Previewing the Denver Broncos Defense

The Denver Broncos defense has several talented players but hasn't matched the level of play from years past

The Las Vegas Raiders will look to stretch their winning streak to three games this week when they take on the rival Denver Broncos.

In years past, that would have meant going up against a Denver defense that used to rank among the best in the league, but over this season, that quality has started to go down.

After ranking as the 10th best scoring defense last year, Denver has gone down to 22nd this season.

Injuries have played a part in that, as Denver has had to play without arguably their best overall player, outside linebacker Von Miller.

They’ve also missed time from new additions and two former Pro Bowlers, cornerback A.J. Bouye and defensive tackle Jurrell Casey.

Despite the injuries to Miller and Casey, though, Denver still does rank a respectable seventh in the league with 22 sacks this season.

That can be thanks to the duo of former top-five pick Bradley Chubb and Malik Reed, an undrafted linebacker in his second year, as they each have five or more.

Denver actually has been able to find multiple starters in its linebacking corps that weren’t highly drafted. 

Middle linebacker Alexander Johnson was undrafted and leads the Broncos in tackles with 64.

Looking at their secondary, full safety Justin Simmons is the clear standout. Drafted in 2016, Simmons has recorded 14 interceptions in his career and approached 100 tackles in each of the last two seasons.

Like with their offense, Denver’s defense has several talented players. 

With their injuries and inconsistency, though, just like their offense, it hasn’t produced as well.

It’s a situation that the Raiders offense could take advantage of in both the run and pass games. 

Tell us what you think in the comment section below and please make sure you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Want the latest breaking Las Vegas Raiders news delivered straight to your email for FREE? Sign up for the DAILY Raiders Nation newsletter when you CLICK THE FOLLOW button on the main page. Don't miss any of the latest up to the second updates for your Las Vegas Raiders when you follow on Twitter @HondoCarpenter, @HikaruKudo1