Andrew Luck faces a tough challenge against a Broncos defense that Colts coach Chuck Pagano compared favorably to the 2000 Ravens. (Kirk Irwin, Getty Images)
The Broncos’ defense can’t play the no respect card anymore. Not after mauling the Green Bay Packers and holding reigning NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers to 77 yards in the worst performance of his career. And not after what Baltimore Colts coach Chuck Pagano said on Wednesday.
“When you put on the tape on, they are very reminiscent of the 2000 (Baltimore) Ravens,” Pagano told Denver reporters. “They have talent on all levels.”
The Ravens 2000 team won the Super Bowl, built around a menacing defense. The group allowed 10.2 points per game, fewest in a 16-game season. The Broncos lead the NFL in points allowed (16.8), yards per game (261.1), sacks (29) and quarterback rating (25.9).
“They are playing very well, probably as good as anybody in the league right now,” Colts quarterback Andrew Luck said. “There’s two premier edge rushers, three, four or five really good cover corners, tough safeties, tough inside linebackers. You have to really fight for every yard.”
