Denver Broncos: Creating the Blueprint for Optimal Defense in 2015

The Denver Broncos had the No. 3-ranked defense in the NFL last year, but it sure didn't feel like it. It didn't feel like it when the Indianapolis Colts were able to do whatever they wanted en route to an upset in the divisional playoffs in January, either.

Though the numbers the team achieved helped former defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio land a head coaching job with the Oakland Raiders, there are many Broncos fans who probably weren't unhappy to see him go.

Del Rio seemed very passive in his play calls, frustrating fans by not sending more pressure at the quarterback. As a replacement, the Broncos brought in a familiar face, hiring Wade Phillips to replace Del Rio.

Phillips will bring with him a switch to a 3-4 defensive alignment. This will be one of the big changes that occurs during the offseason in Denver, but the team has the players to make the switch a very successful one.

So how does the team go about putting forth the best defensive effort it possibly can? Here are a few key factors, each of which carries equal importance. However, if the Broncos can find a way to be successful with both, the team could have one of the best defenses in the entire league.

Sylvester Williams Must Control Gaps

It all starts up front in a 3-4 scheme, and the nose tackle position is perhaps the most important. His job is to control the gaps between the guards and center. If he is pushed backwards, the entire defense begins to bend in a big way.

All signs point to Sylvester Williams being the starting nose tackle for the team, with Marvin Austin getting snaps at the position as well. Williams has been a big disappointment since being drafted in the first round in 2013, but this could be his chance to show why he was so highly regarded.

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Wade Phillips: "@Sylwil92 has been exceptional. I think he's really taken over the NT position"

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 11, 2015"

Williams, Austin and rookie Darius Kilgo are the only defensive tackles on the roster, though Malik Jackson could see time at that spot as well. In a way, the Broncos won't be able to afford Williams failing.

He is a strong player with great quickness for his size. He should be good in stopping the run and will occasionally get after the quarterback with a burst through the A-gap.

Though Williams could easily be considered a draft bust to this point, he has all the ability to turn that completely around in 2015. The Broncos will be counting on him to do just that.

Health of Brandon Marshall, Danny Trevathan

The Broncos have a pair of inside linebackers who seem ideal for the 3-4 defense. However, the health of each player will be a concern.

Danny Trevathan missed all but three games in 2014. This was a huge disappointment for the team after he had a breakout season the year before.

In his place, Brandon Marshall was excellent. But he was forced to undergo surgery on his right foot during the offseason. Though Marshall should be ready for training camp in July, foot injuries can be problematic—particularly if it's the dreaded Lisfranc injury.

The Broncos will depend heavily on both of these players in 2014 and if one—or both—miss time, the team loses two of its best tacklers.

Player	Career Games Played	Career Tackles	Career Sacks
Danny Trevathan	35	173	3
Brandon Marshall	20	117	2
Reggie Walker	75	98	3.5
Danny Mason	0	0	0
Lamin Barrow	16	9	0
Corey Nelson	16	17	0
Steven Johnson	41	50	.5
Todd Davis	9	22	0

The Broncos will try to bring along young players such as Lamin Barrow and Corey Nelson during camp in order to protect themselves if Marshall or Trevathan go down.

It's too early to say having Marshall and Trevathan will be a necessity, but if they aren't able to rebound from injury, it could prove disastrous.

Pick Spots With Shane Ray

The Broncos decided to gamble by selecting Missouri linebacker Shane Ray with the No. 23 overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft, trading up five spots to do so.

Denver didn't just take a shot in the dark with that pick, it was made with the intention of coming at opposing quarterbacks with a ferocity this season. Adding Ray to a defense that already had DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller likely has Phillips pretty excited.

But the Broncos must choose their spots wisely.

While coaching the Dallas Cowboys from 2007-10, Phillips was known to put three edge-rushers on the field at the same time, one of which was Ware. You can almost certainly expect packages that have Miller, Ware and Ray on the field at once.

But in order for those packages to be successful, Phillips will have to master the use of his personnel. Can Ray or Miller can drop back into pass coverage? Will Phillips use Ray as a decoy and send Chris Harris on a blitz from the cornerback position? These are all things to take into consideration.

If opponents truly don't know where the pass rush is coming from, this defense is going to be scary. And having three legitimate pass-rushers on the field at once opens up enough possibilities to drive offensive coordinators crazy, creating chances for mistakes and turnovers in the process.

Coverage by Safeties

This is going to be another key factor. How well will the safeties be able to cover in the passing game?

T.J. Ward can come up from the safety position as a thumper in the running game, but what about when he gets matched up on a tight end over the middle? This is an area where Denver's defense has been exploited for years, and Ward wasn't great in that department last year.

As for the free safety spot, his role may be even more important.

In this defense, he will be responsible for reading offensive plays and dropping back to cover deep balls. This is why fans shouldn't be upset that Rahim Moore chose to leave via free agency.

Darian Stewart will get the first shot to earn the job, but the team may choose to experiment with Bradley Roby or Kayvon Webster in that position. The Broncos appear to have enough run support with Ward, Marshall and Trevathan aiding the defensive linemen. The man who is best at covering the deep ball should win the job at free safety.

After all, how good is a 3-4 defense if a quarterback can just throw it over the top and down the middle to beat the free safety?

Overall Outlook

Fans should be very excited about this defense, and if the aforementioned items are addressed, it will be as good as any in the league.

Many teams making a switch in defensive alignments due to a new coordinator have to wait a year or two to bring in the personnel to fit the scheme. This situation in Denver is unique, as Phillips should have all of the tools he needs at his disposal immediately.