This past offseason Denver Broncos General Manager John Elway focused on improving the teams defense, and making them a better/tougher unit. He started this by signing defensive end DeMarcus Ware, Hard hitting safety T.J Ward, and Cornerback Aqib Talib to big contracts. The team also spent a first round pick on cornerback Bradley Roby to help solidify the teams secondary.
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These players all had a successful 2014 NFL season. Ware totaled 10 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception, Ward totaled 74 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 interceptions, and Talib totaled 63 tackles, 1 sack, 4 interceptions and 2 defensive touchdowns. Rookie Bradley Roby had a solid rookie season by totaling 65 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions.
These four players helped the Broncos have one of the best units in all of football. The Broncos ranked 2nd in run defense, and 3rd overall in yards. The Broncos defense has also become a more physical unit this season.
Now the Broncos are entering the postseason and these guys need to step up. These players were not signed for the regular season, they were signed to shut down teams in the post season.
We need Aqib Talib to shutdown Colts explosive receiver T.Y. Hilton(Having Chris Harris helps too), we need T.J. Ward to the big hitting safety who helps shut down the Colts run game, we need rookie Bradley Roby to play his best game of the season despite being targeted by Luck, and we need DeMarcus Ware to pressure and sack Luck like he did during the the season opener this year.
This is what these guys were signed for, and if they do not step up their signings will look to be a waste. It's time for the Orange Crush to re-appear in Denver and help the team win the Super Bowl.
The Broncos to honor the Orange Crush at halftime:
At halftime of Sunday's game against the Colts, the Broncos will honor the 1977 Orange Crush defense.
#Broncos' 1977 "#OrangeCrush" defense will be honored at halftime Sunday. DETAILS: [http://t.co/JUGPMHEg8x] pic.twitter.com/DCOnla0lyk
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 7, 2015
At halftime they will have a tribute to each player and coach in attendance, and will re-cap the 1977 season where the Orange Crush led the franchise to its first postseason berth and an appearance in Super Bowl XII against the Dallas Cowboys.
Here's the members of the 1977 defense that are expected to be in attendance Sunday.
- Head Coach, Red Miller
- Joe Collier, Defensive Backs Coach
- Rubin Carter, Defensive Tackle
- Barney Chavous, Defensive End
- Larry Evans, Linebacker
- Steve Foley, Defensive Back
- Randy Gradishar, Linebacker
- Brison Manor, Defensive End
- Joe Rizzo, Linebacker
- Bob Swenson, Linebacker
- Billy Thompson, Defensive Back
- Louis Wright, Cornerback
Horse Tracks:
- The Atlanta Falcons announced that they have restructured their Front Office.
- Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei has fractured his foot and will miss the remainder of the postseason. This is a huge loss for the Panthers defense.
- Jerry Jones says he's not ready to talk about giving Jason Garrett a contract extension.
- Matt Stafford said to ref:'That's unbelievable and you know it' after blown PI call.
- Florida State Quarterback Jameis Winston has decided to enter the 2015 NFL Draft.
- The Kansas City Chiefs have signed quarterback Terrelle Pryor.
- New York Giants rookie wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr has replaced Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson on the Pro Bowl roster.
- Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings has been arrested in Georgia on multiple charges.