Denver Broncos Defense Playing for History

Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) dances after a let fourth quarter team sack against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter of the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) dances after a let fourth quarter team sack against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter of the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Denver Broncos have been surrounded by the idea of legacy. Peyton Manning’s legacy is at the center of the conversation for most of the media. The truth is, legacy is a word that should be thrown around about Wade Phillips’ defense. Maybe even more than Manning (maybe not), the defense is playing for its place in history.

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Great defenses are the thing that last the test of time. The Steel Curtain in Pittsburgh, the ’85 Bears, the Ravens of ’02. That is the list. The three greatest defenses of all time. Sure, the argument can be made for other great defenses, like the Purple People Eaters of Minnesota, or the Orange Crush in Denver during the 1970’s. However, no defense can truly be considered in the conversation of greatest of all time unless they can carry home the Lombardi Trophy.

Tony Dungy led great defenses in Tampa Bay, but until they were able to win a Super Bowl, that Defense couldn’t even crack the list. Once they got over the hump, legends. So this new version of the Orange Crush is on the precipice of legend. One more chance at glory for Peyton Manning is riding on the shoulders of Von Miller and company.

So this new version of the Orange Crush is on the precipice of legend. One more chance at glory for Peyton Manning is riding on the shoulders of Von Miller and company.

The Broncos have the number one defense in the league, but that is not enough. Imagine what will be said about this unit if they can carry an old Manning across the finish line one last time. The conversation will have to include the 2015 Denver Broncos. The No Fly Zone of Chris Harris, Aqib Talib, and the defensive backfield will be talked about for years to come. The terrorism of the Broncos D-Line will be the stuff of legend.

It starts against New England. The Patriots are the Patriots. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are who they have been for the last decade and a half. Legends are built on the trials of epic battles, against legendary foes. David is no one without Goliath. Hercules is just a weird Greek name without his 12 labors. The Orange Crush will fade into history with a loss to the Patriots.

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Two opponents who are singing the praises of Justin Fields
Two opponents who are singing the praises of Justin Fields /

Bear Goggles On

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  • Von Miller’s injury impact on Bills’ Super Bowl aspirations in 2022 and beyondNFL Spin Zone
  • Cam Jordan compares Patriots' linebacker to Von MillerMusket Fire
  • 3 players the Bills need to step up in wake of Von Miller injury newsBuffaLowDown
  • The Buffalo Bills officially lose Von Miller for the rest of the seasonBuffaLowDown
  • We want to talk about the Denver Broncos defense in the same breath as those that came before. We want to argue their greatness, and prove they belong. We love our Denver Broncos, but without carrying the team on their back, legacy dies. History fades as glory falls to another legend.

    Next: Peyton Manning: Two games for the rest of your life

    Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) dances after a let fourth quarter team sack against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter of the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
    Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) dances after a let fourth quarter team sack against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter of the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /