Broncos sprinkle in 3-4 defense

DENVER • For a few plays Sunday, the Denver Broncos unveiled a new defensive look.

They used a 3-4 defense, with three defensive linemen and four linebackers. Jamie Winborn came on the field as the extra linebacker in the formation.

“It’s something we threw in real quick, utilize all the guys we had,” Winborn said. “It worked well for us some today.”

Winborn started the first game of the season when Boss Bailey was recovering from an ankle injury, and he has played well when filling in for injuries. The Broncos could decide to continue sprinkling in that defense if they think Winborn could have a bigger impact than a fourth defensive lineman.

“It’s something we have in our arsenal right now,” Winborn said. “Teams are going to have to prepare for it.”

Review good and bad
When tight end Tony Scheffler fumbled in the fourth quarter at New Orleans’ 5-yard line, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan figured he had nothing to lose and challenged the play. He didn’t assume the call would be reversed, but the risk was worth it.

“I couldn’t really see it, and I thought with a turnover there and a timeout, just take a chance,” Shanahan said.

The play was upheld and the Saints’ recovery held up. Shanahan was more successful on his challenge of a 35-yard touchdown catch by receiver Brandon Marshall in the first half. Officials ruled Marshall stepped out of bounds in the back of the end zone, but players were lobbying Shanahan to challenge. After a replay on the video screen in the stadium showed Marshall got both feet in, Shanahan threw the challenge flag.

“Tony (Scheffler) came up to me as soon as I scored, he was down there with me and he said ‘You’re in, don’t worry about it,’” Marshall said. “I guess Tony went to coach, and a few other guys, and said ‘Coach, throw the flag.’”

Brees winless
Winless in four starts at Invesco Field, Saints quarterback Drew Brees lamented his luck against the Broncos on their home field.
“I’ve played here six times and I’ve never won here,” said Brees, who was a backup when the Chargers lost at Invesco in 2001 and didn’t play in the 2003 game. “That stinks. I’ve had some close games here, but it always seems like, for one reason or another, something happens and we don’t get the win.”

Sunday’s loss to the Broncos was the closest of all, topping Brees’ last game playing for San Diego in 2005. The Chargers lost 20-17 and Brees suffered a serious shoulder injury when he was tackled trying to recover a fumble. Brees’ 421-yard output was his best in Denver by 186 yards.

Moss up, Crowder down
Jarvis Moss’ promotion wasn’t good news for fellow 2007 draftee and defensive end Tim Crowder. Moss was active for the first time this season Sunday. Crowder played the first two games but was deactivated against the Saints. Moss, who had one tackle Sunday, was a first-round pick and Crowder was a second-round pick.