The Denver Broncos may have taken a bit of a step backward in 2016, but it wasn’t because of their defensive backfield. One year after the Denver defense played at a historic level, it was somewhat understood that they would have to come back down to earth. The defense as a whole might have regressed slightly, but the Broncos “No Fly Zone” may have been even better this year.
In an era where passing is king, and the defensive backs are forced to defend with their hands tied, this group somehow found a way to thrive. In 2016 the Broncos defense allowed just 185 yards per game through the air, while intercepting 14 passes. So how does each member of the Denver secondary grade out?
T.J. Ward
Is there such a thing as too many tackles? If so, Ward may have reached that number. He racked up 87 of them, which might sound impressive, but shows weaknesses in the front seven.
In 2015, Ward had just 61 tackles. Why? Because linebackers Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall combined for 211 tackles. Last season, Ward had to be the last line of defense while also playing the role of another linebacker. He still defended eight passes, had one interception, and forced three fumbles. T.J. Ward had an excellent season.
Final grade: A+
Darian Stewart
Stewart was also asked to make far too many tackles, and he did so, totaling 68, including two for loss. Since joining the Broncos in 2015, he has been a steadying force in the secondary. Always a smart player, Stewart is rarely out of position, and he is a key reason that this defense doesn’t give up many big plays.
In 2016, the Broncos defense allowed just 25 passes of over 25 yards. Darian Stewart is a big reason for that number being so low. He was named to his first Pro Bowl this year, and the Broncos gave him a four-year contract extension, to make sure he remains in Denver.
Grade: A
Chris Harris Jr.
Harris made 63 tackles in 2016, and what might be even more impressive, is the fact that 57 of those were solo. He may have had only two interceptions, but that is primarily because opposing quarterbacks knew better than to throw the ball his way.
His interception of Cam Newton in Week one changed the game, and served as a reminder that you are taking a risk throwing the ball near him. The Broncos would come back to beat the Carolina Panthers after the Harris pick. Harris was elected to his third Pro Bowl.
Grade: A+
Aqib Talib
Love him or hate him, there is no questioning the passion that Talib plays with each and every week. He missed three games with a lower back injury, but still finished the season with 43 tackles and three interceptions.
In Week two, Talib intercepted Andrew Luck, and returned the ball 46 yards for his fifth pick-six in a Broncos uniform. The score gave the Broncos a 10-point fourth quarter lead, and they would go on to beat the Colts 34-20. Not surprisingly, Talib was named to his fourth Pro Bowl, as he continues to be a dangerous player for opposing offenses.
Grade: A-
Bradley Roby
As arguably the best third corner in the league, he finished with 39 tackles and two interceptions. Roby was also very dangerous when he made those interceptions, as he returned them both for defensive touchdowns. With Talib now 31 years old, the Broncos should eventually be able to have a relatively smooth transition to Roby.
Grade: A
Justin Simmons
In the third round, the Broncos grabbed the Boston College safety that had shown some heady play while in college. He didn’t disappoint. Simmons racked up 30 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, and even blocked one very important extra point. Getting to play with experienced safeties like T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart should only help his development. The future of the “No Fly Zone” looks bright with Simmons, who seems to have a nose for the football.
Final grade: B
Will Parks
Parks had one of the most memorable plays of the 2016 season for the Broncos, when he scooped up a blocked extra point against the New Orleans Saints in Week 10, and raced for the winning score. Sure, he probably stepped out of bounds, but that isn’t what the record books say.
Denver grabbed another safety with their second pick of the sixth round, and the former Arizona Wildcat made an immediate impact. Parks finished the season with 22 tackles, one interception, and a fumble recovery. The Broncos have what might be the best secondary in the NFL with Chris Harris Jr, Aqib Talib, Darian Stewart, and T.J. Ward. The addition of Parks and Justin Simmons provide some depth and a glimpse at the future of the “No Fly Zone”.
Final grade: B-
Kayvon Webster
Playing in a backup role, Webster still found ways to make an impact on the field. He made numerous special teams plays, and was one of the top gunners in the league, helping punter Riley Dixon with his rookie statistics.
Dixon had 28 punts downed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, and Webster was usually the one covering them. Webster has now signed a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Rams, and while he may have just been a backup defensive player, he will be missed.
Grade: B+