adding that he believes in Joseph and his staff.
“Obviously he was very disappointed,” cornerback Pat Surtain II said. “I mean everybody was. … He believes in us, he believes in this whole defensive unit. … It goes both ways. We believe in him, he believes in us.”
The Broncos’ loss to the Dolphins was undoubtedly a devastating blow for the team and its fans. The historic nature of the defeat has left many questioning the capabilities of the coaching staff, particularly Vance Joseph as the defensive coordinator.
Joseph, however, has taken full responsibility for the team’s poor performance. He acknowledges that as a coach, it is his duty to prepare his players and devise effective strategies to counter the opposing team’s offense. In this case, he admits that he fell short and vows to rectify the situation promptly.
The statistics speak for themselves. The Dolphins’ 70-point game ranks as the third-highest total in NFL history, while their 726 total yards were the second-most in a single game. These numbers highlight the defensive shortcomings of the Broncos and emphasize the need for immediate improvement.
One glaring issue was the Broncos’ inability to tackle effectively. With almost two dozen missed tackles, the team allowed the Dolphins to rush for an astonishing 350 yards and score five touchdowns. Joseph attributes this to the speed and angles of the Miami players, which overwhelmed the Broncos’ defense.
Despite the criticism and pressure on Joseph, he has received support from his players. They recognize that the blame cannot be placed solely on one person and acknowledge their own shortcomings in executing the game plan. Safety Kareem Jackson admits that the entire defense failed to execute, emphasizing that it was a collective effort.
Safety Justin Simmons echoes this sentiment, expressing his belief in Joseph and his coaching staff. He emphasizes that mistakes happen but remains confident in their ability to bounce back. Cornerback Pat Surtain II shares this optimism, highlighting Joseph’s unwavering belief in the team and their potential.
Joseph’s experience as a longtime assistant in the league has garnered him respect from his peers. Former Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips reached out to him, offering words of encouragement and urging him to persevere. Phillips, who played a crucial role in the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 victory, understands the challenges Joseph faces and believes in his ability to overcome them.
As the Broncos prepare for their upcoming game against the Chicago Bears, Joseph acknowledges the need for improvement. The team’s winless September has placed them at the bottom of various defensive categories, signaling a dire need for change. Joseph is determined to address these issues and lead his team to victory.
In conclusion, Vance Joseph’s acceptance of responsibility for the Broncos’ historic loss demonstrates his commitment to his role as defensive coordinator. While criticism surrounds him, his players stand by him, recognizing their own contributions to the team’s struggles. With support from his peers and a determination to improve, Joseph aims to turn the Broncos’ season around and prove his capabilities as a coach.