Denver Broncos: Malik Jackson saving best for last

Although the Denver Broncos No. 1-ranked defense couldn’t handle the Pittsburgh Steelers explosive offense and an inspired Antonio Brown, star defensive end Malik Jackson found a way to make his presence felt.

It was two months since Denver Broncos underrated defensive lineman Malik Jackson last recorded a sack, so he promptly decided to lay two takedowns on Pittsburgh Steelers superstar QB Ben Roethlisberger. Jackson would be regarded as a superstar in his own right if he played a more glamorous position, but the Broncos elite 3-4 defensive end will have to be content with being less celebrated than edge rushers Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware.

In a game in which both Miller and Ware were kept quiet, Jackson shined, and he was one of a few Broncos defensive stars who can hold their heads high despite allowing 34 to Big Ben and Co. Jackson’s five tackles (four of them solo) and two sacks made him the team’s most important defensive player on Sunday, and he didn’t deserve to come out on the losing side.

Throughout the 2015 regular season, Jackson has been one of the stars of a defense that is first in the league in points per game allowed, yards per attempt allowed, and yards per carry allowed. The Broncos stingy defense was carved in a shocking manner, but that doesn’t change the fact that they are the NFL’s most dominant unit.

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The cornerback duo of Chris Harris Jr. and Aqib Talib and the OLB trio of Miller, Ware, and Shaq Barrett are celebrated much more than Jackson is, but the 25-year-old Tennessee product is just as valuable to the success of this defense. His 41 tackles, six sacks, seven passes defended, and two fumble recoveries are undoubtedly impressive, but they don’t tell the whole story.

At the heart of Jackson’s job is to do the dirty work, and the career-high stats are both a reflection of his new role under Wade Phillips and his own progression as a player. This breakout season hasn’t quite caused him to receive the national attention he deserves, but maybe the timing of his latest performances will help him gain some added leverage at the bargaining table.

Now that we’re in the home stretch of the regular season and the Broncos are fighting for a playoff bye, contributions from star players become even more key. To say that Jackson has stepped up over the past couple of weeks is an understatement, as he’s been immense. Even though he’s been on the wrong side of the scoreboard, Jackson has repeatedly wreaked havoc on opposing passing attacks, and he has to be considered one of the biggest nightmares on the defensive line right now.

In the backdrop whenever Jackson steps onto the field are questions about his contract, as he and Miller both have just one year left on their deals. Jackson has expressed his desire to stay, and there can be no doubt that John Elway and the organization feel the same way.

But if it doesn’t work out, Jackson’s clutch displays to close out the regular season will have a two-fold boost. Not only is it important to step up when your team needs it the most, but fan bases- and fans can indeed influence team decisions, depending on the owner- and front offices will have these games fresher in their minds if they are presented with an opportunity to sign Jackson to a big contract in March.

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle Malik Jackson (97) against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

A fat payday beckons a beastly, two-way 3-4 DE who has been at the top of his game over the past three seasons since he first earned a full-time gig on the Broncos defense.

We all knew a breakout campaign would be coming from Jackson in 2015, and he’s made some particularly jaw-dropping plays as a pass rusher ever since the start of December.

Some Steelers fans will remember Jackson for his hit on Brown this past week, but it would be wiser for them to keep his name in mind for his two sacks on Big Ben.

The Broncos lost this encounter, but if they face the Steelers in the postseason in a rematch, then fans already know to expect big things from Jackson.

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As the big plays continue to come during the winter months, Jackson’s reputation and expected market value will grow.

Finding a way to pay him? Now that’s what we call a good problem to have from the Broncos perspective, because it’s all about that Super Bowl ring.

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