Broncos Have New Defensive Philosophy

The Broncos have a new-look defense. That’s what defensive coordinator Dennis Allen brings to the Mile High table. Compared to last season when the Broncos ranked last in points allowed, last in sacks, and second to last in rushing yards given up, this new Broncos defense appears to be more aggressive and more competitive.

In Saturday’s preseason win against the Bills, the defense had 1 sack, 1 interception, 6 tackles for a loss, 8 quarterback hurries, and 9 pass deflections. In the Broncos first two preseason games, it’s evident that there’s more pressure on the quarterback and more energy throughout the entire defensive squad.

Players are making a statement on every play, trying to secure a spot as a starter or just trying to solidify a spot on the roster.  If you can believe it, a play from the Broncos defense making national news in preseason play.

Rookie safety Rahim Moore leveled Bills receiver Donald Jones so hard that Jones was laying on the field for several minutes before thankfully leaving under his own power. Moore was given a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness on the play, and Jones could have been severely injured. However, it was nice to see a change in thinking on the part of the Broncos defense.

"I was being a football player,” Moore said after the game. “I couldn’t really get to the ball to pick it off, which is what I really wanted to do. But my intention was just to hit him. Our coaches want us to be physical, so I’m going to do what I do.” – Rahim Moore (Shutdown Corner)"

Long gone are the days when the Broncos made weak tackles, simply pushed players out of bounds, and settled for a field goal rather than a touchdown.

Dennis Allen’s squad makes strong tackles, they make sure a play isn’t made near the sidelines, and they make sure that they don’t give up any points on defense. Most importantly, however, there’s a change in overall philosophy. The defense aims to put points on the board. It’s no longer solely the offense’s job. The defense is making it a point to make such big plays in the form for pick 6’s, safeties, and fumble recoveries for a score, that it relieves pressure on the offense.

Orange Crush may be back in Denver and it’s a welcome sight.

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