Broncos are producing at elite level at every level of defense

Edge Rushers

Von Miller: 94 snaps (+7.6 PFF grade)
DeMarcus Ware: 91 snaps (+7.6 PFF grade)
Shaquil Barrett: 28 snaps (+4.7 PFF grade)
Shane Ray: 31 snaps (-1.0 PFF grade)

Absolutely no surprise here at the top with Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware leading the way in both snaps and Pro Football Focus grade, which obviously isn’t telling the whole story here. Here’s the real story:

For Miller and Ware, it’s been a combined 16 QB hurries, 8 QB hits, and 3 QB sacks (the Broncos have 6 in total through 2 games). These two have been absolutely incredible off the edge in the first 2 games and look like All-Pro selections again. Ware in particular — and nothing against Miller — is impressive due to the fact that he’s in such great shape for his age (33).

He looks like he’s been shot out of a cannon, but then again, nothing Ware does should surprise any of us. He’s a future Hall of Famer.

The surprise here — and maybe none of us should be surprised at all — is how awesome Shaq Barrett has been in limited snaps. He’s got a very high PFF grade with 4 tackles, 2 hurries, and 3 ‘stops’ or plays that constitute offensive failure. He’s also seeing time on special teams and making an impact.

Shane Ray’s -1.0 grade is no cause for alarm at this point, as he’s a rookie learning the ropes, and it could be a lot worse. He’s played 31 snaps in 2 games, but the Broncos could try and find a way to get him on an inside pressure or two with Miller and Ware also on the field. That would be fun to watch.

Next: Linebackers