One of the BEST Dback tandems in Brocos history.

Contributor Written on June 27, 2009

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SAN FRANCISCO - AUGUST 3: Safeties Dennis Smith #49 and Steve Atwater #27 of the Denver Broncos team up for a tackle during pre season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on August 3, 1992 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won

George Rose/Getty Images

Steve Atwater and Dennis Smith were the BEST safety tandem in Broncos history I believe. Underrated and unappriciated by most fans and the No Fun League, these guys were the real deal in the defensive backfield.
When the D was called upon, and it WAS called upon, to save/win a game Atwater and Smith always stood up for the challenge.
Int's and jarring hits were their stock and trade. Dennis Smith could strip any reciever who went against him. He may not have been the fastest, but the hits and technique he used to dislodge balls from receivers were pure defensive artwork.
I'll never forget the hit Steve Atwater put on Christian Okoyae (sp) in a playoff implications game, (knocking him back a couple of yards), or saving S.B. XXXII with a hit so vicious it knocked him, Tyrone Braxton and the G.B receiver out of the game for a play. He played to win and I'm glad he's got a ring. Smith should be so lucky, but I digress.
This slide show will start with Steve and end with Dennis which seems kinda' fitting.
Anyone know why these guys aren't in Canton?

A true warrior

SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 24: Full safety Steve Atwater #27 of the Denver Broncos celebrates during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium on December 24, 1989 in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 19-16. (Photo by George Rose/Get

He bled orange & blue

Bringing him down (Natron Means)

24 Sep 1995: DENVER SAFETY STEVE ATWATER, #27, TACKLES SAN DIEGO RUNNING BACK NATRONE MEANS DURING THE SECOND QUARTER OF THE CHARGERS GAME VERSUS BRONCOS AT JACK MURPHY STADIUM IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA.

Int. vs Pats

17 Nov 1996: Defensive back Steve Atwater #27 of the Denver Broncos returns an interception during the Broncos 34-8 win over the New England Patriots at Foxboro Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello/Allsport

wrappin' up a Faider (my sp.)

19 Oct 1997: Safety Steve Atwater of the Denver Broncos (right) tries to bring down wide receiver Tim Brown of the Oakland Raiders (center) during a game at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won the game 28-25.

Champion

25 Jan 1998: Steve Atwater #27 of the Denver Broncos celebrates against the Green Packers during Super Bowl XXXII at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Denver Broncos defeated the Green Bay Packers 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Alls

Intercepting the Faiders (my sp)

LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 2: Safety Dennis Smith #49 of the Denver Broncos catches a pass during a game against the Los Angeles Raiders at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 2, 1986 in Los Angeles, California. The Broncos won 21-10. (Photo by G

Puttin' the pain on.

LOS ANGELES - DECEMBER 4: Running back Bo Jackson #34 of the Los Angeles Raiders looks to make a move against Denver Broncos safety Dennis Smith #49 during a game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 4, 1988 in Los Angeles, California. The Ra

Another Int.

DENVER - SEPTEMBER 13: Safety Dennis Smith #49 of the Denver Broncos runs back an interception during a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mile High Stadium on September 13, 1987 in Denver, Colorado. The Seahawks won 17-10. (Photo by George Rose/Gett

goin' to work

DENVER - NOVEMBER 5: Dennis Smith #49 of the Denver Broncos walks on the field during a NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mile High Stadium on November 5, 1989 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 34-7. (Photo by Tim DeFrisc

A true pro./ Bronco

SAN FRANCISCO - AUGUST 3: Safety Dennis Smith #49 of the Denver Broncos looks on during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on August 3, 1992 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won 13-7. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

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written on June 27, 2009 Opinion

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