Day Ten: Broncos Training Camp Observations

No Fly Zone

Call them the No Fly Zone for the secondary or Orange Rush for the pass rush, the Broncos continue to find themselves proving people they can do it again. Early today, Broncos great Rod Smith said the defense may be even better next year.

That is pretty lofty praise for a team that was already the best in NFL history. The defense has remained in tact except for the loss of a few impactful players, while adding more depth on the line and safety. Broncos added secondaries Justin Simmons and Will Parks to spell Darian Stewart and TJ Ward.

Chris Harris has been incredible in camp,. It would seem he has not missed a beat from last year, breaking up passes and intercepting them without much problem. Bradley Roby was burned on a end zone play to Emmanuel Sanders, but still expect Roby to be the potential number one corner in the future. His game instincts are off the charts. TJ Ward is not an outstanding cover safety, yet he still gets the job done with his physical strength. Ward’s bruising style at safety is a game changer when paired with Darian Stewart (the unsung MVP of the Broncos No Fly Zone).

The pass rush on the team appears to be lighter, faster and powerful than ever before. DeMarcus Ware is nursing his bad making him non-existent during camp. Make no mistake, Ware will be used the same way as last year to be fresh for the playoffs. This where the needed pass rush depth is some of the best it has ever been. Shane Ray and Shaq Barrett both have focused and determined in camp. Even, Von Miller despite his off-field activity has been stellar. Still being brought slowly; however, Miller looks leaner and stronger as a pass rusher.

Rod Smith may be correct in saying the defense is better than last year’s. If so, opposing offenses better be on their toes, because the No Fly Zone and Orange Rush is coming to a field near you.