On the 2005 team for the Broncos Al Wilson and DJ Williams
were both great tackling LB’s. As I remember Keith Burns was still on the team
and although he wasn’t a starting LB on special teams he made his presence
felt. Champ Bailey was 6 years younger then, was a fierce tackler and even
though John Lynch was in the twilight of his career he could still bring the
wood. The DL a long and terrible deficiency for the Broncos even on the 05 team
doesn’t have any real standouts. Some might say Trevor Pryce could be but
wasn’t nearly as effective as he was early in his career.
If you go back in time Randy Gradishar was arguably the best tackler of all-time. I’ve said since his retirement he should have gone in on the first ballot and been the 1st Broncos player in the Hall of Fame but that’s another rant.
Karl Mecklenberg is another guy while in his prime didn’t
miss many. Say what you will about him but Bill Romanoski was one of the
greatest overachievers of all time and was a hell of tackler for the Broncos.
John Moberly had some good years too. Steve Atwater and Dennis Smith may have
been the biggest hitters of all-time in the backfield for the Broncos along
with Champ.
Getting back to today and I know I’m not telling you
something you don’t already know. Von Miller is the most exciting player we’ve
had on D in years. This guy knows how to tackle and doesn’t miss if he’s in
range and when he gets there he brings speed, power and thump.
I’m also sure you’d all agree in large part he has to be
considered the reason for the turnaround on D. What he lacks in coverage skills
and sometimes not staying home in the running game (which he’ll get better at)
he more than makes up for with his tackling, pass rushing ability and fierce
determination. It’s amazing how one guy with his intensity level help’s inspire
the other players on D with lesser talent to play at a higher level than they
might not normally attain.
In the Chargers game last week the tackling and the pass
rush was suburb by the whole team. A few running plays got away from them but
almost every time a Charger players either run or caught a ball the first guy
usually made the tackle and Rivers of course got knocked around too. It’s
amazing how Miller gets a lot of attention right now but I didn’t know until I
looked at the box score that DJ lead the team with 10 tackles. DJ finally
realizes he’s got some good backup in Miller and has stepped up his game. Even
MLB Mays has been tackling well and had some big stops. I almost forgot to
mention Wesley Woodyard he leads the team in tackles.
It just refreshing to see a Broncos box score were 3 LB’s
lead the team in tackles. It means that most of the running plays and the short
passing game plays are being effectively stopped. It’s certainly better than
seeing Champ or Brian Dawkins lead the stat sheet.
Dumervil’s recovery can’t go unmentioned too he’s come back
strong. Even Carter and Goodman tackled in the Chargers game. Bunkley has
contributed too. Dawkins although long in the tooth can bring it too once in a
while.
How many games have we watched over the last 5 years where
on one play the Broncos would have 2 or sometimes 3 whiffs before a tackle was
finally made?
Von Miller doesn’t miss, he knows how to make a text book
tackle and thankfully it’s spread to the rest of the team. It’ll be interesting
to see if Adrian Peterson starts for the Vikings this week; if he does it’ll be
a good test to see if our D can shut down the best RB in the game. One thing is
certain, offensive wins games but defense wins championships. Is this team
capable of it? I don’t know but the Broncos are going to be a fun team to
watch the last 1/3 of the season.
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