Broncos' transformation on defense extends beyond the field

[Denver Native (Carol)]

John Elway could only describe it as a feeling. No numbers, no names could do it justice.

On Jan. 13, two days after Denver fell to Indianapolis in a divisional playoff game, the Broncos general manager stood before an auditorium of confused reporters as he explained his reasoning for parting ways with coach John Fox, who had led the team to four consecutive AFC West titles. Elway tried to explain their different mindsets, their different approaches toward building a Super Bowl winner.

"It's a disappointing that we didn't have more fire," he said. "I don't know why we didn't have more fire; it's hard to explain."

Four weeks later, Elway welcomed the return of defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

Six months later, in the preseason, Elway saw the early sparks of the new defense.

rest - http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_28908392/broncos-transformation-defense-extends-beyond-field

[Denver Native (Carol)]

from same article:


"Coach (Gary) Kubiak and coach Wade are good at just letting us be who we are and just play through the system that they gave us," defensive end Malik Jackson said. "They don't really make us be robots. They just let us be players and be playmakers."

AND


Many players have credited a sense of freedom on the field, a trust instilled in them by the coaches to play to their strengths and not to a scheme. An emphasis on forcing turnovers, Bruton said, has been taken more seriously in practices and film study. And attacking quarterbacks, the crux of Phillips' agenda to start, has been the overriding theme.

The fire Elway had sought in January has emerged, and with it a renewed confidence.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_28908392/broncos-transformation-defense-extends-beyond-field