The Denver Broncos’ defense should be the team’s strength this season. With defensive coordinator Vance Joseph at the helm, this is a defense that can put an entire season on its back. But forecasting is an imperfect science. The team will only go as far as its roster takes it. Fans predict that Denver’s D will be a dominant force. And these three players will make or break that assumption.
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3 Make-or-Break Players on the Denver Broncos Defense
Zach Allen
New to the Broncos’ defense this season is defensive end, Zach Allen. Along with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, Allen comes to Denver from Arizona. Trained behind J.J. Watt, Allen has the potential to be a game-wrecker off the edge of the defensive line. His pass rush skills will be needed in a league that is quarterback-driven, making sacking the quarterback the highest priority. Allen needs to make his presence felt early, often, and constantly this season. Denver needs his ability to make negative yardage plays and to stuff the opponent’s rushing game. Allen’s ceiling is high, but so are the demands the team will put on him.
Randy Gregory
If Allen is important on the line, outside linebacker Randy Gregory is just as important from the outside. Paired with former Kansas City Chief Frank Clark, Gregory is expected to be a terror for opposing quarterbacks each and every play. But Gregory’s past doesn’t fill fans with a ton of confidence. His first season with the Broncos was a disappointment. He only played in six games, only had two sacks, and didn’t recover any fumbles. Denver needs him to play up to his potential and to avoid injury. Only then will he be worth his contract and only then will the defense shine.
Essang Bassey
With an injury to nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams, Denver’s backfield looks to Essang Bassey to step into the breach. Bassey will be tasked with playing alongside corners Pat Surtain and Damarri Mathis on certain packages. But, since this is a passing league, those packages will be frequent. Bassey had an interception in each of Denver’s three preseason games in August. The defense will need him to continue to play at that level. A weak link in the secondary will spell disaster for the Broncos’ defense. Denver is counting on Bassey perhaps more than any other player on the roster.
The Fate of the Denver Broncos Defense
These three make-or-break players will be key to the success of the Broncos defense. Zach Allen’s dominance on the defensive line must come to fruition. Randy Gregory’s past successes must make a resurgence this season. And Essang Bassey must step up into the shoes of a very good player. If these three players don’t perform well this season, the 2023 Broncos could be done before they even get started. However, if they and their teammates play to their potential, this defense could be one of the most dominant in the league. With the regular season almost here, the time for questions is almost over; it’s time now for results.
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