Emma: Broncos' Vaunted Defense Has Shown A Few Cracks Recently, But Bears Maintain Great Respect
By Chris Emma—
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- Detailed film study doesn't lie about the Denver defense. The Bears know what stands out about the Broncos' top-ranked unit.
"Everything," tackle Kyle Long said in an efficient summary.
The Bears' offense has been clicking as of late, posting 37 points in last week's win over the Rams against defense ranked fifth entering the contest. Jay Cutler has impressed in leading the unit, with Jeremy Langford picking up the slack with Matt Forte out. Even with statuses of Forte and Alshon Jeffery up in the air for Sunday's game, the Bears can still feel confident in their prowess on offense.
But Denver boasts a daunting defense that provides a different challenge. The Broncos have surrendered a league-low 277.3 yards per game this season, and its 18.7 points per game allowed ranks third in football.
With names like Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, Brandon Marshall, T.J. Ward, Chris Harris, Aqib Talib and more, the Broncos' defense is a force.
What stands out to Cutler when he pops in the film?
"It depends where you start, it depends where you look first," Cutler said. "Everything kind of pops off the page against those guys."
Three weeks ago, the Broncos obliterated Aaron Rodgers and the Packers' high-powered offense. Green Bay was held to just 10 points and 140 total yards, with Rodgers throwing for just 77 yards in the air. It was one of the worst games the star quarterback has ever played.
But since then, the Broncos have dealt with two down games. The Colts and Chiefs combined to tally 668 yards and 56 points on the vaunted defense. The Colts' Andrew Luck and Frank Gore were productive in a win in Indianapolis, and the Chiefs' Charcandrick West posted 161 all-purpose yards in a win last week. Meanwhile, Denver's offense didn't do its defense any favors.
Could the Broncos have been exposed?
Adding to reasons for concern, the Broncos will be without Ware, one of the top edge rushers in the league, this Sunday. And without quarterback Peyton Manning, the defense must hope backup Brock Osweiler can manage the game efficiently.
The Bears last week faced a Rams defense touted as one of the best in the league, a claim backed by the statistics. Still, Adam Gase's offense hung 397 total yards and 37 points on the opposition. Denver has similar defensive schemes, disguising blitzes and posing an aggressive attack, but does so with an even better secondary. Gase maintains respect for the group, one with which the former Broncos offensive coordinator is quite familiar.
"They're really enjoying playing with each other," Gase said. "They're physical. It's kind of like last week, playing a team that doesn't have holes.
"It's a challenge. It's a challenging group."
Entering Sunday's game, it would seem that the Broncos are a bit vulnerable, with key losses on both sides of the ball. Denver won't have its star pass rusher or the quarterback who keeps the defense off the field.
The Bears have managed to produce offensively amid moving parts, and they know they face their toughest challenge this weekend.
"They're a smash-mouth defense," Long said. "They're a confident bunch, and rightfully so. You look at their numbers statistically, they're at the top of the board. We have nothing but respect for this group."
