Vance Joseph has seen it all when it comes to playing and coaching defensive backs in the NFL. His journey began in the trenches as a cornerback, with notable stints at the New York Jets in 1995 and with the Indianapolis Colts in 1996. But Joseph’s path didn’t end there; it took a significant turn toward coaching, where his impact has only grown.
Joseph's coaching career ignited in 2005 when he joined the San Francisco 49ers as an assistant defensive backs coach. Fast forward to today, and he’s making waves as the Denver Broncos' defensive coordinator. With his extensive background, Joseph’s expertise is particularly valuable when it comes to coaching defensive backs (DBs). After all, he’s walked in their shoes and understands the nuances of the position like few others.
This season, the spotlight is on Denver's secondary. The Broncos are anchored by Pat Surtain II, a standout cornerback who is widely regarded as one of the best in the league. But with Surtain holding down one cornerback spot, the other side of the field is up for grabs. The competition is heating up with candidates like Riley Moss, Damarri Mathis, and Levi Wallace all vying for that starting role.
Here’s where it gets interesting:
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Pat Surtain II’s Dominance: As the team's CB1, Surtain draws the lion's share of attention from opposing quarterbacks. This makes the opposite cornerback spot crucial. Whoever steps up there will face plenty of targets, offering a golden opportunity to shine—or struggle. Joseph’s strategy involves scheming to push the ball away from Surtain and towards his other corners. This isn't just a tactical maneuver; it's a test of resilience and skill.
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The Competition: Joseph described the cornerback battle as a “competition” on June 12. The challenge for his DBs is to handle the extra attention that comes from being on the other side of Surtain. The role demands more than just physical prowess; it requires mental toughness and the ability to bounce back from adversity. The defensive coordinator's job is to make sure his corners can rise to the occasion, even when they're under fire.
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The Depth Chart Shuffle: Last fall, Mathis and Moss had their moments but didn't make the impact the team had hoped for. Fabian Moreau, who was brought in as a stopgap, has since moved on. In his place, the Broncos have signed Levi Wallace, a veteran who brings experience and stability to the position. Wallace’s presence is expected to provide some insurance and potentially elevate the play of his fellow cornerbacks.
Looking Ahead:
Training camp is just around the corner, and with it comes the chance for Moss and Mathis to prove themselves. The ideal scenario for the Broncos is for one of these young players to step up and secure the starting role opposite Surtain. Joseph's task is to fine-tune the secondary and extract peak performance from his cornerbacks.
Key Factors for Success:
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Resilience and Adaptability: For any cornerback, especially those starting opposite a star like Surtain, handling the pressure and bouncing back from mistakes is critical. Joseph will be looking for corners who can handle the spotlight and remain effective even when targeted frequently.
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Tactical Scheming: Joseph's defensive strategies will be pivotal in maximizing the effectiveness of his cornerbacks. His ability to devise plans that force opposing QBs to make tougher throws will play a big role in the defense's success.
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Experience and Depth: With Wallace joining the team, the Broncos have added a seasoned player who can offer guidance and stability. His experience will be invaluable in mentoring younger players and anchoring the secondary.
As training camp kicks off, all eyes will be on the defensive backs as they battle for their place on the depth chart. Joseph’s coaching and strategic adjustments will be crucial in shaping the Broncos’ defense for the upcoming season. With a blend of seasoned talent and emerging stars, the defensive backfield has the potential to be a key strength for Denver, provided they can rise to the challenge.
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