Sometimes it’s easy to overlook the guys who are doing the dirty work.
The Broncos defense deserves some big-time kudos.
The unit that was much-maligned earlier in the season has turned things around and is now a major reason the Broncos have won three of their last four games.
What has changed? Several things.
1) THE DEFENSE IS GETTING HEALTHY. Injuries are often an excuse but the fact is, the defense was hit hard early in the season. Ty Warren and Kevin Vickerson, gone from the defensive line. Champ Bailey was on the sideline for three games. So was D.J. Williams. Elvis Dumervil was not at full strength and is still being bothered by a high ankle sprain. Brian Dawkins has been dinged up at times. Those are all crucial players for the Broncos. There is no getting around that.
Now, many of those guys are healthy and making huge contributions. The key guys simply have to make plays and the Broncos’ key defensive guys are starting to do just that. Plus, when frontline players are in the lineup, other players often play better. That has happened with the Broncos. This is a unit that held Kansas City to 258 yards of total offense. That is a whale of a day no matter who you’re playing.
2) THE TOUGHNESS FACTOR IS KICKING IN. I see a meaner, nastier and more determined defense the past couple of weeks. Early in the season, I was waiting for the opposing offense to gash the Broncos’ defense with a big play. Not so much any more. Instead, I’m getting to the place where I expect the Broncos to be the ones who make a big play. More and more, I’m expecting the Broncos to be the ones who force the issue with the opposing offense.
One guy who exemplifies this for me is linebacker Joe Mays. Talk about one tough dude. My goodness, he’ll stick his nose into a beehive and tell the bees just how things are going to be…and not flinch a bit doing it. Mays had eight tackles and a pass breakup against the Chiefs and was in the thick of everything.
What a refreshing change to see a Broncos’ defense start to be tough, instead of simply talking about being tough. Sure, the D still has a ways to go but I see that unit developing an attitude and backing it up on the field. I like it. I like it a lot.
3) MORE GUYS ARE STARTING TO CONTRIBUTE. I love how CB Chris Harris has stepped up when the opportunity to play more has come his way. He isn’t perfect. But I love his competitiveness. I love how he seems to have a short memory when he does make a mistake. In addition, he is showing himself to be a good open field tackler and a guy that is around the ball. He also had eight tackles and a pass breakup against the Chiefs. When an undrafted free agent starts playing like Harris is starting to play, it’s probably fair to say that some teams missed on the guy.
How about guys like Quinton Carter or Ryan McBean? They, and others, are seemingly playing better the past few weeks. The supporting cast seems more confident and that is crucial.
Teams need guys to raise their level of play and contribute, when maybe it wasn’t necessarily expected of them. The Broncos’ defense is getting more guys making more plays.
I know there are plenty of games left. There is no denying, however, that the defense has taken some major steps forward. That’s a huge reason why the Broncos have started to win more consistently.
It’s a short week before the Jets come to town. What are your thoughts on the game?
Thanks for reading and sharing.
Sincerely,
Mike
Yeah, the D is always what I wanted so I asked for a D oriented HC and got my wish then he picked a great DC in Allen and we are well on our way on that side of the ball, couldn’t be happier there.
And second I wanted us to return to the running game and I was excited we went with Fox because that’s also his forte and lo and behold, we got a major running game going.
I guess I’m not getting anything for Christmas since I already got it all, LOL.
As always, great article, Mike. It was really nice (though a bit surprising) to hear McBean’s name a couple times during the game; same with Mays. Also nice to think that what Coach Allen talked about at the beginning of the year in terms of aggression and nastiness is starting to kick in. Just like the O-line, the Defense is starting to develop its identity, and that is always a good thing. Maybe next year at this time, they’ll be deserving of a nickname.
This D has shown major signs of imporvement, which is always what you want to see in your team. Von Miller, while not always getting the sack, has been laying the wood on every QB and banging them up badly.
I see no different with Sanchez. I believe their O-line is in for a battle and our D line will prevail. It’s gonna be a long night for Sanchez and we will force him to make some poor decisions with the ball and create some turnovers.
Been impressed with how the D has been able to get off the field as well. Seeing them give up 3rd and long for a conversion has been nothing short of frustrating……….nice to see they’ve been getting better in that department.
I believe this game will be a real chess match, and a low scoring affair. A defensive battle on both sides of the ball.
The one thing that we all really wished for was our Orange Crush to return. I see that well on its way with the D we have now. As you said Mike, they have work to do yet, but, no one can ignore our defense now. Everybody is talking about it and how it has developed, especially since the break. I see a lot of good defensive games ahead of us this season and U really believe that our Broncos are going to continue to suprise people. Heck, the TV analysts are even putting on the old leather helmets when they talk about our team.
Couldn’t be any better than this, other than winning the rest of the season.
I predict that Sanchez will be out by halftime, and not return the remainder of the game. I predict our defense is going to beat on him so much in that first half that he will not want any more to do with us the second half.
Get LOUD on Thursday folks!!! Lets crank up the heat another notch there D, force a few fumbles and some sanchez turnovers. 27-10 broncos.
Turn it up to 11!!!! It’s 1 louder!
Mr. Rice,
D is back in Denver! Let us all hope this trend continues and good things will happen.
I do have one slight ‘issue’ with you post though. No credit to a certain rookie LB? What gives? Lol
I (as I’m sure the rest of Broncos country) am happy with the 2nd overall pick and the dimension he brings to our D. I am also impressed how he handled his benching and seems to be a ‘nastier(hungrier)’ player since!
GO BRONCOS!!!!
While I believe our D will hold the Jets to few points, I don’t think our O will explode for 20+ points either……….Their D will be ready for the running game and Rexy will put the game on TT’s arm.
I’m calling a defensive battle………..just not ready to make my official prediction. lol
Chicken, LOL/jk.
Broncos: 17
Jets: 16
Dem’s Fighting Words Bay!!! hahaha
Fine, here you go! 17-13 Broncos!
The true sign of a GREAT Defense is to have really good back-ups! People who could start on most other teams:
Captain Wesley Woodyard
Mario Hagan
Cassius Vaughn
TOO NAME A FEW!
Also been impressed with the way these guys are WORKING and gelling together!
If I could wish for one Christmas Wish – it would be for Marcus Thomas to score a TD and then do a back-flip!!! LOL
GO BRONCOS!!!
Just as long as he doesn’t kneel and do a Mile High Salute. If he does then he will be penalized for excessive celebration.
How ridiculous can this nonsense get folks?
Killerkod, last week you were ahead of me 3 points to 2 and I told you to watch you’re back and now I’m up 5 points to 3, at least I back my stuff up, LOL, good luck with that score! I mean for real, not being sarcastic.
Also really want to see David Bruton on the field!!! He came in and played really well this year – not too mention Special Teams!!!
Nice post Mike,I can sum it up in just a few words.The Defensive players like playing for Fox and Allen,they are defensive minded coaches,they knows a Helluva lot more about which guys to utilize and what schemes to call,than McD and Wink!!!!!
And like you say ,they are getting healthy,imagine if we had Warren!!!
Like bay said….Good Defense and pounding the rock,I love it!!!!!
Well, maybe they don’t want to end up with muslims players taking their shoes off and bowing down on their knees to the ground to Allah?
time for YOU to watch YOUR back bay…………..I’m coming for you……unless you’re just gonna copy my predictions! hahahaha
Broncos are going to win BIG!!!
Broncos 30
Jets 17
No chance, haha.
I think Colquitt will be a huge factor in this game………pinning the Jets deep in their zone. By that, I mean there will be a lot of punting on both sides of the ball…………
7 of our 17 points will come from a Champ pick-six!
GO BRONCOS!!
Bring it on! LOL.
killer, I just can’t hold this in no more. Bay got you. Laid that out perfect and you buckled and gave your prediction. That was sweet bay. I don’t know if that was your intentions but it sure looked that way reading you guys’ blogs back and forth.
Will the real Jets team stand up! Then again, only GB and SF have played with any consistancy. The Broncos have played above my expectations 3 of the last 4 games. They played about what I expected with Detroit. Bronco consistant improvement vs Jets yo-yo year. Gut says Jets rebound, but heart says Broncos 17-13.
lol seweatherman…………
He just accellerated the inevitable……….damn you bay!!!! hahaha
That was the score I’ve been mulling over in my head………..he forced it out of me! Now, when I collect my 7 points and move ahead of him again, who will be laughing then, huh?!?!? hahahahaha
BTW, real proud of the league right now, this is part of a letter I got in my e-mail from Goodell:
We are proud of the agreement we reached with the union this week on how to distribute the $620 million Legacy Fund set aside in our new collective bargaining agreement. It means we will begin paying higher benefits immediately to all retired players whose pensions vested before 1993.
This new Legacy Fund benefit has three important components:
1. Every player will receive a major pension increase. We have significantly raised the pension floor of minimum monthly payments.
2. Players whose pensions vested before 1975 – the players who played for the lowest salaries – are getting the biggest increase.
3. The Legacy Fund benefits will continue not only for the lifetime of the retired player, but also for the lifetime of his eligible beneficiary.
Here are two examples of how the Legacy Fund will significantly increase monthly pension payments to many retired players:
-There is a 10-year veteran player who retired in the 1960s who has been receiving a $200 monthly pension. The Legacy Fund benefit will increase his monthly check to $1,840.
-Another 10-year veteran who retired in the 1970s will see his monthly check increase from $165 to $1,810.
That’s just awesome news for those old vets who used to earn not much more than peanuts next to today’s paychecks. Well done in the name of all NFL players past!
Testing……
weatherman I could reveal all my strategies but then I’d have to terminate you, LMAO!
With all of the dissention in the Jets locker room right now I do not see them doing any rebounding this year. I think they shot their wad at the beginning and it is all downhill for them from here on out. They have a qb that is becoming more and more scared of being hit (which is going to work in our favor huge), and a coach that can’t keep his mouth shut and continues to embarrass the team.
Bay, I seem to be having trouble posting this morning. I don’t see any of my posts from last night or this morning. Did you get my prediction? If not, it’s DEN – 26 : NYJ – 21. Thanks
Oh please don’t terminate me bay, I just thought that was a slick move.
Overall leader extraordinaire oldsouth joining you in the exact same prediction killerkod, now that’s a bit more troublesome to me, LOL.
Just as well for you to join us too then bay………..hahaha I know you wanna!
Got you now Rabid.
Let me pull out my calculator first, LOL!
That is some awsome news for the retirees. I wish some of the states would follow their suit. I am about tired if this 360 I get each month. Doesn’t even cover the electric bill.
I think the TE’s will be TT’s best friends this game………mixing up some short passes of 5-7 yards with some runs should keep the chains moving……….but like I said, this will be a game of punting and field position.
Don’t do it bay! All killer wants is your prediction early. Don’t do it bay!!!
LMAO!
Unofficial prediction:
Broncos 35 Jets 10
Gotcha, not a valid entry yet, haha.
Broncos 20
other team 13
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
We can never finish a discussion, new blog.
To be honest I don’t believe the jets defense is going to be that good. They will be tired after being on the field for so long last week. Again with the broncos running game their defense will wear out faster than normal. OUr defense on the other hand is healthy and well rested. If Sanchez throws on the very first throw of the game this will be an easy win if Sanchez gives it to shone green we will be in for a running game and they have a good running game so then it will be hard to win. I do believe that if the broncos score first and keep ahead for the first quarter they will go away from their running game and go to the passing game and that is where our defense will be able to dominate. So I say with the pounding the jets got last week and on a short week with a run dominating offense in the broncos, broncos win.
Broncos: 28
Jets: 17
oh yeah one more thing.
THursday games are a love hate type of week.
I love them because I only have to wait four days for the broncos to play.
I hate them because I have to wait a week and a half before they play again.
On derrel revis he great but overrated I think bailey is still the best biased maybe but woodson and asomghua are better than revis in my opinion.
Have to freaking be able to win at home! Comon guys take care of your home turf. you have yet to defend it
When the D was playing poor earlier in the season I said it wasn’t for a lack of ability but for a lack of rest. They were on the field way too much. Probably the most conditioned D cuz of all the 3 and outs. We are running good thanks to the Tebow switch and the option, thereby controlling TOP. That would be the number 4 u missed. Plus now that they are in the system longer, u can see things being more fluid.
TRB
For many (relatively) recent years, the one team which created the strongest emotions in me, was not the Raiders, but the Ravens — they were Bronco killers. This feeling was no doubt instilled on a Monday Night contest, beginning with a field goal attempt by Denver, which featured Mr. Ray Lewis flattening a Bronco player — I believe it was Mr. Ed McCaffrey — and the field goal fielded by the Ravens, was returned all the way for a touchdown. Possibly the man most responsible for the supremacy of Baltimore over Denver during the ensuing years, — the Ravens Defensive Coordinator– is the same man who brings the New York Jets into the Mile High — New York Jets Head Coach, Rex Ryan. What I read on the web is making much of an expected ground battle in the trenches between the two teams. On the Jets’ side, I perhaps can believe that — after they have installed a lead. Broncos must not exclude the Jet’s halfbacks coming out of the backfield as deep pass targets, nor the Jets’ tight ends. Sanchez will utilize his halfback, both tight ends, and his wide receivers — and won’t hesitate to do so successively, simply going to his best target. There are outstanding athletes on the Jets’ team on both sides of the ball — beginning with their center, Nick Mangold. Defensively, the Jets are known to line up in one formation, and then switching or audibilizing to another. I personally, have seen a skilled defensive back against the pass. It is said that the hand is quicker than the eye, and if a defensive back has quicker hands than the receiver, the effect, is, indeed magical. I really have no other way of understanding a play I have seen, where a smaller defensive back, behind the man he was defending — a tall, big receiver, who going up for the ball, got both hands on it, his body between the ball and the defender. The was ball perfectly thrown — and the ball somehow ended up in the defenders hands — he must have lifted the ball out of the receivers hands, and lifted it over the defender’s head. To this day, I’m not really sure what I saw. I understood then and there, that there are athletes with skills that are beyond being fast, or big, or both. There is no need to test such an athlete, because, you might not ever see what you are looking for!