Denver Broncos Defense | Perception vs. Reality
The Denver Broncos’ Defense has it all. Elite pass rushers? Check. Linebackers with high production and coverage ability? Check. A secondary with the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year? Check! On paper this defense is impenetrable, yet through two weeks they are still finding their way.
Denver’s defense is coming off of an awful performance in which they allowed 473 yards of total offense and 29 points to the Indianapolis Colts (per ESPN). As noted in my season preview, the Broncos are not yet a polished product and may take some time to establish themselves as a legitimate contender, but there are two key areas of improvement that need to see changes for this defense to perform up to its expectations. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s playcalling, and the inside linebacker play both require significant improvement.
Can Vance Joseph Adjust?
Coming into the season and even after the defense’s dominant Week 1 performance against Tennessee, Broncos defensive coordinator was being mentioned as a prime head coaching candidate in the next hiring cycle. Unfortunately, the hype has died down a bit after being outcoached by Colt’s head coach Shane Steichen. Joseph’s commitment to rush four and stay in man coverage set up his inside linebackers and defensive backs for failure. The inability to pressure the quarterback allowed receivers to get open, even against Patrick Surtain, with drags and deep crossers that forced Denver’s corner to chase receivers across the field. Going forward, Joseph must mix in more blitzes and zone looks to apply consistent pressure and keep opposing passers honest.
Broncos Inside Linebackers Struggling to Perform
Alex Singleton is a 31-year-old linebacker less than a year removed from an ACL tear and on Sunday, it showed. Singleton and backup inside linebacker Justin Strnad repeatedly missed routine tackles and were exposed in coverage.The tandem was targeted six times and allowed six receptions for 126 yards (per Luca Evans). Inside linebacker continues to be Denver’s Achilles’ heel on defense. They are in desperate need of an upgrade at the position but free agent addition Dre Greenlaw remains on the injury report and the outlook on his health is very cloudy. In the meantime, it will be up to the pass rush and secondary to pick up the slack.
Good, Not Elite?
Denver’s defense is overflowing with talent but with Alex Singleton still ramping back up from a season-ending injury less than a year ago, and with Dre Greenlaw still on the sidelines, it is not performing to the level of an elite defense. Still, Denver is ranked 12th in total yards allowed (per Team Rankings) and 14th in points allowed (per Team Rankings). The perception is that the Broncos have an elite unit on defense, but the reality is they’re good but not dominant. Can Vance Josepha and the inside linebackers close that gap before it's too late?