Denver Broncos: Week 7 Position Grades

Linebackers Grade: B-

The linebackers of the Denver Broncos defense continue to see issues of covering the running back out of the backfield. In the Houston Texans game last night, this was not the case. Brandon Marshall and Todd Davis did a great job sitting in their zone area and tackling the back or tight end. This was better awareness from a group who struggled against Tevin Coleman and Devontae Freeman. Davis was in the right place at the right time getting a fumble recovery in the red zone stalling the Texans drive.

Von Miller and the vaunted pass rush linebackers still miss DeMarcus Ware, but they did their best to put heat on Osweiler all game. Shane Ray hit Osweiler on a critical third down forcing a fourth down field goal. He continues to shine in the absence of Ware, which is a good sign. However, the attitude of the defense misses the leadership of Ware and once he comes back will lift their spirits. Their next opponent is the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers beat them in their overly disappointing Thursday matchup.

This assertiveness can give the team the incentive to play close to the identity of last year. Because of the play of their line and themselves, they still struggled to get a sack on the ex-teammate, but the hits Osweiler took will not be forgotten.