The 2008 Denver Broncos were a team known for scoring points...And giving them back. This problem was evident throughout the season for the Broncos, who finished near the bottom in every defensive category.
The Broncos hired a new head coach (albeit an offensive mind) in Josh McDaniels, and have now hired a defensive coordinator to go along with the coaching overhaul.
Mike Nolan has always been a defensive mind. He was the Broncos' linebackers coach under Dan Reeves from 1987-1992. He now returns to Denver to help a crippled defense return to a respectable level.
Former coach Mike Shanahan had tried to address the issue, but three straight failed defensive coordinators and poor defensive draft picks were some of the factors that eventually led to his dismissal. The most recent coordinator, Bob Slowik, had very little success stopping opponents and was also shown the door.
The Denver defense allowed a staggering 448 points while only forcing 13 turnovers in 2008. Injuries to some of the only key players on defense did not help this struggling unit's cause.
The Broncos' defensive squad is not completely devoid of talent though. It has been a mixture of poor execution and the wrong personnel for the task at hand. As Broncos writer Josh Vitale reported several days ago, Denver's linebackers were too fast for their own good, and the defensive lineman were too big and slow.
The tandem of McDaniels and Nolan will set out to fix that. McDaniels comes from the New England Patriots, a team famous for their 3-4 base. Mike Nolan has used both the 3-4 and the 4-3 in his career, and has the skills to run any defense that is necessary.
The Broncos have run a 4-3 defense in recent years, but it appears that a complete overhaul is necessary. The 3-4 defense would bring an entirely new look to the team, and to the competition.
After all, the Orange Crush was a 3-4.
The 3-4 defense includes three down lineman and four linebackers. Of course, there are two cornerbacks and two safeties in the base formation. The 3-4 has become less popular over the past decade, but some of the NFL's most successful defenses continue to use it. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, and Patriots are all teams currently using the scheme.
Currently, the Broncos have two defensive players guaranteed to return in 2009. They are Champ Bailey and outside linebacker D.J. Williams. They are both defensive captains and are among the best at their positions. Other than these two, the decisions are up to Coach McDaniels and the front office.
Expect the Broncos to dig deep into their pockets to bring in defensive free agents and use the draft to acquire young defensive talent.
Luckily for the Broncos, the free-agent market is rich with defensive talent. The draft looks to have a good market for young defensive talent as well; however, the declaration of USC Junior safety Taylor Mays to stay in school was a blow to the projected plans.
Inside linebacker Rey Maualuga would be a steal at the 12th pick, but he is projected to be gone.
I am not a draft expert, but please look to Broncos writer and draft expert Sayre Bedinger for analysis of who the Broncos may take.
5 comments Last one added 5 months ago — Leave a Comment
Sayre Bedinger 5 months ago
These are great projections Henry, I really like your ideas. I never thought of Channing Crowder, but he would be an excellent addition. This is such a deep free agent class, it almost seems like fate that Denver needs to revamp their defense. Great article, and I hope your are spot on!
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Henry Gula 5 months ago
Thanks Sayre,
Yeah, basically I took a (credible, because there's so many misconceptions) free agent list and looked through everyone on defense and came up with a few guys I think would work in Nolan's 3-4 (if he even decides to run one, which I think he will). You mentioned OJ Atogwe who I think could also work in the safety position to spell Barrett on passing downs, as it looks like OJ's pretty good at pass coverage. I'm glad we're overhauling the defense (or at least beginning the process) this year and I think McDaniels will do a good job with the draft. We all know how good his former team is at drafting...just look at Jerod Mayo!
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Ben Clark 5 months ago
what about elvis dumerville?
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Henry Gula 5 months ago
Yeah, realizing that I forgot about him. If he really doensn't fit into the new scheme, the Broncos may consider trading him for a more useful player or a high draft pick. Since I don't think that will happen, I see him as one of the rotation men at one of the D-ends.
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Josh Vitale 5 months ago
Hey henry, what about trying Dumervil as a rush LB, similar to the role played by Demarcus Ware? Dumervil has showed flashes of brilliance as a pure pass rusher, but he has struggled against the run. He could not be a DE in a 3-4, because of his size. However, he is 5-11 and 260, which is perfect rush LB size. I agree with every other prediction of yours on D, but as for the LB corps, I like DJ, Woodyard, Crowder/Dansby, and Dumervil.
What do you think?
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