Denver Broncos Player/Position Grades Post Houston Texans

Aug 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 21-16. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive End

DeMarcus Ware: B

Derek Wolfe: B+

Malik Jackson: B

Quanterus Smith: B-

Kenny Anunike:  C-

Brian Sanford: D

Overall: C+

Ever since the great game the DL had against the Seattle Seahawks,they have had some rough time as a group. Ware got beat a few times in the run game, but his pass rush is amazing. He is so quick off the snap. A few times against the Texans he looked like he was getting going right before the snap occurred. There is no reason to doubt this man in Denver. Derek Wolfe is great as what he does. Seeing him work with Von Miller back was great. Everyone talks about Miller and Ware, but Wolfe needs to be mentioned as well. Jackson is so destructive to opposing offensive lines when he subs into the game. He causes all kinds of disruption no matter where he is lined up at. A few times against the Texans, he was the one to draw a double team and that was with Ware, Terrance Knighton and Derek Wolfe on the field at the same time.

Quanterus Smith has had a rough couple games. He has been exploited in the run game and not as effected as a rusher. His quick first step is on a constant display, however. Anunike had one horrible play where he was doing something he should not have been. He was to drop into coverage and was beaten for the Texans game winning score. Jack Del Rio likes to drop DL’s into coverage, but Anunike was lined up with the TE. Even without knowing the outcome that is something he should not be doing. Brian Sanford is an enigma. He doesn’t look good during the games, gets very few reps each game, but he is still around. Against the Texans, Sanford continued his bad play.