How the Denver Broncos Defense Can Get by Without DeMarcus Ware

The Denver Broncos faced a scary situation when linebacker DeMarcus Ware was carted off the field with a back injury he sustained against the Oakland Raiders in Week 5. Anytime the cart is brought out for a player, it seems like a serious injury. Perhaps this injury looked more serious than it actually is.

After the game, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Ware could miss two weeks with this back injury: 

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#Broncos OLB DeMarcus Ware’s back injury, described as a strain, is expected to keep him out about two weeks, per source.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 12, 2015 "

Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak didn’t have much of an update on Monday.

“I don’t really have an update right now. It’s his back that’s bothering him and they’re checking him out," Kubiak explained. "I’ll visit with [Head Athletic Trainer Steve] Greek [Antonopulos] when we leave here. I’ve been in meetings and just got through with the guys, so I’ll find out more this afternoon.”

As the week went on at UC Health Training Center, the team got a better idea about Ware’s playing status. Although he’s not been officially ruled out yet, the team has prepared for the Cleveland Browns without him.

“If DeMarcus is unable to play, I think that they're [Shaquil Barrett and Shane Ray] excited to go out there and be a part of what's going on. They have been, but now they get a chance to be a bigger part. As a player, all you can do is ask for an opportunity and work for your opportunities, and they've been working.” Kubiak emphasized, “We have a lot of confidence in them.”

How can the defense get by without a superstar like Ware? Let’s take a look.

Shaquil Barrett To Start

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The Broncos have found another gem from the ranks of the undrafted in second-year linebacker Shaquil Barrett. He didn’t make the 53-man roster as a rookie, but the Broncos developed him on the practice squad in 2014. This year, Barrett is making plays when given the opportunity.

In fact, Kubiak revealed Thursday that Barrett will start this Sunday. Mike Klis, from 9 News in Denver, was the first to report this: 

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Kubiak said OLB Shaq Barrett will start

— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) October 15, 2015 "

Kubiak confirmed that Barrett could be in line for his first career start on Sunday.

“Barrett will start, yeah," Kubiak said. "They're all going to play, but he will be the starter if DeMarcus doesn't play.”

If there was such a thing as a forced-fumble specialist, then Barrett would be the marquee player at that position. Barrett has a knack for separating the ball from the quarterback. He’s played 97 snaps in 2015 and has forced two fumbles in his part-time role.

Barrett has also snared two sacks this season. He may not have a ton of moves to get after the quarterback like Ware, but Barrett makes his presence known as a pass-rusher by playing with heart and hustle. Barrett does a good job of setting up blockers to get by them, and he has a quick closing burst to get to the quarterback.

He should start Sunday, and Barrett could make a big impact for the Broncos in Week 6.

Shane Ray Ready

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

In the NFL draft earlier this year, the Broncos did something they had never done under general manager John Elway. They moved up in the first round so they could select Missouri linebacker Shane Ray with the 23rd overall pick.

In college, Ray was known as a fierce competitor and a dangerous pass-rusher. Like Barrett, Ray doesn’t have a ton of tricks and moves. However, Ray has an excellent first step, and this helps him get by blockers at the snap. Ray can anticipate the snap regularly, and he doesn’t waste a lot of motion getting to the quarterback.

When initially blocked, Ray does not give up. Instead, the rookie will keep fighting while at the same time keeping his eyes in the backfield.

The rookie has been picking the brain of Von Miller and Ware to help improve his game.

“Pass-rushing moves—I usually only do pretty much one move the whole game, but learning from those guys, they just taught me long arm, Von's real good at the spin. [I am] just trying to incorporate that into my moves out there, my pass rush," Ray said. "That's how I've been a little bit more successful.”

Ray has the strength and burst to get after the quarterback with great consistency. Barrett will get the start if Ware can’t play, but Ray will continue to make plays for the Broncos defense in his part-time role.

More Malik Jackson Please

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

The Broncos have a ferocious defense, and the players on the defensive line set the tone. Defensive end Derek Wolfe returned to the field last week after a four-game suspension and helped set the edge as a run defender. On the other side, defensive end Malik Jackson plays like the Tasmanian Devil and can give opposing quarterbacks nightmares.

Jackson takes a business-like approach when it comes to the defense making game-winning plays.

“That’s our job as the defense to go out there and stop their offense. I don't think we look at it as a burden that we have to go out there and play. It's our job and we want to be great.” Jackson explained, “We have plenty of opportunities to go out there and do what we need to do and make an effort for the team to win.”

Jackson has incredible strength and can control his man at the point of attack. He has a nose for the ball, and Jackson has a history of playing to the echo of the whistle. Jackson is not a dirty player, but he definitely thrives on intimidation. Without Ware, the Broncos can count on Jackson to bring the heat.

Summary

The Broncos have multiple options to turn to without Ware in the lineup. They won’t be as good on defense without Ware, but they won’t fall apart without the future Hall of Fame linebacker on the field.

Barrett should be the starter this week, and he is likely to be amped up to get the first start of his career. With that extra energy, we could see Barrett play better than ever before.

Ray is going to be a reserve player for the Broncos again this week. The rookie is still learning the ropes in the NFL, and he’s developing more moves and better instincts as a pass-rusher. Bringing that type of pass-rusher off the bench gives the Broncos a great asset, and Ray will help keep Miller and Barrett fresh on Sunday.

Jackson is one of the most ferocious players on the Broncos defense. He leads by example, and Jackson will be ready to help carry the load for the defense if needed.

How will the Broncos get by without Ware? Chances are they’ll be just fine.

All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted. Advanced stats via ESPN's employees-only database.

Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by Pro Sports Transactions.