Defense through the first quarter of the season, right on par.

[Broncoknight30]

In 2015, Broncos defense gave up an average of 18.5 PPG.
In 2016, Broncos defense gave up an average of 18.6 PPG.

So far through the 4 games, 18.5 PPG.

Of course that 2015 season, many of the points given up in those first few games were opposing defense returning INTs against Manning.

Anyway, the defense is doing their job. The rush defense is been really special. 4 really good tests and the Broncos are number 1 against the rush. Kareem Hunt, will be the big challenge.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

I think our run defense might even be better, largely because we have more size and strength up front, especially at NT. However, I don’t think our pass rush is as effective. We really need the explosiveness of Shane Ray in the lineup

[Jsteve01]

I think our run defense might even be better, largely because we have more size and strength up front, especially at NT. However, I don’t think our pass rush is as effective. We really need the explosiveness of Shane Ray in the lineup

Gotsis, Rubin, peko and kerr. And i agree on Ray. Gotta have him

[BroncoWave]

I think our run defense might even be better, largely because we have more size and strength up front, especially at NT. However, I don’t think our pass rush is as effective. We really need the explosiveness of Shane Ray in the lineup

Yeah, Shaq has been a disappointment this season. Teams are free to double Von and no one else can get there. We definitely need Shane back.

[Hawgdriver]

Yeah, Shaq has been a disappointment this season.

???

[NightTrainLayne]

???

I thought Shaq's been playing very well.

Is Ray still expected to return after the bye?

[VonDoom]

I thought Shaq's been playing very well.

Is Ray still expected to return after the bye?

Ray is scheduled to be back before the Monday night game at KC. It's the first day he's eligible to come off IR

[BroncoWave]

Maybe I just haven't been paying attention. I never seem to notice Shaq in the backfield. Seems like if Miller or Wolfe aren't getting there, the QB has all day.

[BroncoJoe]

Maybe I just haven't been paying attention. I never seem to notice Shaq in the backfield. Seems like if Miller or Wolfe aren't getting there, the QB has all day.

Didn't he have a sack yesterday?

[Hawgdriver]

Maybe I just haven't been paying attention. I never seem to notice Shaq in the backfield. Seems like if Miller or Wolfe aren't getting there, the QB has all day.

I've noticed him a lot, but more often on run plays, and less often as a pass rush specialist. He's been awesome imo. I think PFF, fwiw, has graded him pretty highly as well.

[NightTrainLayne]

I've noticed him a lot, but more often on run plays, and less often as a pass rush specialist. He's been awesome imo. I think PFF, fwiw, has graded him pretty highly as well.

Yes. I'm not expert, but I don't think they're utilizing him much in terms of pass rushing.

[Freyaka]

This reminds me, By the numbers will be up a bit late this week, but it's still coming. It'll be after I get off work today. Didn't have time to get it created on lunch. Just in case anyone is wondering.

Thanks for the stat BK30, that is indeed a good sign. Especially with us sitting at 3-1 right now. Hopefully we can come out of the bye more prepared on offense and compliment that outstanding defense.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Shaq is a good player. He and Ray are just different. Ray has rare explosiveness and speed most guys his size don’t have. Didn’t he run a 4.5 at the combine?

[Hawgdriver]

Ray apparently was a 4.6 guy.

This was kind of funny...

q3vnOHIEBOw

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Ware is a great athlete too.

[Broncoknight30]

Ray apparently was a 4.6 guy.

This was kind of funny...

q3vnOHIEBOw

Reminds me when Jimmy Graham smoked DJ Williams when they raced at The U in 2011.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmdfgyuY6qc

[VonDoom]

Just saw this on Twitter. Not surprising at all, and all the more reason we need Ray back to take some pressure off of Von:

https://twitter.com/PFF/status/915973900454039552

[BroncoJoe]

I really thought Barrett would be better than he's been. I didn't think the dropoff from Ray to him would be all that significant. Clearly, I was wrong.

[HORSEPOWER 56]

I really thought Barrett would be better than he's been. I didn't think the dropoff from Ray to him would be all that significant. Clearly, I was wrong.

I honestly don't think it has been much of a drop off. We're playing a different defense with different personnel. We built the d line to stop the run not get after the passer. Also, playing more zone allows the QB to get the ball out quicker (less press coverage). We also blitz way less than we did under Wade. It's easy to chip Von and Shaq if we only rush 4 all the time.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

I honestly don't think it has been much of a drop off. We're playing a different defense with different personnel. We built the d line to stop the run not get after the passer. Also, playing more zone allows the QB to get the ball out quicker (less press coverage). We also blitz way less than we did under Wade. It's easy to chip Von and Shaq if we only rush 4 all the time.

Shane Ray had 8 sacks in a limited role last year. He is an explosive player. I don’t think it is a slight to Barrett to say Ray influences the game more as a pass rusher

[VonDoom]

Yeah, I like Barrett. Mostly what we need is just more OLB depth to keep guys fresh. Ray will deliver that and more when he returns