Broncos run NFL’s best defensive scheme

According to Doug Farrar of Bleacher Report, the Denver Broncos run the NFL’s best defensive scheme in Wade Phillips’ one-gap 3-4 defense.

Most 3-4 defenses alternate between two-gap fronts in which linemen are directed to react to offensive movement, or hybrid fronts in which one- and two-gap concepts merge together. However, Wade’s base defense brings 3-4 personnel—three defensive linemen, two inside linebackers and two outside linebackers—with an aggressive attack mentality. Phillips prefers lighter nose tackles and bigger ends, with outside linebackers optimized to rush the passer.

Wade Phillips has moved on to work with the Los Angeles Rams, but new Broncos defensive coordinator, Joe Woods, intends to keep Wade’s scheme in place with some minor tweaks in certain situations.

The Broncos have the talent in the secondary and at edge rusher, to ensure Wade’s scheme will continue to be hugely successful in Denver in 2017.