Denver Broncos Defense Shines in Preseason
By Adam Malnati
So what do we know after the Denver Broncos second preseason game? Two things, really. Number one, Peyton Manning and the offense need a little more time to adjust to the new playbook. That is to be expected, and is no reason to panic. Number two, this defense is capable of carrying this team. That could be the best news in Denver since Manning said he was coming to play for the Broncos.
More from Broncos News
- Denver Broncos reportedly have first finalist for the head coach position
- Three bold predictions for the Broncos’ 2023 offseason
- 4 potential free agents for Broncos to splurge on in 2023
- Broncos coach predictions: Ranking candidates from least likely to most likely
- Denver Broncos blatantly ignoring maybe the best head coach candidate
With 12 sacks so far this preseason, we are already witnessing the Wade Phillips effect. The defense that was inherited from John Fox and Jack Del Rio has not changed much in regards to personnel. The way this team attacks an offense has changed considerably. That comes from Phillips and his aggressive style.
The way this team attacks an offense has changed considerably. That comes from Phillips and his aggressive style.
Denver has an unbelievable amount of talent on both sides of the ball. A cursory glance at the names that fill the positions on the defensive side of the ball has the potential to give opposing offensive coordinators heart palpitations. It all starts up front with Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, and it ends with Chris Harris and Aqib Talib anchoring the defensive backfield. You should hear more than a few quarterbacks yell, “uncle,” this season.
In the end, it may take a few weeks for the offense to really come together. That would suggest a need for the defense to lead the Broncos to a couple victories at the beginning of the season. At the end of the 2014 season, it would have been nice to throw Brock Osweiller in and let the defense carry the load. It was never a possibility. The defense was not designed to carry the team. Now, it can.
Live Feed
Horseshoe Heroes
Maybe that means more Osweiller during the regular season. Maybe with a defense that plays with anger and aggression, and a desire to crush the quarterback’s spirit, Manning can take a step back if necessary. The obvious statement here is that Denver must have Manning under center to be a Super Bowl contender. However, this defense is showing it can give Manning a break every now and then. That should preserve his health, and the teams chances at lifting the Lombardi Trophy in February.
Next: Broncos preseason: 5 stars in victory over Texans
Aug 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports