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

By Sayre Bedinger

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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Josey Jewell, Denver Broncos
DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 03: Josey Jewell #47 of the Denver Broncos breaks up a pass to Theo Riddick #35 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter at Empower Field At Mile High on January 03, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

4. Underrated linebacker play

Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell are not the fastest pair of linebackers in the NFL, but they have both taken major steps forward over the course of the last two years.

In the 2019 season, it was actually an injury to Jewell that paved the way for Johnson to step into the lineup and become one of the more productive tacklers in the league. Johnson is tremendous at reading running lanes and attacking the line of scrimmage.

The Broncos sent Johnson on 115 blitzes last year which ranked third in the NFL behind Haason Reddick and Shaquil Barrett, who are more of the outside linebacker/edge variety.

Jewell also emerged last season in the pass rush department, blitzing 58 times and racking up seven pressures, two sacks, and five QB hits.

Together, these two combined last season for 237 total tackles and again we have to come back to the communication factor.

These guys are now in their third season running the Vic Fangio defense, understanding how everything around them is supposed to flow and they will be able to continue to play in the defense without “thinking” too much.

As the scheme becomes second nature to these players, they will continue to be able to play fast and be effective despite not having 4.4 speed like some of the other top linebackers in the NFL today.

There may always be some limitations to their games in general, but both Johnson and Jewell are clearly respected by the front office and coaching staff in Denver as well as the analytics folks at Pro Football Focus.

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