Von Miller pretended to be serious. The Broncos defense, the outside linebacker insisted, needs more respect. When nose tackle Sylvester Williams lands a commercial, Miller explained, then affirmation becomes complete.
Hey, former Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker continues to hawk diamonds on the radio, so Miller does have a point. Or at least he did until last Sunday night.
With 60 minutes of menace, the Broncos changed the perspective on their season and their defense. Before the Green Bay Packers arrived, the nation viewed the Broncos with suspicion, a faux Super Bowl contender.
Undefeated? Yes. Untested? Absolutely. So it went. The defense gobbled up inferior opponents like so many empty calories from cotton candy. Fair or not, the criticism lingered.
Then the Broncos faced Aaron Rodgers, the reigning NFL MVP. He didn’t just look uncomfortable. He looked like he had just gulped Ex-Lax and chased it with a Big Gulp of ghost pepper sauce. Quarterbacks experience bad games. It happens. What made Rodgers’ forgettable performance resonate? It went beyond the stats, leaving a deep Broncos’ playoff run seem not only possible, but probable.
Rodgers began peeking for the rush. He refused to throw receivers open. He appeared weary from absorbing hits. As a beleaguered Rodgers stood on the sideline, the Broncos defense emerged from the shadows and into the sports’ conscience.
Embattled Indianapolis Colts Chuck Pagano noticed. He went all in last week, making the timing of his decision to fire his offensive coordinator even more startling.
“When you put the tape on, they are very reminiscent of the 2000 (Baltimore) Ravens,” Pagano said. “They have talent on all levels.”
A unit that needed help reaching the radar now requires no embellishment. Seven games into the season, the numbers remain breathtaking. The Broncos boast league-bests in sacks (29), yards per game (261.1), yards per play (4.14) and points per game (16.0).
“I don’t feel like we’ve even scratched the surface of the type of defense that we know we can be,” Miller said.
The Broncos are on pace for 66 sacks, which would shatter the franchise mark of 57 set in 1984. The five touchdown passes allowed is tied for first. The secondary continues to receive well-deserved recognition. Cornerback Aqib Talib is a defensive player of the year candidate, Chris Harris hasn’t allowed a touchdown pass in 31 games, free safety Darian Stewart owns 32 tackles and strong safety T.J. Ward, who is playing 15 pounds lighter this season, has two sacks.
Williams was asked Friday if he could be considered an honorary member of the NoFlyZone after covering Packers running back Eddie Lacy last Sunday.
Two years ago, the Broncos reached the Super Bowl with a injury-ravaged defense. Last year the group rarely dominated, playing a robotic style in Jack Del Rio’s conservative 4-3 scheme. This season the Broncos have won games without Peyton Manning playing well, and without a running attack.
When looking at the remaining undefeated teams, Denver is my No. 2 behind the New England Patriots and ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals. The Broncos play both those teams at home. And while Denver’s schedule includes sneaky traps in San Diego and at Pittsburgh, don’t forget the simple premise: defense travels.
You deserve what you earn in the NFL. The Broncos’ defense demands respect, and if that lands Sly Williams a commercial, better yet.
Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or @troyrenck
Spotlight on …
Derek Carr, QB, Oakland Raiders
When: Derek Carr leads the Raiders into Pittsburgh, a game that features playoff implications for Oakland.
What’s up: When Carr made his worst throw of the year at the worst possible time — an interception returned for a touchdown by Broncos cornerback Chris Harris — the Raiders appeared prepared to slink back into oblivion. He gathered himself, exhibiting the leadership teammates gravitate to in the huddle. Carr, who has 15 TDs and three interceptions, guided the Raiders to back-to-back victories, shredding the San Diego Chargers and New York Jets.
Background: Carr brought concerns into last year’s draft through no fault of his own. His brother David, the first overall pick by the Texans, tainted Derek’s reputation. David fell into a horrible situation in Houston — a savior with no offensive line. Derek Carr features a breathtaking arm, and has improved dramatically against the blitz.
Renck’s take: Teddy Bridgewater brings promise. Blake Bortels continues to improve. Johnny Manziel figures to be out of the league in two years. If I had to build around a quarterback from last year’s draft, I’d take Carr. An NFL QB represents the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. He must be the hardest worker, a leader in his knowledge and preparation. The Raiders’ schedule becomes nasty over the next two weeks, but no one should be surprised if Carr leads Oakland to the playoffs.
THREE UP
1. Patriots: Sit at 7-0. Only other time they pulled this off was 2007, when they ran the table during regular season. Broncos represent biggest obstacle to another perfect New England regular season.
2. Broncos: Aretha Franklin can sing somewhere else. The no-respect card can’t be played anymore. After mauling Packers, Broncos’ defense drawing comparisons to 2000 Ravens.
3. Bengals: Perhaps no defensive tackle is more disruptive than Geno Atkins. He provides consistent pass rush up the middle.
THREE DOWN
1. Lions: Coach Jim Caldwell calls media room “Dungeon of Doom.” Pretty simple. Don’t like coverage, play better.
2. Colts: Facing probe for allegedly hiding Andrew Luck injury. Fire offensive coordinator before facing the league’s best defense. This is not going to end well.
3. Cowboys: Have lost five consecutive games without Tony Romo. Cut RB Joseph Randle, who idiotically once said DeMarco Murray “left meat on the bone” last season.
