Denver Broncos: 5 Big Takeaways vs. Bears

A full Chubb means terror for opponents.

By his own admission, Bradley Chubb was “timid” in the first preseason game against Minnesota.  That would not be the case against Chicago as Chubb, with Miller active opposite him, wreaked havoc on the Chicago front.

Chubb netted Denver it’s first points, securing Mitchell Trubisky in the Bears endzone after a bobbled snap.  Had Trubisky fielded the snap cleanly, it still would likely have resulted in a safety as Bradley was in the backfield unbelievably fast.  Several plays gave comfort that Miller is in midseason form while Chubb is ready to unleash on the right side.  Coupled with standout work from Domata Peko, Sr., Derek Wolfe (who looks like jacked Jack Sparrow) and Adam Gotsis, the Broncos line earns high praise for their performance.

Denver Broncos

As we’ve noted often, Denver’s entire defensive scheme is predicated on pressure from the front seven.  Denver corners can easily hold single coverage long enough for the rush to develop.  Chubb and Miller on the edges allows the interior line, Brandon Marshall and Todd Davis to focus on gap control.  When it works, it is dominating.  By making opponents uncomfortable in their own backfield, Denver should also be able to secure more turnovers.

This defense has the opportunity to compete with the ’15 squad for defensive dominance.  It will be hard to replace Aqib Talib in the backfield but Bradley Roby is capable.  He’ll get some help from Chubb as opposing QB’s are going to have to have their heads on a swivel.

Denver can also go four deep with high-caliber edge rushers, having Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett waiting-in-the-wings.  What the pair provides Denver is a relentless pass rush that will hound opponents for the entire 48 minutes.