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The Denver Broncos have allowed, on average, 319.9 passing yards per game this season, which ranks last in the NFL. The secondary has been criticized for allowing so many yards, but there may be another cause to the problem.
The Broncos defense has recorded 19 sacks this season, which ranks a respectable 13th in the NFL. There have been times, however, when the team's pass rush has seemingly been non-existent in games.
With that being the case, the Broncos are looking to improve at defensive end (we would also suggest that the team address the offensive line, but that's a different topic for another tread). Denver has been linked to a pair of big-name pass rushers that may hit the trading block and worked out a former pass-rusher on Wednesday:
Former #Bears DE Mark Anderson had a tryout with the #Broncos on Wednesday
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) October 24, 2013
Mark Anderson was selected in the fifth round (159th overall) in the 2006 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears and quickly exploded onto the scene, recording 12 sacks and earning All-Rookie honors in his first season. Anderson went on to play five season with the Bears, and although he wasn't officially a "starter," he filled a rotational role for the team as a third-down pass rusher.
Since 2010, Anderson has spent time with the Houston Texans, New England Patriots and most recently, the Buffalo Bills. Anderson recorded 12 tackles, a sack and defended one pass in five games with Buffalo last season.
#Broncos liked what they saw from former Bears DE Mark Anderson in workout yesterday, but not expected to make a move right now.
— Jeff Legwold (@Jeff_Legwold) October 24, 2013
The Broncos likely view Anderson as an option to keep in their back pocket if any injuries occur down the road (or perhaps as a fall-back option if the team is unable to acquire a pass rusher before the trade deadline, though that is merely speculation).
Anderson (6'4", 255 lbs.), two years removed from a 10-sack season in 2011, is 30 years old and currently a free agent. His last contract would have had him earning a $2.4 million base salary in 2013 (had Buffalo not released him). If he signed in Denver, the Broncos would likely offer a one-year contract close to the league's veteran minimum.
Anderson would likely complete for a rotational role if he were to sign with Denver.