Denver Broncos: Offensive, defensive MVPs through nine games

Broncos defensive honorable mentions

Graham Tiedtke

Derek Wolfe, DL

27 tackles, 5 sacks (career high). Wolfe is on pace to record 48 tackles, which would mark his third-highest tackle total of his career.

Wolfe’s career year is likely due to the arrival of Vic Fangio. While the defense took a number of weeks to figure things out—they’re still figure things out—Wolfe has definitely shown that he can be very good in this defense.

I am excited to see his performance in years to come under Fangio and Ed Donatell.

Shelby Manning

Alexander Johnson, LB

The Dino himself, LB Alexander Johnson has made a huge and surprising impact on the Broncos’ defensive so far; in fact, Johnson has to be one of the biggest surprises for the Denver Broncos this year.

Former Broncos All-Pro linebacker Al Wilson had very high praise for Johnson, and believes that he will be a Pro-Bowl performer in the next year or two, and may even turn out to be better than Wilson himself.

There is no denying that Johnson is a dawg, and his hustle would be hard to match. Johnson impressed in the win versus the Chargers, in which he had an interception and nearly pulled off another with route-reading skills that reminded of former Bronco and potential future Ring of Famer Aqib Talib.

Johnson has played a big role in the defensive improvements against the run, and he and teammate Todd Davis partner together very well. It will be fun going forward to see what Johnson brings to this team throughout the season as he further adjusts to his role as a starter.

Derek Wolfe, DL

In his contract year, Derek Wolfe is having one of his best years as a Bronco.

Wolfe currently leads the team in sacks with five, and has had lots of opportunity to get after the QB this year, with teammate Von Miller playing a huge role in creating opportunities for his teammate and friend in Wolfe.

Wolfe is arguably the nastiest part of the Denver defense; he brings the meanness that guys like TJ Ward and Aqib Talib brought alongside Wolfe to the championship defense.

Wolfe has been a staple to this Broncos defense, and many root for him to remain in orange and blue until he calls it a career, myself included.

Despite dealing with injuries, Wolfe sacrifices his body and works so hard for this team to be on the field every Sunday. Wolfe may not always lead the stats, but his work ethic and effort on the field is matched to very few. It would be huge if Wolfe was able to be retained and retire a Denver Bronco a few years down the road.

Ty Walden

Alexander Johnson, LB

Talk about a five game performance. Ever since Danny Trevathan left in free agency in the offseason after Super Bowl 50, the Broncos have not been able to find a consistent inside linebacker. Yes, there was Brandon Marshall, but his play declined towards the end of his time in Denver.

While many players have tried, it appears as if Alexander Johnson is ready to take the starting job by the reigns. He has recorded a whopping 41 tackles in five games, 1.5 sacks, and an interception. He has been a playmaker and I hope it continues so that we have another rare find at a key position.