It didn’t always appear as if the Denver Broncos would field anything resembling quality in the defensive backfield following an early 70-20 bludgeoning vs. the Miami Dolphins, a performance that had fans and media alike ready to roast the defense over the coals. Were the days of a strong Broncos’ defense in the rearview mirror?
Not quite.
Behind the play of guys like Pro Bowler Pat Surtain II, and the awareness of defensive coordinator Vance Joseph to make necessary adjustments, the cornerback group rebounded to help turn the defense from a laughingstock into a unit that finished rank fifth in the NFL in pass defense.