The last time Carlton Powell suited up for the Broncos, the defense turned in the type of performance it had been craving all preseason.

The Broncos shut out the Cardinals in the exhibition finale, 19-0, at INVESCO Field at Mile High. Seven games later, Denver is 6-1 and its defense leads the NFL in yards allowed per game (266.7).

Back in orange and blue after being signed to the practice squad on Tuesday, those totals were no shock to Powell.

“I’m not surprised at all, from the work ethic everybody had put in during training camp and the type of scheme that we’re running now,” he said. “I kind of expected this and I’m definitely glad to be back and be a part of it.”