Denver’s defense is flying completely under the media radar
(photo: Denver Post)
“Over the course of the regular season the Seahawks did possess the top defensive unit. Things change, though, and when one considers the number of injuries the Broncos were forced to overcome it’s not hard to understand why their defense is just now beginning to gel.’
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There are several narratives surrounding the upcoming Super Bowl. The weather is certainly one; Peyton Manning and his legacy, etc. A big one is the idea that the number one offense in the NFL faces off against the number one defense. But that narrative is based on data from the regular season. The truth is that the game will involve the league’s number two post-season defense versus the number nine post-season offense.
In two playoff games Denver has allowed a total off 33 points to be scored against them and 289.5 yards per game to be gained. Seattle’s defense has allowed one point fewer (32) but has seen opponents gain significantly more yardage. Among playoff teams Seattle is ranked sixth in yards allowed at 358.5. That’s significantly more than the Broncos – and yet Seattle’s is the ballyhooed unit.
Over the course of the regular season the Seahawks did possess the top defensive unit. Things change, though, and when one considers the number of injuries the Broncos were forced to overcome it’s not hard to understand why their defense is just now beginning to gel. It can be said that they are peaking at the right time.
Marshawn Lynch is a force to be sure. But coming into the AFC Championship game Pats running back LeGarrette Blount was the hottest rusher in the entire NFL. Denver completely shut him down. And, despite a patchwork secondary, the Broncos left New England receivers – and their much heralded quarterback – frustrated.
Jack Del Rio has done a fabulous job preparing the Denver defense for the playoffs.
Denver’s D has allowed opponents to rack up 3.8 yards per carry on the ground for a total of 129 yards through two games. Seattle has surrendered 259 yards and 5 yards per carry in the same span. In terms of passing yardage allowed in the post-season the Broncos are right there with the Seahawks. Each team has allowed almost precisely 225 yards per game through the air to opposing QBs. It can be argued, though, that Denver faced better ones. They saw Philip Rivers and Tom Brady while Seattle saw Colin Kaepernick and a Drew Brees who was not at the top of his game.
The Broncos are probably very pleased that the national diatribe regarding the Super Bowl has omitted the Denver defense as a consideration. Aside from the occasional chuckle over Terrance Knighton’s nickname (Pot Roast) we have heard precious little from radio row – or anywhere else for that matter – about Denver’s ability to shut down the Seahawks.
Regardless of Percy Harvin’s availability Seattle lacks weapons in the passing game. Denver’s bigger concern is stopping them on the ground and, while Lynch and Russell Wilson are well worth worrying about, the Denver defense has shown that it is not to be trifled with – especially not in the running game.
Hopefully the Broncos’ D will continue to fly under the radar this week and be a pleasant surprise in the Super Bowl.
