In the 30 days leading up to the start of Denver Broncos Training Camp 2016, we’re examining 30 big questions for the season. We’ll make a case for each answer; you’ll vote and tell Broncos Country what’s going to happen this year.
The 2015 Denver Broncos defense was one of the best to ever to play thanks largely in part to its pass rushing ability. As a team, the Broncos racked up an NFL-best 52 sacks on their way to their first Super Bowl championship since 1998.
The Broncos lost a few key pieces to their nightmarish defense in free agency, but it doesn’t look like they will be taking any variation of a step in the wrong direction when the 2016 regular season rolls around.
The Broncos are still going to get after the quarterback. With a roster full of pass rushers old and new, there are a few likely candidates that could lead the Broncos in sacks in 2016.
Jared Crick
Jared Crick is the newcomer to the Broncos pass rushing bunch, signed to replace departed defensive end Malik Jackson. After spending four seasons with the Houston Texans, he has reunited with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips in Denver with the hope of finding the perfect fit on a defense full of monsters. Crick started in all but one game during his final two years with the Texans, registering five-and-a-half sacks in that span. It seems as if Crick really came into his own during the previous two seasons. If Crick keeps up the good work, Phillips will put him in a position to succeed on a defense known for getting after the quarterback.
Von Miller
Von Miller is certainly the favorite to lead the Broncos in sacks in 2016. The Super Bowl 50 MVP fresh off a record-breaking contract has 60 career sacks over the span of his five-year career. Miller led the Broncos in sacks in 2015 with 11, and added five more during the playoff run that led to their championship season. Miller has the best first step off the ball in the NFL, and if he can avoid a season like Demaryius Thomas just had following his contract situation, Miller seems like a lock to lead the Broncos in sacks in 2016.
DeMarcus Ware
DeMarcus Ware is one of the best pass rushers in NFL history. Ware, who will enter his 12th season, has accumulated 134.5 sacks over the course of his career. Ware got of to a blistering hot start in 2015 before injuring his back. Despite the injury, Ware finished the regular season with 7.5 sacks, and added 3.5 more in the playoffs on the way to his first Super Bowl ring. Now that Shaq Barrett and Shane Ray are ready to take on larger roles, Ware is expected to be a pass rush specialist this season. If his back injury doesn’t slow him down, he could find himself atop the Broncos sack leaders in 2016.
Derek Wolfe
2016 will be Derek Wolfe’s fifth year in the NFL after the Broncos selected him in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft. Wolfe, who has 17 career sacks, is coming off one of his best seasons as a pro. He registered 5.5 sacks during the regular season and added 2.5 more during the Broncos’ playoff run. Motivated by a deal he signed during the 2015 regular season, Wolfe could easily lead the Broncos in sacks in 2016.
What does Broncos Country think? Who will lead the Broncos in sacks in 2016?
30 QUESTIONS: Who will lead the Broncos in sacks this year?
— Mile High Sports (@MileHighSports) July 17, 2016
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