It is hardly surprising that the Broncos’ offense is starting to hit its stride. Peyton Manning at quarterback has that effect.
What is encouraging, however, is the progress that the Broncos defense is making under first-year defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio.
“We’ll never use excuses, but it’s a new scheme, what Jack Del Rio brought in here, so it’s guys just becoming more familiar with the scheme and their responsibilities and playing fast,” linebacker Keith Brooking said. “I think as the season progresses, you’re going to see everyone, all 11 guys out on the field, depending on the personnel [and] what defense is out there, just being more comfortable in their position, what they’re doing, and just their ability to play fast, so it’s a progression there and we’re getting better every week.”
It’s one thing to say they need to get accustomed to the system; it’s another thing to show it is happening. The Broncos’ defense is starting to show it in a big-time way.
They have allowed only 14 points in the last six quarters and that is merely the tip of the statistical iceberg.
The Broncos defense held Saints quarterback Drew Brees to a season-low 213 passing yards and New Orleans scored only 14 points, just under half of its season average entering the game.
Linebacker Wesley Woodyard turned in an effort that earned him the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award. He had 13 tackles, a sack, an interception, a forced fumble and two passes defensed.
“It’s one of those things where we’re more comfortable,” Woodyard said of the defense. “We’re starting to settle in and we have a lot of players rolling in fresh off the sideline ready to make plays. Whenever you have a hungry defense, there’s always going to be a lot of positive things (that) happen.”
Soon, this hungry defense will get some reinforcements, too.
Cornerbacks Chris Harris and Tony Carter are forcing a tough decision on the coaching staff once Tracy Porter is healthy enough to play. Will Porter get his starting job back? Where exactly will he fit in?
“That’s great problem to have,” head coach John Fox said on Monday. “You let them compete and see who does the best, like we do everywhere.”
What was once a unit with many questions to answer is turning into, at the very least, a really solid group that is confident the next big play is just around the corner.
Certainly the Broncos have more work to do. If the defense does that work, then this team could be on its way to being special.
What impressed you the most in the Broncos’ win over the Saints?
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Mike
Tags: Mike Rice
Mad credit to JDR. Please Jack, stick around for a few seasons. It will almost certainly get you a ring. I am more than positive you will be offered a HC gig. Please stay with Denver a few years as DC.
The growth of these young defensive guys has been astonishing.
Kudos to the guys that don’t get a ton of attention. The athletic trainer as well as the position coaches deserve a ton of credit for the development of the young guys on this team. Thank you all.
Also, it seems that every position group has young guns and then one veteran leader. Elway and Co. have done a great job with the personnel on and off the field.
Running the table down the stretch is going to be fun
*Meant one hundred and two hundred tackles per YEAR, not game, LMAO!
Cant agree with you more Bay, give me a no name D with heart and integrity, Ill take that over stars and over paid personalities in a heart beat.
Glad to see we can agree miller after some rough turbulent waters at times, I appreciate it.
Thanks Turtle for the results Bud The job is going very well today is my 3mth anniversary date which means Im now a full time employee whoooo hoooo! ,and, the Broncos are Winning as MR. SHEEN would say lol. Only time I have off is 34 hrs between sat-sun which gives me time to watch the broncos play, driving between 2500-3100 miles a week, if its a work night I have Serius Radio and can listen, but so far the only game I havent watched was Alanta. I start at 10 at night, but with that game I was on my way home bummer oh well, I just thank the lord I finally found something good again, life is good, god bless to all bronco fans.
Im a pretty down to earth person Bay alot of what you say I do agree with, keep posting its nice to have your knowledge and input.
I think we’re missing the obvious here friends. Just look at Champ Bailey. He shut down Colston who had been on fire coming into that game and then chips in with some serious run stop tackles. This guy is a legend and is the anchor on this defense. I love watching Dume and Miller and they got lots of pressure but no sacks against N.O., the stops came from great coverage and that starts with Champ going one on one with the best receiver every game. He’s the straw that stirs the drink on the Denver D. Gotta love the Champ. Probably the best trade in Broncos history.
Baylinorchrush………
It sure is fun that you are back posting again. Your opinions are never boring and I sometimes even agree with them
Actually I think you are spot on with your comments around heart, work rate and spirit over just talent, without the other parts.
I do however have a soft spot for DJ as he was a proven productive player before he decided to make a mockery of his team and himself. Perhaps it is because I have often given people their 2nd chance in my teams (work) and have been rewarded with extra effort and commitment and loyalty for looking beyond…although it has also backfired a couple of times.
As for Moreno he has had plenty chance to shine IMO.
I agree with Bronco Blood. Alot of us take Champ for granted because he has played at an elite level for such a long time, but is a big reason why we can keep teams like the Saints from getting so many yards. I also think that Derek Wolfe deserves alot credit as well. Before the season all the experts kept saying that the interior of our D-Line was going to be a huge problem for us, but I haven’t read anything like that since the season started and him and Vickerson deserve alot of credit for that as well.
Some coaches are just not wired to be head coaches, (Norv “cough” Turner) but are excellent coordinators. I feel that JDR falls into this category.
Mike, Wes impressed me most. He killed it out there.
That kind of language isn’t going to score you many points, just a pointer.
Told you boss, your post got removed just like that! LMAO.
The Bronco’s starting lineup is very good. I am concerned about possible injury problems as some of the backup players leave something to be desired. (i.e. quarterback, middle linebacker)