Forget the fluff stats like yardage. The Broncos defense was horrible in 2014. They were 16th in points allowed despite playing a bevy of bad offensive teams. The Broncos only played a total of 5 teams during the regular season that ranked in the top 15 in offense. Only one of those teams was a top 5 offense. Here are the results of those games.
Indianapolis (6th)- 24 points allowed
Seattle (10th)- 26 points allowed
New England (4th)- 43 points allowed
Miami (11th)- 36 points allowed
Cincinnati (15th)- 37 points allowed
That's an average of 33.2 points/game allowed. Pitiful. Personnel-wise, this was one of the most talented defenses the Broncos have ever fielded. 3 pro bowlers in the secondary, 2 elite pass rushers, and a pro bowl caliber nose tackle. This season was a coaching abortion. Von Miller in coverage during passing downs half the game, Talib playing 10-15 yards off of his man, etc. etc. I thank JDR for his service, but I can't wait to see what an aggressive defensive coordinator does with this talent.
Give me a guy, any guy that can use players in the role that they are most effective in and this is a top 5 defense in both yardage and points allowed. Watch what Von Miller can do when he's actually rushing the passer on passing downs. Watch TJ Ward blowing people up like he did in Cleveland and return to being the intimidator that the Broncos signed him to be. Watch Talib neutralizing receivers when he's allowed to play physical with them at the line of scrimmage. It's going to be fun boys and girls. Whoever they hire, you can bet on one thing. It will be a coach that can get the most out of his players, and adapt their scheme to fit their strengths. It's already done on the offensive side of the ball. Elway will hire a defensive coordinator that can get it done on the defensive side as well.