Broncos defense desperate for help

During their presser the other day, both Emmanuel Sanders and Chris Harris Jr. mentioned the need for more swagger. More playmakers was the call from Harris. It was obvious which type of player, if not which player, Harris was hoping the Broncos would add in the upcoming draft.

This call for playmakers was the result of a season filled with low scoring games. By the end of 2016 rumors of a rift in the locker room were sprinkled throughout media reports. The Russel Okung/Aqib Talib incident finally shone light on the fact that the defense needed help.

And now it appears they are desperate for something from the offense. As Ian St. Clair and I discussed on the MHR Radio podcast, the defense is all but pleading for help from the offense. Any contribution to the outcome of a game would be appreciated. Football is an interesting sport. Every team has essentially two different teams. When one side is not contributing, battle lines can be drawn very quickly.

Re-litigating the 2016 season is pointless. The team has moved on from the Kubiak regime, and changes are coming on the offensive side of the ball. The needs are clear. Offensive line and defensive line were an issue, but how can the offense be more explosive? A playmaker. Someone who can affect the game from any location on the field.

Harris seemed to be speaking for the defense, calling for a player that can return kicks, play the slot, and run out of the backfield. Does that remind you of anyone? Maybe a certain Stanford running back with ties to the organization. Christian McCaffery would be a great fit. He may not be there, but that seems to be the style of player the defense wants targeted.

Split locker rooms are not often successful. The Broncos defense will not tolerate another anemic offense. They will say all the right things in the media, but behind closed doors, the lines have already been drawn. It is time for the offense to pull their weight.

The defense is young, and ranks with some of the best in history. However, careers can end in an instant in the NFL. Eras are over before they begin. Another ring will add to the legend of the Broncos defense, but they know they can’t do it all on their own. It is time for the offense to step up.