They Denver Broncos still boast one of the top defenses in the NFL. Yet, they did take a bit of a step backward in 2016. In 2015, the Orange Crush posted one of the greatest seasons in NFL history. They allowed just 283 yards, and 18.5 points per game, while forcing an incredible 27 turnovers.
In 2016, they didn’t fall off completely, but opposing offenses did find some softness that wasn’t previously there. This unit gave up 316.1 yards and 18.6 points per game, surrendering 130 rushing yards per contest. A good portion of those yards fall to the linebackers. So how did this unit grade out individually?
Todd Davis
With the departure of Danny Trevathan, Davis was moved into a starting role. It was a mixed bag for the third-year linebacker out of Sacramento State. Yes, he led the Broncos in tackles with 96, but some of those were after yardage was already gained. He also struggled at time so drop into pass coverage. However, Davis is only 24 years old, and he should continue to improve. He is set to become restricted free agent, and will be a bargain to keep.
Final grade: B-
Von Miller
Once again, Von Miller absolutely owned the edge of the Broncos defense. Despite opposing teams specifically game-planning to stop Miller, he followed up his Super Bowl MVP season by posting a single-season best 78 tackles. In addition to his 13.5 sacks, and numerous quarterback pressures, Miller forced three fumbles and was very stout against the run.
Miller may have lost the NFL Defensive Player of the Year by one vote, but there is no question which player opposing offenses fear the most. Von Miller is a threat to completely change the game on any given play.
Final grade: A+
Corey Nelson
Nelson backed up starting inside linebacker Brandon Marshall, but actually finished the season with more playing time due to Marshall’s injuries. Nelson started five games, and looked like he could eventually do it full-time. Nelson made 68 tackles, and is one of the Broncos better coverage linebackers from the inside position. He defended five passes, and his play on special teams make him a valuable member of the roster.
Final grade: C+
Brandon Marshall
Marshall was a fifth-round draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars back in 2012. The Broncos signed him in 2013, and he was promoted to the active roster later that same season. Initially, Marshall was playing at the outside linebacker position, but eventually he would be placed inside, and began to flourish. He has now started 42 games in Denver.
However, a hamstring injury slowed his production significantly in 2016. While starting 11 games, he managed just 52 tackles. Marshall should bounce back in 2017, but he simply wasn’t himself last year.
Final grade: C-
Shane Ray
After a very good rookie season, Ray looks like he had avoided the sophomore slump completely. He racked up three sacks in the Broncos Week 3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Yet, he managed just five more sacks over the remaining 13 games. He did finish the season with a very solid 48 tackles, and eight total sacks, while starting just eight games. Ray could be due for a big season in 2017.
Final grade: B-
Shaquil Barrett
In the 2015 season, Barrett looked like he was going to be the next great pass rusher in Denver. Playing a limited number of snaps, Barrett was a threat on every play to get to the quarterback and disrupt the opposing offense. He made 50 tackles, and 5.5 sacks and helped the Broncos make their Super Bowl 50 run.
Barrett took a step back last season. He compiled only 36 tackles, and had just 1.5 sacks. Maybe Barrett was underused, or maybe offensive fronts learned how to limit his production, but Barrett was largely invisible in 2016.
Final grade: D
Dekoda Watson
The Broncos signed Watson after the six-year veteran was released by the New England Patriots at the end of the 2015 NFL season. Watson played sparingly, finding himself behind Von Miller and Shaquil Barrett on the depth chart. He finished the campaign with 13 tackles and a sack. An unrestricted free agent following the season, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers.
Final grade: D+
DeMarcus Ware
The Dallas Cowboys thought Ware was done three years ago, when they allowed him to leave via free agency. Since then, the 12-year veteran has proven that he still had quite a bit left in the tank. W
are has 80 tackles and 21.5 sacks since coming to the Mile High City. However, in 2016 Ware’s body gave out on him. He started off strong, making four tackles and two sacks in the first two games. Then his back began to bother him, and he had just 11 tackles and two sacks over the remainder of the season.
Ware was placed on injured reserve, having back surgery on Dec. 28. The future Hall of Famer retired this offseason.
Final grade: C-
Zaire Anderson
Anderson spent the 2015 season on the Broncos practice squad, but he made the active roster this year. Anderson played some spot duty, and proved to be a dependable backup that could eventually grow into a starter if given the opportunity. He finished the season with 14 tackles, and did manage to force two fumbles.
Final grade: D+