It is perplexing. So thorough was the Broncos’ mauling of the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50, their defense marched into the conversation of the all-time greats. Yet, when the Broncos began phase 1 one of offseason workouts Monday, cornerback Aqib Talib insisted the championship hasn’t silenced doubters.
“We still have conversations about our respect level. We still don’t feel like it’s there. I don’t know why. You all do all the writing and all the talking, and there a lot of questions, stuff about our performance,” Talib said. “We still have a chip. We are going to make it a period instead of a question mark.”
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No team has won back-to-back crowns since the New England Patriots in the 2003 and 2004 seasons. Denver faces a steep climb, dealing with uncertainty at quarterback and the absence of defensive starters Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan. In winning a year ago, the Broncos galvanized after coach Gary Kubiak’s speech following a Dec. 20 loss at Pittsburgh, the team’s last of the season.
Leadership remains paramount, and with quarterback Peyton Manning gone, Talib, among others, must provide a rudder.
The idea of Talib setting the tone for a locker room is the latest sign of his professional evolution. Troubled in Tampa Bay, he learned in New England and has become a glue player in Denver.
“(Outside linebacker) DeMarcus (Ware) plays a huge part. (Cornerback) Chris (Harris) plays a huge part. There are a lot of guys who play a part when it comes to leading. In the classroom, in the weight room and on the field when we’re training, the leaders are going to play a huge role,” Talib said. “I feel like I am one those leaders on the team, on the defense. Our chemistry plays a big part in being able to talk to each other and hold each other accountable.”
Talib revealed the closeness of the team when talking about Super Bowl MVP Von Miller’s absence as he “goes through the business side of football.” Miller missed because of his ongoing contract talks as he seeks to become the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player. Teammates traveled to see Miller honored at his high school recently and perform on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars” last month.
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“It’s super fun that he’s on there. We support him in everything he does,” Talib said. “That’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Hopefully he makes the (championship) and we all go out there and support him. We’ll take over the whole crowd.”
The Broncos’ defense centers on coverage and pressure. Harris and Talib ranked among the team’s best tandem. Talib led the Broncos with three interceptions a year ago, becoming one of four cornerbacks to make the Pro Bowl in each of the past three seasons. What separates Talib, Kubiak explained, is his ability to make plays. He has returned four interceptions for touchdowns in two seasons with the Broncos, tying a franchise record.
Talib provides the soundtrack of the defense, unafraid to talk, or play with a mean streak that sometimes results in penalties.
“Those guys on defense know they are great even before everyone knew it. You look at Talib, he was walking with his chest out before they were the No. 1 defense,” receiver Emmanuel Sanders said.
Such confidence remains a prerequisite to repeat. The parties have ended, the pats on the back are disappearing. The Broncos are back to the grind. Whether they received enough recognition or not matters little. They have the rings — Talib has two after getting married in the “highlight” of his offseason — and won’t sneak up on anyone.
“It does feel different. We have a target on our back,” Talib said. “If they didn’t bring their best last year, they are going to now.”
Troy E. Renck: , trenck@denverpost.com or @troyrenck
Talib a ringer
Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib has earned two rings in recent months, winning Super Bowl 50 and getting married. He said Monday he looks forward to bringing leadership to the team and defense. His notable statistics:
— He’s one of four cornerbacks to be selected to the past three Pro Bowls, joining Patrick Peterson, Darrelle Revis and Richard Sherman.
— His 30 interceptions since entering the league in 2008 are the most by a cornerback.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
