Linebackers Grade: B
Another blow to the Broncos team is the loss of Brandon Marshall. The extent of time missed is unknown, but his presence was felt on the field. Yet, the linebackers Corey Nelson and Todd Davis played well enough for fans to forget Marshall for a game. Davis still loses contain every now and then in clogging the holes, but he played better.
Nelson is the run stuffer of the two of them. He also has better coverage skills than Davis helping shut Hunter Henry down for most of the game. Because of the absence of Marshall, TJ Ward played a hybrid role again on the defense in covering Antonio Gates on passing plays. Both Nelson and Davis still gave up decent yardage from Melvin Gordon at times, but Gordon earned every yard.
The pass-rushing linebackers Von Miller and Shane Ray saw a familiar face on the sideline as DeMarcus Ware returned. Ware’s sight on defense gives the unit leadership and production to stop the run more consistently. Phillip Rivers’ saw pressure from Ware on a possible forced fumble that would later be overturned to a pass. It was still a sight to behold with him on the sideline. His snaps will rise and this last game was a great measuring stick to the Oakland Raiders game this Sunday.