It is no secret that the Denver Broncos defense is fueled by some big name talent. DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller are forcing passes into the hands of a waiting Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. is taking wide receivers completely out of games. Yet, it is the lesser known players that are being called on to fill in that have come up big in big moments through just three weeks of the season.
The Broncos defense added three takeaways Sunday night to their previous total of seven, two of which came from the secondary. The faces behind the big plays may have not been noticeable last season but have become familiar to fans already. Bradley Roby and David Bruton Jr. once again turned the tide for the Broncos and head coach Gary Kubiak has loved what he has seen so far for his defense.
“It’s been special. We have a long way to go, but it’s been special because it’s been deep with a lot of guys playing and it has a special thing about when it gets its hands on the football, which it does a great deal. It makes big plays. We have guys on the back end, I’ve said this over and over again, that can not only cover and do those types of things, but we have a chance when we touch the football to make special plays,” he said Monday.
Roby got the defense started Sunday night when he made a veteran read on a Matthew Stafford thrown ball and moved off his man and jumped the pass intended for Golden Tate. He extended his arms and showed great hands to pull the ball in. In just his second year he has made a huge impact on a stacked secondary that already boast three Pro-Bowl players.
Roby is consistently the last player off of the practice field at UCHealth Training Center and in 2015 the work is paying off. The pressure and responsibility of being the Broncos first-round pick in 2014 simply has not fazed the former Ohio State Buckeye. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF) he has the second highest overall grade at 3.9 and highest grade in pass coverage at 5.1 among Broncos cornerbacks. Through three games he has allowed only three catches for 16 yards on six targets, per PFF.
Last week he obviously got his first takeaway of the season with the fumble recovery and then shocked the home Kansas City Chiefs crowd as he strolled into the end zone for the game-winning score. Roby has matured faster than anyone expected and has been an unexpected bonus for the Broncos. Last season, while learning the ropes, he played in all 17 games and played extensively as the nickel cornerback.
Bruton Jr., the longest tenured Bronco, has only seen five starts as a defensive safety in his first six seasons with the team, yet he has already contributed in a big way in 2015. He filled in for T.J. Ward in week one due to Ward’s suspension. He played admirably, recording three tackles and defending three passes. In week two he had a critical forced fumble and four more tackles.
Bruton Jr. saved his biggest play for Sunday night as the Detroit Lions were driving toward the end zone late in the game, down only five points. He read Stafford perfectly and due to film study broke on the ball just in time to tip it to himself and make the interception. Monday, he explained how important his preparation was in making the game-changing play.
“It was just a formation where we knew what was coming. They’ve had a high tendency to show a particular play, especially a wrap-six, so usually the No. 2 receiver sits down about five or six yards with a guy running a dig route right behind it. We were just alert and once I saw the running back chip before his release, I knew what was coming, so I just read Stafford’s eyes, broke on the ball and was able to make a play.”
He has certainly put in his due. He has been a vital player to the special teams for years and was named captain the last two seasons due to that fact. He was very vocal in the offseason in reference to trying to win the free safety position. Despite getting beat out by Darian Stewart for the job, he has not been discouraged and looks to continue to change people’s perceptions of him.
“It’s always fresh to kind of break that label a little bit. I’ve been heralded as a special teams guy for years and I can’t necessarily downplay it. I’ve been here in the league and here with the Broncos for that reason for so long. Having a fresh set of eyes, going out there and competing and still building on what I started last year, it’s definitely great. I’m relishing the opportunity and the moments and taking full advantage of any chance that I get.”
Both Bruton Jr. and Roby will have to continue to prove themselves and offenses will likely look to test them as Harris Jr. and Talib continue to excel at their cornerback slots. Kubiak certainly has noticed how good the defense has been from top to bottom but has been excited for Bruton Jr. in particular.
“I know as a coach, I haven’t been around him long, but it’s been special. I came here, he’s been a backup, he’s been a special teams player, he’s been a captain, but yah, has he played well defensively,” Kubiak said with a grin Monday. “He’s a great example of a pro who continues to stay the course and battle and thinks of himself as a starter and not just a special teams player. It has really showed up. We’re only three weeks deep and he has been a factor in every week. (I’m) just very proud of David. He’s a leader on the team and doing a great job.”
The defense that contained Bruton Jr. and Roby last season has seen a rebirth under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. Players are getting a chance to showcase their talents and make big plays. Roby and Bruton Jr. have taken full advantage of their opportunities and in turn, have helped the Broncos to two enormous victories. What Malik Jackson revealed Monday may explain why both the youngest and oldest members of the secondary are performing so well this season.
“When you’re winning, it seems to add a lot more fun. Kubiak just came in here and just rejuvenated us. Coach Wade (Phillips) came in here and brought our defense where everybody can play and thrive. We just took to them and have just been running with what they’ve been giving us. Those guys are people that you want to win for, so we work hard.”
It is clear that the big names are making an impact but Roby and Bruton Jr. are thriving and creating a name for themselves that the nation, not just Broncos Country will soon know well.
*quotes provided by the Denver Broncos media relations
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