Denver Broncos: Week 6 Position Grades

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) reacts as he walks off the field after a 21-13 loss ot the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) reacts as he walks off the field after a 21-13 loss ot the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
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Linebackers Grade: B-

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Dexter McCluster dives as he is tackled by Denver Broncos inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Dexter McCluster dives as he is tackled by Denver Broncos inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Right now on defense, the most glaring problem as a group is the inside linebacker play. Brandon Marshall still at times is too late once it is hiked to recover in time on a running back or tight end. Marshall is an established cover linebacker and better than most in the NFL, but he cannot do it alone. He needs his “Robin” again.

Marshall’s “Robin” right now is Todd Davis. Davis is struggling mightily in the pass game and in the run game at times. He is an instinctive hitter, but lacks the game-changing ability of Zaire Anderson. Anderson is a true linebacker in every sense of the word and would instantly upgrade the back-end of their front seven. For the Broncos to regain prominence they must be more rotational with players to keep the starters fresher late in games.

Von Miller was a beast in the run game last night against Gordon. Take away Gordon’s long run, Broncos linebackers Shane Ray, Shaquille Barrett and Miller were terrific in setting the edge. They did not allow Gordon to roam free from sideline to sideline.

The linebacker corps as a whole did well in the Chargers game, but coverage continues giving that position problems earning a B- grade. In a small bye week, the team should be better prepared for Brock Osweiler and the Houston Texans.

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