Coordination on both sides of the ball figured to be an issue this summer for the Broncos, with so many new players and coaches and the introduction of a new defensive philosophy.

Toss in a few injuries and that only exacerbates the issue.

So in that respect, the Broncos didn't disappoint in three preseason games despite previous objections from players and coaches that immediate chemistry might be an issue.

Now that most of the key players are done with game action until the Sept. 9 opener, whatever tweaks need to be made will have to be done on the practice field.

Whether it's enough time and the proper environment to fix some of the problems is immaterial. It's reality. There's no panic at Dove Valley yet. But there also is the distinct feeling there's plenty of work to be done.

"It's what preseason's all about, is trying to iron out all the wrinkles and try to get everything rolling so we won't have any mistakes for the season," cornerback Dré Bly said.

There seemingly are more concerns on defense right now.

The front four continues to be a work in progress. Elvis Dumervil started in place of Ebenezer Ekuban, who is lost for the season. Alvin McKinley also got a heavy dose of action there and at tackle in the nickel pass rush.

And despite four sacks, consistent pressure didn't happen during a 17-16 preseason loss to the Cleveland Browns on Saturday.

Rookie Tim Crowder's possible return this week might help.

Behind the line, issues remain, too. There still are too many missed assignments in the passing game.

On one play against the Browns, three Broncos jumped the underneath receiver, leaving a one-on-one between a safety and wideout on the outside. And on crossing routes and flares out of the backfield, there are too many times when the intended targets have a free path.

"I'd say we opened a can of worms in Dallas on some plays," strong-side linebacker Nate Webster said, referring to the second preseason game. "This is a copycat league, and once they see a weakness in your defense, the next team will try to hit you there also to see if they can capitalize in the holes in your defense.

"They came back at us with similar plays. But I thought we made some strides, really, even though we gave up some plays."

The Broncos also have to do a better job of open-field tackling. There was more of the swarming defensive boss Jim Bates was seeking. But weak-side linebacker Ian Gold is arm tackling and too aggressive at times in space, and middle linebacker D.J. Williams gets tangled in traffic too often, though his overall play improved.

Third downs, particularly with long-yardage situations, have been the biggest bugaboo for starters. Cleveland went 5-for-8 during the first half; the Cowboys converted 6-of-8 before halftime.

"We've got to get coordinated as far as the chemistry between the pass rush and the coverage at the same time," Dumervil said.

The starting defense has allowed 44 points and 574 yards in five-plus quarters.

"You've got to keep in mind we're still tweaking and the coaches are still figuring out who they want on the team. And you're still seeing guys in different situations as far as how many snaps a guy can go or how a guy is doing on third down rushing the passer," defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy said. "You have spots where the coaches are trying to test us just to see what we have for the season. We're going to know what we're doing by the time we get to Buffalo."

Offensively, the Broncos' flat showing to start the second half (two three-and-outs) obscured a decent first half. That included a march to a field goal that could have been more if not for two dropped passes by Javon Walker and a flawlessly executed 80-yard drive in the two-minute offense.

The running game continued to look solid. The first-team offensive line, minus guard Ben Hamilton, gave quarterback Jay Cutler time. And with the return of Brandon Stokley, and Brandon Marshall hitting his stride, the Broncos appear potentially strong at receiver.

Not only did Cecil Sapp emerge as a likely backup to Travis Henry in the backfield, the team also might have discovered something in rookie Selvin Young, who had 91 yards and appeared quick and instinctive.

The preseason total for the first unit: three field goals and two touchdowns on 12 possessions.

And Cutler survived the scrutiny in his first summer as the full- time starter, completing 17-of-31 passes for 197 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

"We're not that far off," Cutler said. "I don't think we need to get all worried, flustered and panic. We have to have a sense of urgency, clean some stuff up and get ready for the real thing. We're getting there."

Still to be determined are the final two spots at receiver, with Brian Clark and Domenik Hixon appearing to be the favorites. Tight end Tony Scheffler still needs to be reacclimated to the mix, as does Hamilton. Both have missed extended time.

"We've made some improvements in the last week," tight end Nate Jackson said. "We're not where we want to be yet. And it's really about finding a rhythm. We can do that in practice. We've had sufficient reps in three games to find out what went wrong and what went right and we'll go from there."

The Broncos must get down to the 75-player roster limit by Tuesday, but the team was believed to be informing those being cut.

rasizerl@RockyMountainNews.com

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