5 reasons the Denver Broncos have the best defense in the NFL

May 14, 2021; Englewood, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) practices during rookie minicamp at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2021; Englewood, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) practices during rookie minicamp at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos, Justin Simmons
May 24, 2021; Englewood, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) during organized team activities at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The deepest secondary Denver has ever had?

You cannot compare to the best secondary in Denver Broncos history without some substance (on-field proof), but let’s look at these two units on paper.

Super Bowl 50

  • CB Aqib Talib
  • CB Chris Harris Jr
  • CB Bradley Roby
  • S Darian Stewart
  • S TJ Ward
  • Top reserve: Kayvon Webster

2021 Broncos

  • CB Kyle Fuller
  • CB Ron Darby
  • CB Bryce Callahan
  • CB Patrick Surtain
  • S Justin Simmons
  • S Kareem Jackson
  • Top reserve: Michael Ojemudia

Again, without some on-field proof, it’s tough to say the 2021 Denver Broncos secondary is better than the unit that Wade Phillips coached in Super Bowl 50. The No Fly Zone will go down in NFL history as one of the most dynamic defensive backfields in league history with a combination of playmaking ability, shutdown ability, and toughness.

Even in just five short years since they took home the Lombardi, the league’s rules have changed enough to the point that the secondary can’t be quite as physical as the Super Bowl 50 unit, but there’s no question that if all of these guys can stay healthy, it’s the best and most talented secondary the Denver Broncos have had certainly in the last five years.

The depth of this unit could be tested and still be one of the best units in the NFL. Last season, the secondary still did a good job for the most part with injuries left and right. The Denver Broncos were bringing guys in to start off of waivers last year, so having these veterans on the field with their combination of size, speed, ball skills, proven production, and intelligence will be must-see TV every week.