Denver Broncos: An optimistic view on the loss vs. Oakland

Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) catches a pass before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

3. Shaquil Barrett

Barrett is under the Broncos’ control for the next couple of years, and that’s good news for them because he’s a phenomenal piece of this defense that has earned all the playing time and recognition he’s gotten to this point.

Leading the team with four tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, and another QB hit, Barrett was another force for the Broncos even with the return of DeMarcus Ware and the sudden emergence of another player we’ll talk about in a little bit here.

Barrett isn’t the type of player Von Miller is coming off the edge, but he does everything really well and is constantly making plays in the backfield. The Broncos are incredibly fortunate to have a player like him as a reserve, though he’s playing significant snaps this year.