Predominantly Orange
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Broncos ‘D’ Doing Best Orange Crush Impression

By Ian St. Clair

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Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) intercepts a pass intend for San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

The speculation was instantaneous.

As was the dream.

Broncos Country just may see the return of the Orange Crush. When John Elway added safety T.J. Ward, cornerback Aqib Talib and defensive end DeMarcus Ware, Broncos Country wasn’t left with much of a choice but think that just may happen.

Add the return of healthy players Rahim Moore, Derek Wolfe, Chris Harris and Von Miller, the dream was so close to reality we weren’t sure if it was a trick.

The preseason did nothing to make the Broncos think that wouldn’t happen. It was the preseason but, still, it dominated.

Through much of the season, the Denver defense has been hit and miss. It would show glimpses of how dominant it could be.  Only the next week to get torched by the St. Louis Rams, of all teams.

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The last month the Broncos defense has made the dream of the Orange Crush’s return reappear. It’s actually been the last three games when the defense has been Orange Crush-esuqe. Over that time, Denver has allowed 14.3 points per game. That’s the third fewest in the NFL over that time.

In that same three-game span, no team has forced more turnovers than the Broncos with eight.

In terms of the whole season, Denver ranks No. 1 in yards allowed per play (4.8) and three-and-outs (30 percent). Those two stats mean you win games and will win in the playoffs, and that’s what it’s about.

The Broncos are the only team in the NFL with a top five offense and defense. Given how bad the defense was last year and how revamped the unit is that’s remarkable. Only two starters on this year’s defense played in the Super Bowl.

Though the top five distinction is a bit misleading since it’s based on yards. The real gauge should be points. No surprise Denver’s offense is in the top 5. The defense is 16th in points per game at 21.6. That’s still a little too high, but how many of those came at the end of games when the Broncos held a comfortable lead?

Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is chased out of the pocket by Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) during third quarter action at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

The best indication of the Denver defense is the last three weeks. It has thoroughly and completely dominated the opposition. What’s most impressive is two of those games were within in the division and on the road.

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    • And there’s no weakness at this point. If anything, it can get better. In the best defensive outing of the season against the San Diego Chargers, it still didn’t get any sacks. That’s about the only negative you can take away from the game. The Broncos still put consistent pressure on Phillip Rivers, didn’t allow San Diego’s run game to do anything, didn’t give up big plays and forced turnovers. That’s a winning recipe in December and January.

    As Broncos Country knows full well. Despite the efforts of Elway and Peyton Manning, this organization will always have its roots in physical, nasty and dominating defense.

    That’s what the Orange Crush was, and it stacks up against any of the best units in NFL history.

    The most recent defense people put in that discussion is last year’s Seattle Seahawks. That unit allowed 231 points for 14.4 per game. The San Francisco 49ers from a season ago gave up 241 for 15.1 per game.

    The 1985 Chicago Bears allowed 12.4. The 2000 Baltimore Ravens 10.3. The 2002 Tampa Buccaneers 9.4.

    The 1977 Broncos gave up 6.6.

    The 1978 Broncos allowed 6.

    With all the speculation of “is this the season the Orange Crush makes its return,” Broncos Country is as close as its been since the unit first appeared in the 1970s and through most of the ’80s.

    Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos free safety Rahim Moore (26) intercepts a pass intended for San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

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