The rise of Todd Davis and Steven Johnson late last season has resulted in a position battle to watch in Broncos training camp. The two middle linebackers combined for 33 tackles (20 solo) as starters after Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall went down with injuries.
This year, as the Broncos switch to the 3-4 defense, Davis and Johnson — along with Reggie Walker, Lamin Barrow and Corey Nelson — are fighting for backup roles as Trevathan and Marshall return to form after surgeries.
Coach Gary Kubiak said during organized team activities that inside linebacker “may be as competitive a spot as we’ll have probably going into camp.” Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips took it a step further Tuesday.
“Our backup group is probably the best that I’ve ever had,” he said. “I think a lot of those guys can play and have played well in practice.”
D-line woes
If only the depth at middle linebacker carried over to the line.
Injuries and absences have taken a toll on the defensive line, causing concern for Phillips only five days into camp.
Sylvester Williams has been a mainstay with the first team at nose tackle, and Derek Wolfe, who will serve a four-game suspension at the start of the season, has been a regular at left defensive end in practices.
But as Antonio Smith works his way back after missing most of the offseason, and Malik Jackson and Marvin Austin rehab from injuries, the line is thin.
“The other day we only had six defensive lineman,” Phillips said. “We were down to six practicing. That’s certainly a concern just with the numbers themselves. We have some talent there, but we have to keep improving, and hopefully we’ll have more people out there.”
Veteran coaching
DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller have gone at rookie tackle Ty Sambrailo hard this offseason, knowing he has to produce immediately with veteran Ryan Clady out.
But their continued communication with Sambrailo — telling him what they’re seeing so he can correct his mistakes on the line — even during situational plays, has caught offensive coordinator Rick Dennison by surprise.
“It’s pretty unique. I haven’t seen it,” Dennison said. “As an offensive coach, really appreciate it.”
