Denver Broncos: Which team stats will improve most in 2018?

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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 10: Outside linebacker Shane Ray #56 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a defensive pass broken up at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Defense/Special Teams

Team Stat: Sacks

2017 Total: 33

2018 Prediction: 45

It’s hard to believe, but the Broncos finished at the bottom third of the NFL in total sacks. Von Miller and Shelby Harris were the only players to tally more than five sacks throughout the course of the season, and it hurt.

Thankfully, there is good reason to think that the sack total will dramatically improve in 2018.

First-round draft pick Bradley Chubb will do his part, but it is also important to remember that the Broncos were without Shane Ray for the majority of 2017. Ray had eight sacks in 2016, and when healthy has proven himself to be a very good pass rusher.

And then there is Von Miller.

Teams were able to limit his impact last year by throwing double teams, chip blocks, and just about every other trick in the book at him all of last season. Thankfully, it doesn’t look like that option will still be a good one for teams trying to block the Broncos after the addition of Chubb, the return of Ray, and the continued development of Shaq Barrett.

The more one on one opportunities for Von, the more sacks he is going to create. It is as simple as that.

If Miller, Chubb, Ray, and Barrett can all stay healthy and play at the level they are capable of, opposing teams are going to have a hard time keeping them away from the quarterback.

Team Stat: Punts inside the 20

2017 Total: 24

2018 Prediction: 32

Early on, the addition of Marquette King is looking like a great improvement to the Broncos special teams. King has one of the most talented legs in the NFL, and those watching training camp have taken notice.

Winning the field position battle is important to every team, and having a player like King that can accurately blast the ball just about 70 yards will obviously lead to improvements in that department.

Next. Broncos training camp standouts so far. dark

Sure it’s never exciting to see the Broncos offense trot off the field after a failed third down conversion, but Broncos fans should still be excited to see what Marquette King has in store for us in 2017.

He could be in line for a big-time season in the punter’s paradise that is Broncos Stadium at Mile High.

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