By Colin Welsh
The Broncos had a big scare in training camp this year when emerging linebacker Danny Trevathan went down with a knee injury. Anytime someone needs to be carted off the field with a knee injury you automatically think ACL tear - out for the year. Luckily (in the sense that he’s able to return) he only suffered a fracture with a time table of 6-8 weeks. He is recovering quickly, and is almost ready to be back on the field. We could see him in week five after the bye week.
Trevathan coming back could not come soon enough. While the defensive woes aren’t 100 percent due to the linebackers, and maybe a lot to do with Jack Del Rio's play calling, Trevathan is very important to the team. He led the team with 124 tackles last season, and also added three interceptions. Denver's best defensive player didn't have a single penalty called on him all year. On top of all that, he added two sacks as well. Trevathan is the team’s only true three down backer, and will do anything you ask him to. He can rush the passer, stuff the run, and drop back in coverage.
Nate Irving, Steven Johnson, and Brandon Marshall have been sharing the load in Danny's absence. None of those guys are as talented as Trevathan, especially in pass coverage. Nate Irving and Steven Johnson are two down backers who are primarily used to stop the run and rush the passer occasionally. Marshall can drop back in coverage, but isn't as good as Trevathan in space.
In the first two games this year running backs and tight ends are killing the Broncos defense. Those two positions have combined for.........
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