Broncos continue defensive housecleaning, release line coach

DENVER (AP) _ The Denver Broncos released defensive line/tackles coach Andre Patterson on Wednesday, one day after firing defensive coordinator Larry Coyer. <br/><br/>The moves came after Denver's

Wednesday, January 10th 2007, 12:30 pm

By: News On 6

DENVER (AP) _ The Denver Broncos released defensive line/tackles coach Andre Patterson on Wednesday, one day after firing defensive coordinator Larry Coyer.

The moves came after Denver's defense wilted and the team limped to a 9-7 record this season despite a strong start.

The team's two-sentence announcement gave no reason for Patterson's release. He had been with the team for two seasons and has been in the NFL for 10 years.

Denver jumped to a 7-2 start this season behind a stout defense that didn't allow a touchdown over the first 11 quarters _ the first NFL team to accomplish such a shutout in 64 years.

But after injuries to key players, the defense stumbled, giving up an average of 27.7 points in its final seven games, including 83 points in two losses to San Diego.