Most come to see Peyton Manning. They typically do. But in Seattle and again in Houston, most marveled at the Broncos’ defense.
Coordinator Wade Phillips has transformed the Broncos’ defense into his version of the 3-4, simplifying the responsibilities of the linemen and linebackers so they can relentlessly pressure the quarterback.
The transition, like any other, takes time and reps to master. But after only two preseason games, the Broncos’ revamped defense is proving to be a force in the making — a very deep and efficient one at that.
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Phillips’ defense is tailored to what his players do best. With elite edge rushers in Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware and potentially a third in rookie linebacker Shane Ray, plus an inside linebacker corps that Phillips has said is among the deepest he’s coached, the Broncos have let their men attack at will.
This preseason, 11 Broncos players have combined for a league-leading 12 sacks, starting with Miller’s takedown of Russell Wilson 39 seconds into their victory over the Seahawks.
“We had a lot of good players last year, so it’s easier to sit back and try to wait for somebody to make a play,” Miller said. “With Coach Phillips, you going to go out there and manufacture a play, and that’s what I like about the defense.”
The new defense has also pulled the curtain on the team’s depth and potential. Second-year linebacker Shaq Barrett and rookie tackle Darius Kilgo have two sacks apiece to lead the team. And of the three players — Corey Nelson, Kenny Anunike and Taurean Nixon — who have a team-high eight tackles, only one has taken a regular-season snap in the NFL.
Denver has also accrued 144 total tackles and 11 passes defensed, and its first unit hasn’t allowed a single touchdown.
“If we can always get some type of goose egg in a game, that’s big, especially in the NFL,” Ware said. “If the defense can be consistent throughout the entire season, that’s what we’re looking for.”
So how would Ware grade this defense so far?
“I’ll give all of us a B,” he said. “There’s always room for improvement, and you have to be your worst critic.”
The reasoning is sound, even if the answer is surprising. Good is not good enough.
At Houston, the Broncos allowed only 71 yards on the ground, held the Texans to a 39 percent conversion rate on third downs and recorded 11 quarterback hits. The Texans, by comparison, had only one. But in the last two games, the Broncos, collectively, have been called for 17 penalties for a loss of 129 yards.
“The thing that’s most disappointing is we’re giving up penalties that help people extend drives,” coach Gary Kubiak said. He added: “But I think we’re deep on defense, and that’s a good thing.”
The Broncos ranked third last season in total defense (305.2 yards allowed per game) and second in rushing defense (79.8 yards) but tied for 16th in scoring (22.1) and ranked ninth in passing defense (225.4).
This year, their goal, they say, is not to be second. Or third. And definitely not 16th. They want the top spot. They’re gunning for Seattle’s throne.
“Those guys have been to the Super Bowl two years in a row,” inside linebacker Brandon Marshall said. “So until they get dethroned, I guess they’re the standard on the defensive side of the ball.
“That’s our aim. We don’t want anything less than that, and I think we can do it.”
Nicki Jhabvala: njhabvala@denverpost.com or
By the numbers
Playing Wade Phillips’ 3-4, the Broncos’ defense has been the star of the team’s first two preseason games. Here’s a glimpse at its efficiency and depth in two preseason victories:
Eleven players have combined for 12 sacks.
The first-unit defense has allowed no touchdowns.
B 144 tackles and 11 passes defensed.
Averaging 80.0 rushing yards allowed per game.
Opponents 12-of-32 (37.5 percent) on third downs.
Nicki Jhabvala,The Denver Post
