Mile High Maniac
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Broncos Defensive Line Grades From Win Over Tampa Bay

By Gordon Trickel

Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) celebrates with inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) and outside linebacker Von Miller (58) after he sacked Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) (not pictured) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) celebrates with inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) and outside linebacker Von Miller (58) after he sacked Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) (not pictured) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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There are not many defenses this season that are better than the Denver Broncos defense. A big reason for that is the play they get from their defensive line. They are not loaded with talent, but have a bunch of guys who do their job and do it very well. This group played tremendously against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but how did that transition to their grades?

For the Denver Broncos, it all starts upfront for them on defense. They rely on their defensive line to do their job first and foremost. This allows the linebackers and secondary to clean up, especially when defending the run. The line has to remain disciplined, clog running lanes, and eat up space all so linebackers can make the play.

It isn’t the easiest job, and they have had some hard times this season, but they did they very well against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Additionally, they have to be a help for the pass rush in many ways. They eat up space and blockers so the rush linebackers can get after opposing quarterbacks. However, they have to do that while getting pressure themselves.

Getting pressure themselves is where the defensive line really stood out against the Buccaneers. They put a lot of pressure on young Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston, and picked up 3.5 of the five sacks themselves. They really were tremendous in both phases of the game.

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Broncos Starting Defensive Ends

Both of the defensive ends for the Broncos played good games, but one of them was fantastic. Jared Crick had a good game as he clogged running lanes and provided pressure. He is a stable player that just does what he needs to do. Plenty of mistakes in his game, but overall solid play from a solid player.

Opposite of Crick was Derek Wolfe, who had a fantastic game. Wolfe picked up 2.5 sacks, was dominate in the run game and added plenty of pressure besides his sacks. It was a treat to watch such a dominate performance from Wolfe.

Crick earned a 89.3 grade for his game against the Buccaneers, while Wolfe earned a perfect 100.0. Both made their mistakes, but they rebounded really well. If they can play at this level week in and week out, this defense would be even better.

Broncos Nose Tackles

The play from the nose tackles isn’t consistent from the starter, or the backup. Sylvester Williams is a solid starter, but has issues at times defending the point of attack. This showed against the Buccaneers, but he also showed his pass rush ability. Williams is good at providing pressure from the inside, and he ended picking up a sack on Winston.

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Behind him is Darius Kilgo, who has looked good in limited action. At times he can get off at the snap so quickly and ends up in the backfield breaking up the play. Both players played a good game and earned a 88.7 for Williams with Kilgo netting a 84.9.

Broncos Backup Defensive Ends

The final two players on the defensive line are Billy Winn and Adam Gotsis. Gotsis has shown why he gets limited time during games. Being a rookie who is still really raw, he won’t see much time for a while. He flashes his potential a few times a game, but lacks any kind of consistency to get more time. Gotsis walks away with a 79.2 grade.

As for Winn, he has really stepped up and provided great depth for the Broncos defensive line. He comes in and gives the starters some rest, and the Broncos don’t lose much. The highlight of the game for Winn was netting a turnover, that came from a dumb play by the Buccaneers. Winn ended with a 94.8 grade on the game.

Next: Broncos Run Game and Offensive Line Talk

Next up to be graded will be the linebackers. With the defensive line doing their job, the linebackers were able to do theirs. The defense as a whole had a great day, and that can be broken down to the three levels. So, just how did the linebackers grade? Find out next time.

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