Denver Broncos: Second Best Defense in the League
The Broncos defense hasn’t missed a beat from last years team that won the Super Bowl. However, some seem to believe there is a better defense.
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ESPN writer Bill Barnwell released his list of the top defenses so far this season. According to his rankings the Denver Broncos rank second in the league behind the Legion of Boom in Seattle.
While being the second ranked defense is still an honor to be proud of, the defense will not settle for anything but the best. As safety T.J. Ward said before the victory against the Bengals, “Out here in the jungle… But we’re the only animals I see.”
There is no doubting the Seahawks have a great defense in Seattle, but are they truly better than the Broncos D? Denver’s defense should be the number one defense for the simple fact they’ve played against better competition. The Seahawks defense has played against Ryan Tannehill, Case Keenum, and Blaine Gabbert. In the same stretch the Broncos have faced MVP Cam Newton, Andrew Luck, and Andy Dalton.
Barnwell mentions that he is basing the rankings based off what will happen for the rest of the season. “I have to go with the Seahawks because of how they’re performing while missing one key element of their game: turnovers.”
While there may be more opportunities for turnovers for the Seahawks, that same opportunity presents itself for the Broncos as well. Through three games Seattle has forced only one turnover, while the Broncos have forced five turnovers.
Seattle’s defense can’t be taken lightly because of their schedule, but the Broncos defense should be looked at higher for their competition. Seattle has faced Miami (18th ranked offense), Los Angeles (Last ranked offense), and San Francisco (29th ranked offense). The offenses Denver faced are Carolina (seventh ranked offense), Indianapolis (12th ranked offense), and Cincinnati (11th ranked offense).
Rankings may reflect differently if the Broncos weren’t on their schedules. The Broncos defense held each team to less than 200 yards passing but all three teams are averaging over 240 passing yards per game.
Overall both teams have tremendous defenses with similar strengths, but to be the best you have to beat the best. The Broncos continue to give fits to some of the best quarterbacks in the league. The Seahawks will have their chance as they will face Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Cam Newton amongst other.
The debate will continue at that time.