The Denver Broncos’ defense has been overshadowed by the team’s underwhelming offense through the first two weeks of the season.
While the offense has struggled, the defense has quietly excelled under new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. Denver’s defense ranks third in yards allowed per game (243.5) and third in points allowed per game (13.0).
“The defense has been spectacular, two weeks in a row,” coach Nathaniel Hackett said after the team’s 16-9 win over the Houston Texans last week. “They are exactly what they have been, and they’re just getting better. We had a lot of guys slowly get out from the corner standpoint and guys went in there and stepped up. I thought that was awesome.
“Caden [Sterns], he had to come in. Kareem [Jackson], all those guys. They had a really good game. Josey [Jewell] hasn’t been out there. So, just seeing that and seeing how they are unified together making plays, is a big deal.”
Granted, the defense hasn’t faced a top offense yet, but it’s still a good sign that they’re off to a hot start under Evero. They’ll face their biggest test yet when the San Francisco 49ers come to town in Week 3.
Led by defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones (two sacks) and outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (two sacks), Denver’s defense is tied for 12th in the league with five sacks through two games. One area where the unit can improve is in the turnover department — the Broncos have forced five fumbles so far but have only recovered one of them.
Denver’s secondary is also yet to record an interception this season. The defense has been excellent, but it can still improve.
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