Friday, February 12, 2010

Expect a heavy Blitz in 2010

Yesterday Broncos' new DC Don Martindale made his first move, hiring Craig Aukerman as a defensive assistant. Last season, Aukerman guided linebackers at Kent State and helped the Golden Flashes hold four opponents without a touchdown. Junior middle linebacker Cobrani Mixon earned a spot on the All-Mid-American Conference first team after leading the Pirates and placing eighth in the conference with 108 tackles.

Aukerman worked under 'Wink' Martindale for four years at the University of Miami (Ohio). Both coaches specialize in linebacker blitzes. It will be interesting to see who else 'Wink' will bring in and their style of coaching. Expect to see a heavy blitzing Bronco defense in 2010.

The arrival of these two coaches is good news for all the linebackers, they all already have great relationships with Martindale, while Aukerman--a former linebackers coach--has coached under him. This is particularly good news for outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil. The former University of Miami Defensive End is coming off a career year, and his first Pro Bowl appearance. I'm very optimistic about the Broncos defense in 2010. Last season the Broncos defense notched 39 sacks, this coming year Wink and his defense are hungry for more.
"I'm an aggressive guy by nature," Martindale told the Denver Post. "I believe in physical, smart football, and I have an aggressive attitude about things. The players already know that by being with me."

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