When it comes to the Broncos defense, “Everyone wants to be a part of it.” So says defensive end Malik Jackson, who has thrived in his first season as a full-time starter.
Jackson joined Sports Stampede on Mile High Sports AM 1340 this week and spoke to the bond that the team has developed this year. “Everybody loves each other; everybody has love for each other. We all work hard for each other; we all want to work hard for each other.”
That love and hard work is paying off, and not just for Jackson who has already more than doubled his number of NFL starts and is approaching a career high in sacks. The entire defensive unit is on pace to be one of the best in Broncos history and currently ranks first in the NFL in total yards, passing yards and sacks and in the top-5 in scoring, forced fumbles and rushing yards.
As Jackson suggests, everyone wants in on the action, and everyone is contributing. From rookies like Shane Ray to 10-plus-year veterans like DeMarcus Ware and Antonio Smith, guys young and old are making major contributions. Thirteen different players have at least one sack and nine different players have 20 or more tackles. And don’t forget the shutdown secondary. When it comes to stopping the likes of Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and all that the NFL has to offer every week, there’s room for everyone in Wade Phillips’ defense.
And despite their domination, Jackson says the unit isn’t satisfied. “We still haven’t played our best game,” he said. That’s a big statement considering the Broncos held the previously unbeaten Green Bay Packers to 10 points and were the first team to knock off the New England Patriots this season.
Denver has a chance to put together a complete game on Sunday against the Chargers, pitting strength against strength. Denver’s No. 1 pass defense will have another tough test against Philip Rivers, who is averaging 319.2 yards per game this year. Denver has yet to allow a 300-yard passing game.
Rivers will be without his top target this year, however; Keenan Allen was placed on injured reserve with a lacerated kidney suffered in Week 8. That puts the onus on Jackson and the defense to stop Steve Johnson and Malcolm Floyd, not to mention Antonio Gates and Ladarius Green. Danny Woodhead has also emerged as a threat in the passing game, to the point that he is San Diego’s top active player in receiving yards.
With so many offensive weapons to keep track of, no doubt every Broncos defender will get involved, and that’s exactly how they want it.
Listen to the full interview with Jackson, plus some bonus Nuggets talk, in the podcast below…
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