The Denver Broncos improved to 5-0 with a 16-10 win over the Oakland Raiders on Oct. 11. On the back of another dominant defensive showing, the Broncos remained perfect and sit atop the American Football Conference (AFC) West in first place.
Unlike recent seasons, Denver has relied upon its star-studded defense to secure its victories. The rapid decline of Peyton Manning in 2014 has carried into 2015, as the veteran signal caller has managed a meager six touchdowns through five games and a whopping seven interceptions. No longer the feared quarterback he once was, Manning suddenly has become a potential roadblock for the Broncos’ 2016 Super Bowl hopes.
Hope abounds on the defensive side, however, as the playmaking and edgy unit has feasted on opposing offenses. With seven fumbles recovered, seven interceptions and 22 sacks through only five games, they have stymied opponents.
On top of being consistent, the defense has come through in clutch situations with three defensive touchdowns leading directly to wins.
In week one, cornerback Aqib Talib scored late in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens, putting the Broncos ahead 16-13. Safety Darian Stewart’s interception sealed the game with under a minute to go.
In week two, cornerback Bradley Roby scooped a fumble for a touchdown with only seconds left to take the lead, while in week five cornerback Chris Harris Jr. scored off an interception to secure a 16-10 Broncos win.
This almost unheard of level of playmaking has catapulted the Broncos to the top of the AFC, but the team’s long-term success hinges on the offense.
With four new offensive linemen, the Broncos have struggled running the ball. Neither running back C.J. Anderson nor Ronnie Hillman have been able to consistently break out of arm tackles. A stronger running game could alleviate some of Manning’s issues, as defenses would be forced to bring more players toward the line of scrimmage.
While the 2013 Broncos rode a well-oiled offensive machine to the Super Bowl, the Seattle Seahawks showed them finesse doesn’t always trump a vicious, snarling mindset in football. With playmakers at all three levels of their defense, a great combination of youth and veteran leadership and a boss-like attitude, the Broncos have suddenly changed their identity. Their ultimate fate may ironically fall on the offense’s ability to squeeze out touchdowns.
