Denver Broncos Defense Could Dominate and Be Even Better in 2016

There are plenty of opinions on what the Denver Broncos are going to do in 2016. Turn on ESPN or NFL Network and you will hear plenty of doubters of the Broncos' chances in 2016.

Many analysts will bring up questions about the unknown starter at quarterback for the Broncos this year. Other talking heads will bring up the losses the Broncos had in free agency—mostly on the defensive side of the ball.

In fact, there’s a national narrative that promotes the idea the Broncos defense cannot and will not perform better than it did in 2015. That narrative is simplistic and does not take into account the facts about what the Broncos have done to improve on defense this year.

It’s folly to say with 100 percent certainty that something cannot happen. Instead, it’s better to examine the probability of whether or not something will happen.

Could the Broncos defense be even better in 2016? The answer may surprise you.

Year Two Under the Son of Bum

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

The Broncos are entering year number two under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. Last year, the defenders had to learn a new system, and that created some moments during the season where they weren’t on the same page.

This year, there should be fewer breakdowns for the defense as players will not be thinking about where to go but instead reacting naturally and instinctively because of their improved knowledge of what this defense asks them to do.

Cornerback Bradley Roby knows there are ways for the defense to improve this season.

“You’ve just got to fix those mistakes and those communication errors. There were a couple of games where we gave up some big plays. When we can get on top of everything, there is definitely another level.” Roby summarized, “We played well last year and definitely were one of the best ever last year, but there is definitely another level from this defense for sure.”

With better knowledge of the defensive scheme, there should be fewer communication errors by the Broncos defenders. This will put Broncos defenders in place to make even more plays. We may even see fewer big plays against the Broncos defense, and that automatically makes the numbers better on that side of the ball.

Replacing Jackson and Trevathan

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

The defense lost a key player when Malik Jackson decided to move on in free agency to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He emerged as a quality starter at defensive end for the Broncos last year, and Jackson’s ability as an edge-rusher will be missed. One of the main objectives for the Broncos in training camp will be finding a replacement for Jackson.

Phillips mentioned a specific veteran first when asked who could replace Jackson this year.

“Vance Walker played really well for us last year. He played a lot. I think he’s a really good player. Of course, we brought Jared Crick in. [A guy] that we had in Houston. He’s a very good player also.” Phillips concluded, “We have two veteran guys that can play. We feel good about that.”

Having Phillips as a coordinator is outstanding, but the Broncos also have a phenomenal defensive line coach in Bill Kollar. He’s a veteran coach who helped mold All-Pro J.J. Watt into the superstar he is today.

Crick respects Kollar and knows he can thrive under his guidance.

“He brings the best out of you. Every year that I played under Coach Kollar, I got better and improved as a football player," Crick said. "I expect playing for him again that I’ll continue progressing as a football player and improve my skill and my game.”

In addition to replacing Jackson, the team must also find a new starter since linebacker Danny Trevathan moved on to the Chicago Bears earlier this year. The Broncos have a few options, like Todd Davis, Corey Nelson and Zaire Anderson, who will compete to take Trevathan’s spot.

While Trevathan was a good player, he’s not irreplaceable, and the Broncos should be able to find someone at least as good—if not better—than Trevathan for this year.

Turning Negatives into Positives

There are plenty of doubters out there who say the Broncos are no longer in a Super Bowl window. It’s easy to say the Broncos won’t repeat as Super Bowl champions because it’s a feat that doesn’t happen that often. Having a negative outlook on the Broncos—saying they can only go down this year—is a simplistic way of considering the possibilities.

Denver safety Darian Stewart feels like this team is getting disrespected.

“It is what it is. Everybody is entitled to their opinions. We’re just going to keep working and keep getting better. This is our second year together. It’s going to be hell for teams this year.”

NFL Network analyst and former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor said some things that Stewart took issue with. That’s why he said the following: “They must not have watched the film. For him to the say the Steelers are No. 1, that was bad. He shouldn’t even be on TV. He remembered D.T. [Demaryius Thomas] well.”

Taylor responded via Twitter with this.

"

I take cold showers...and DT is pretty good...just kiss my two rangs if I ever see you... https://t.co/X28h32HDd7

— Ike Taylor (@Ike_SwagginU) May 18, 2016"

The haters of the Broncos should keep talking—because the Broncos hear them, and they are motivated to prove people wrong again in 2016.

Larger Roles, Better Production

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

The Broncos defense features a few younger players that should have larger roles in 2016. These young prospects may be starting for the Broncos, or they could be playing quality snaps for a defense that is going to be among the best—if not the best—in the league again this year.

Outside linebacker Shane Ray was the team’s first-round pick in 2015, and he gained valuable experience as a rookie pass-rusher last season. He may be starting this year for the Broncos opposite Von Miller if he can win the job in training camp.

Ray feels this defense can improve.

“I think so. The expectations for us as young guys is to step up, do what we’re supposed to do and help lead this team. I think defensively we’re bringing a lot of guys back, and we’re probably bringing in a little bit more firepower.”

In addition to Ray, linebacker Shaquil Barrett is going to compete for a larger role. In fact, he’s going to compete with Ray for a larger role and perhaps a starting job with the Broncos.

Barrett is ready no matter what.

“If that’s what the coaches want—we’re going to go out there and compete. I know we’ve got me and Shane [Ray], we’re going to compete. Whatever happens, happens. I think I’m ready if they need me to.”

The Broncos have pass-rushers falling out of their pockets. They can rotate in wave after wave of linebackers to keep wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

Summary

Having a great comfort level in the Phillips defense should help the Broncos perform better this season. Most of the starters will already know what is expected of them and where to go in any given situation. This inherent knowledge should help the defense play faster, and that’s bad news for any opponent.

The Broncos are going to look different on defense this year. There’s no way to get around that fact with players like Jackson and Trevathan missing from the starting lineup.

However, the Broncos defense has more than enough playmakers to step in and at least perform as well in those two areas. There’s a chance the Broncos will be able to even improve their play at defensive end and weak-side inside linebacker in 2016.

Plenty of people think the Broncos are “one and done” as Super Bowl champions. The Broncos know there are plenty of doubters out there, and they thrive on proving those people wrong.

With young playmakers like Barrett and Ray, the Broncos defense has exciting potential in 2016. They are still going to be hyper-aggressive on defense, but having guys like Barrett and Ray earning playing time will help keep other key defenders like DeMarcus Ware fresh. This is just more bad news for anyone scheduled to play the Broncos this season.

Could the Broncos defense be even better this year? The answer is most definitely they could be much improved this season, and that’s good news for a team that is still in a Super Bowl window.

All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided by the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted.