Broncos are producing at elite level at every level of defense

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Linebackers

Brandon Marshall (114 snaps, +1.6 PFF grade)
Danny Trevathan (70 snaps, +0.3 PFF grade)
Todd Davis (4 snaps, -0.1 PFF grade)
Corey Nelson (3 snaps, +0.4 PFF grade)

Brandon Marshall is an absolute beast, and the Broncos are set to give him a hefty raise at the end of this season to reward his play. Since coming up from the practice squad in 2013, Marshall has been unreal productivity-wise. This season, he is the team’s co-leader (with Danny Trevathan) with 7 ‘stops’, he has 12 total tackles, a sack, the forced fumble heard ’round the world on Jamaal Charles Thursday night, and he’s been the most utilized front-seven player thus far for Wade Phillips.

Danny Trevathan has not played nearly as many snaps, but he’s in a familiar place — leading the team in tackles. The Broncos are lucky to have Trevathan back, as he is not only a tackling machine but one of the toughest players on the defense, one of the hardest hitters in the league, and one of the best coverage linebackers in the league.

Todd Davis had a big fumble recovery against the Chiefs on special teams and Corey Nelson has also played a big role on that unit. Those guys each played big roles in last year’s defense as well, so they are experienced backups. It’s sort of surprising to see the lack of snaps Davis has received, as well as he’s played.

Next: Cornerbacks