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Denver Broncos: 6 Biggest surprises so far in 2019

Sayre Bedinger
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 3: A.J. Johnson #45 of the Denver Broncos carries the U.S. flag onto the field next to a service member in recognition of Veteran's Day during player introductions before a game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 3: A.J. Johnson #45 of the Denver Broncos carries the U.S. flag onto the field next to a service member in recognition of Veteran's Day during player introductions before a game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 27: Mike Purcell #98 of the Denver Broncos reacts after making a tackle near during the third quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 27: Mike Purcell #98 of the Denver Broncos reacts after making a tackle near during the third quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

Surprise 2: Mike Purcell’s impact

All Stallions grow up to become Broncos, I guess?

Mike Purcell, a former undrafted free agent of the San Francisco 49ers back in 2013, has had two stints in professional football with Broncos head coach Vic Fangio (49ers, Bears) before he ended up in the now-defunct AAF with the Salt Lake Stallions.

Purcell was one of the most consistently impactful players in preseason play for the Broncos, earning a roster spot with big splash plays from the nose tackle position.

Once the Broncos put Purcell on the 53-man roster, it was yet another (short) waiting game before the team was so badly gashed on the ground against the Jacksonville Jaguars that Purcell was inserted into the lineup.

Since the 269-yard debacle against the Jaguars, the Broncos’ defense has allowed just 74.2 yards per game, and more than 100 yards on the ground just once (@Indianapolis).

Purcell has been a huge reason for that efficiency and effectiveness against the run, not just eating up space on the interior but actually coming off blocks and making really athletic plays.

At 28 years of age, Purcell is playing the best football of his life and he’s found a place in Vic Fangio’s defense on his third time around the block.

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