Coach McDaniels and Coordinator Nolan: Projection for a New-Look Denver Defense

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.

On the defensive line, I see the Broncos making a run at a big name. Julius Peppers could be a perfect fit as the right end of the three linemen. The Broncos should look to the draft to find a nose tackle, B.J. Raji is a good option from B.C.

At left end, Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder could compete for the spot they were intended to have coming in to 2007. Expect John Engelberger, Dewayne Robertson, Ebenezer Ekuban, and Kenny Peterson to be released. Marcus Thomas could stay and be a back up nose tackle.

The four linebackers could go, left to right, D.J. Williams, Jamie Winborn, Miami's Channing Crowder, and Wesley Woodyard. Crowder will be a free agent, and could come at a lower price than Terrell Suggs or Jonathan Vilma. Arizona's Karlos Dansby might also be a wild-card at the inside linebacker position. 

Williams, Winborn, and Woodyard have already proven effective and could continue to develop with the help of the improved line. This would allow the them to use their speed to generate more sacks and improve the run defense. Spencer Larsen would be an extra inside backers.

In the secondary, I see Marquand Manuel, Vernon Fox, and Marlon McCree being shown the door. Josh Barrett exhibited qualities of an effective tackler, but could improve on his pass coverage in camp. 

Since Taylor Mays won't be an option for another year, the Broncos could choose to pursue a seasoned veteran leader for a shorter contract. Mike Brown of the Bears could be an answer at the other safety spot. The team may also choose to draft a safety this year. 

Champ Bailey, when healthy, is still one of the most feared cornerbacks in the NFL. That means that his fellow corner on the other side of the field will be thrown to a lot. It appears that Dre' Bly is no longer up to that task.

Bryant McFadden of the Steelers or Dunta Robinson of the Texans, both unrestricted free agents, are two corners who are younger, yet have several years experience, and could significantly improve the defense. Rookies Jack Williams and Josh Bell could come in as the nickel or dime cornerbacks.

The Broncos clearly have a lot of work to do this offseason to rework the defense. However, with Josh McDaniels at the helm of the offense, all the defense needs to do is be adequate. Mike Nolan is capable of leading them to that goal. The offense will provide the fireworks, and the defense must keep them on the field as much as possible.

I close with my optimal defensive lineup for 2009: (The "/" means a training camp competition or a rotation).

LE: J. Moss/T. Crowder  NT: Rookie/M. Thomas  RE: J. Peppers

OLB: D. Williams  ILB: J. Winborn/S. Larsen  ILB: C. Crowder  OLB: W. Woodyard

S: J. Barrett S: Rookie or Veteran free agent (M. Brown)

CB: C. Bailey  CB: D. Robinson or B. McFadden CB (Nickel/Dime): J. Bell/J. Williams