Denver Broncos: 3 Vital statistics for 2019 season

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 19: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Denver Broncos is greeted on the field by outside linebacker Von Miller #58 during player introductions before a preseason National Football League game against the San Francisco 49ers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 25: Cornerback Chris Harris #25 of the Denver Broncos intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

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Without question, the 2015 Denver Broncos’ defense has been a tough act to follow. That unit propelled the franchise to its third Super Bowl championship and was dominant for the vast majority of the year.

Led by a potent pass rush featuring outside linebackers Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, Wade Phillips unit led the league with 52 sacks. A talented secondary was dubbed the “No Fly Zone.” In the playoffs that year, the club overcame a spotty offense and so-so play from quarterback Peyton Manning — who was certainly not 100 percent in terms of health — and rode a defense that limited the Steelers, Patriots and Panthers to a combined 44 points.

While the 2018 Denver defense had its issues in terms of consistent play, it was a club that rediscovered its opportunistic touch. One year earlier, the Broncos managed only 10 interceptions and a total of 17 takeaways.

This past season, the team picked off a respectable 17 passes and amassed 28 takeaways. Veteran cornerback Chris Harris and safety Justin Simmons tied for the team lead with three interceptions, while Von Miller led the club with four takeaways, including three fumble recoveries.

Once again, enter Vic Fangio. The 2018 Bears led the NFL with 36 takeaways. Can the longtime defensive wizard coax his newest team into coming up with a few more opponent’s miscues?

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