2017 Season In Review: Denver Broncos Secondary
By Cody Roark
The No Fly Zone played it’s usual role for the Denver Broncos in 2017. In this article, we break down the type of year they had at their positions.
The Denver Broncos season in hindsight was difficult and inconsistent. The NFL features a variety of ups and downs that each team encounters, but the Broncos season was head-scratching.
However, the Broncos coveted No Fly Zone was one of the most consistent bright spots in the 5-11 season.
It’s important that we analyze each key contributor’s season as we begin our positional review series over here at Predominantly Orange.
We will break down and analyze each player’s impact and notable strengths and weaknesses after reviewing the game tape.
What better way to start this review by taking a look at arguably the NFL’s best secondary.
Aqib Talib, Cornerback
Aqib Talib, beyond a shadow of a doubt, is the Broncos edgiest defender. Selected to this year’s Pro Bowl suggested that notion be true.
His level of play as a Denver Bronco following his acquisition in 2014 has been top tier among the leagues best corner-backs. In 2017, I enjoyed listening to Aqib Talib’s weekly interviews on the Vic Lombardi Show over at Altitude 950.
In 2016, Aqib Talib was selected as an NFL First Team All Pro. Once again in 2017, Talib played at a high level, but the Broncos went 5-11.
Talib’s play was stellar despite having several off games. Any time there was a big play in the Broncos secondary, usually it involved some form of miscommunication.
Outside of several plays where he struggled or was beat in coverage, Talib was his usual self.
Aggressive, elusive, and in position. It appeared as if the Broncos morale defensively, declined once the Broncos 8 game skid began.
Talib’s lone interception this season came against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2 where he jumped a back shoulder throw and hauled it in for a 103 yard score. Additionally, Talib contributed on 7 pass breakups this season.
Denver's Aqib Talib with the 103-yard pick six as the Broncos smash the Cowboys 42-17... pic.twitter.com/t4VQhcrA0K
— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) September 18, 2017
Talib was ejected in Week 12 against the Raiders which consequently led to rookie CB Brendan Langley being thrown into the fire, where Langley surrendered a TD and a huge fourth down conversion late in the game.
Talib was suspended heading into the Week 13 matchup at home against the Bengals where Bradley Roby had an off game in coverage.
The Broncos defense desperately missed his presence on the field when he wasn’t out there. However, his level of play was still very high and he was a bright spot on a gloomy season.
Grade: A