Just a few years ago the Denver Linebackers were about as intimidating as a 3 month old marshmallow. But now they have the pieces to do some damage from the core of the defense.
As Broncos fans, both older and more youthful, were spoiled when it came to big hits. The Orange Crush had the likes of Randy Gradishar. Steve Atwater, Bill Romanowski and John Mobley occupied the Super Bowl era. And now Elvis Dumervil leads a core of the nastiest linebackers in franchise history.
Dumervil led the NFL in sacks 2 years ago (last year he missed the entire season due to an injury) and may not be the best linebacker on the squad. DJ Williams, Joe Mays, Robert Ayers and a few rookies will be looking to be the new and hard-nosed face of John Fox’s 3-4 defense.
Denver was the worst in the NFL in most major defensive categories. They were last in yards per game; they were last in points per game and last in total defense. Their defense had as many holes as a To-be continued episode of Lost. And Coach Fox pinpointed these issues in the Draft.
The Broncos selected 3 linebackers (Von Miller, 1st Round, Nate Irving, 3rd Round, Mike Mohamed, 6th Round) all with real potential to make an impact as a rookie. All 3 newcomers accent the change in philosophy on defense, and all have the potential to be long-time pieces for the team.
This may be the hey-day of Bronco linebackers; linebackers that don’t want you to cheer for them. They want to hear the “Ohhh’s” and “Ahhh’s” from laying hay-makers.
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