The Denver Broncos already were the WagerWeb betting favorites to win the
AFC for the second year in a row next season following the Super Bowl, but those
odds are going to get shorter once free agency has totally shaken out as Denver
has landed arguably the best free-agent cornerback in former Patriot Aqib Talib
and top safety in former Brown T.J. Ward. It’s likely to get better: Former
Dallas defensive end DeMarcus Ware is also likely to sign in the Mile High
City.
The Broncos clearly saw how important a stellar secondary was when
Seattle’s No. 1 defense, led by that secondary, shut down Peyton Manning and Co.
in the Super Bowl blowout. Denver signed Ward first, which made the Talib
signing even more shocking. Ward grew into his role at safety and had his best
season in 2013 for Cleveland, with 112 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a fumble recovery and
two interceptions. Ward is a big, physical player who can play near the line of
scrimmage in run support. He fits in a system that values aggressive
safeties.
Talib got a monster six-year, $57 million deal, something that not only
helps the Broncos but hurts the rival Patriots. Last year Talib shut down
numerous high-profile offensive players with the Patriots, including Saints
tight end Jimmy Graham. Talib was also knocked out of the AFC title game for the
second straight season on a somewhat controversial play involving a pick from
Denver receiver Wes Welker. So it’s ironic he will be facing Welker in practice
every day.
Clearly the Broncos are in a win-now mode with Manning likely only having
another season or two left in his Hall of Fame career (the team will lose WR
Eric Decker). The team is confident about landing Ware as well. Ware, the Dallas
all-time sack leader, was released by the Cowboys on Tuesday afternoon. From
2005 through ’12, Ware was one of the best and most consistent pass-rushers in
the NFL. The first-round pick out of Troy had 111 sacks at the left and right
outside linebacker positions in the Cowboys’ defenses those first eight
years.
Despite being older (31) and showing some signs of slowing down in 2013 (he
only played in 13 games), Ware can still get after the quarterback. He would fit
an immediate need for someone to provide pressure opposite Von Miller. Ware
spent the first eight years of his career in a 3-4 defense, playing outside
linebacker. Last year, he moved to defensive end in a 4-3 and struggled with a
career-low six sacks.
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