Super Bowl Q&A with Greg Robinson

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Posted: Tuesday January 26, 1999 08:01 PM

Robinson knows the Falcons' offense is more than just Jamal Anderson CNN/SI

Almost exactly five days before his defense will lead Denver's defense of its Super Bowl title, Broncos defensive coordinator Greg Robinson stopped in on CNN/SI's Miami set to talk about facing the Atlanta Falcons.

Inga Hammond: For the first time in the history of the NFL, the league's top two rushers will meet in the Super Bowl, so logically stopping the run is key for both defenses. The Broncos have given up just 88 yards in their last four games, including two playoff wins. Joining us now to talk more about that defense is Broncos defensive coordinator Greg Robinson. Greg, the Vikings, for the most part, were able to shut down the No. 1 weapon in Jamal Anderson. He had just 67 yards on the ground, but the Falcons still scored 30 points. Frightening? Challenging?

Greg Robinson: I think what it tells you about Atlanta is the balance that they have in their offense. They have a very strong running game, and a tremendous running back in Jamal. At the same time, I don't know if enough credit is given to Chris Chandler and his receiving corps, Terance Mathis, Tony Martin and tight end O.J. Santiago.

Pat Kirwan: Greg, we were watching the tape of Foge Fazio's Minnesota defense, which is similar to yours. We were all with the Jets together, and I think he learned a lot about that defense from you. I saw that safety Robert Griffith was being inserted up into the box, making eight in the box, and Atlanta was moving their fullback to the other side and trying to run away from them. Do you recall seeing that?

GR: Yes. Minnesota's defense had different ways they were trying to attack. For the most part, against the running game, Minnesota did an outstanding job.

PK: Later in the game, Chandler went back and said the way to beat this eight-guys-in-the-box thing is to throw the ball. So he started to throw and he had a couple of great receptions to Mathis and Martin to the outside. Do you expect to see some of that?

GR: Oh, I think we have to be prepared for the throwing game. In this type of game, when you get into the playoffs and the types of teams you're playing, you're never going to see a one-dimensional football team. You're going to see teams that are capable of moving the ball on the ground or through the air. We have to expect both and be ready to deal with the throwing game as well as the run.

IH: Greg, last year, you had Brett Favre to contain -- a very mobile quarterback. Chandler is known as more of a pocket passer, but you said earlier that that isn't the case.

GR: No, I really see Chris Chandler as a quarterback who is very capable of moving around. He'll take off and run on you. He maneuvers well in the pocket to buy himself time to throw the football. He definitely creates some problems for you that our defense is tune to and knows what it has to do to stop him.

 

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