The offense has been getting most of the media coverage in Broncos Country. With Drew Lock taking over at QB, and a new OC in Pat Shurmur, that seems natural. While the Denver Broncos defense might not get the recognition it deserves, it should be even better in 2020.
Todd Davis joined Ryan and Ben on Broncos Country Tonight, and he discussed the defense. With the addition of new players, and the added challenge of players not being able to work together, it could take some time for the unit to coalesce. However, as Davis mentioned, with this being year two with Vic Fangio and Ed Donatell’s scheme, it shouldn’t be too difficult to get up to speed.
The biggest issue that might hamper the improvement of the defense will likely be around the new players in Denver. Jurrell Casey, A.J. Bouye have been in the league long enough to understand how to learn a new playbook. Still, Davis along with other members of the defense will be instrumental in helping new players acclimate to the defensive scheme.
The Broncos led the NFL in red zone defense in 2019. Inside linebacker is one of the most important positions on the field, especially in a Fangio defense. As Davis mentioned, you have to be a smart player to play ILB for Fangio. Davis led the team in tackle in 2019. His intelligence was a big part of that.
Heading into 2020, it would be a mistake for teams to overlook the Broncos defense. They ranked in the top ten in points allowed, and were 12th in yards. Coupled with the best red zone defense in the league, and the recipe for success is there. With a full season under their belt, and the addition of some key players, the defense should get better.
Get excited about Lock and the offense, but this could be the year Denver dominates the league on defense.