By Jordan Long
The Denver Broncos beat the Indianapolis Colts 34-20 on Sunday, improving their record to 2-0. In the defeat, outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware broke his forearm while pressuring Andrew Luck with less than 14 minutes to play in the third quarter. He is expected to miss 4 to 5 weeks. Who will need to step up in his absence?
Ware missed all of training camp and the preseason because of his back. Hopes were that resting him would help him during the regular season and limit his snaps so Ware could last the year. Ware was off to a decent start with 2 sacks and 4 tackles.
Ware is very important to the Broncos’ because of his pass rush. Opponents need to know where Miller and Ware line up. If the opposing offensive line blocked Miller, that gave Ware a chance to sack the quarterback. If they keyed on Ware, Miller was able to knock the quarterback.
The Broncos know what they have in Von Miller. It will be up to Miller to be the linebacker creating havoc on quarterbacks. Offenses, though, will be able to double-team him so he can’t touch the quarterback. Other linebackers are going to need to step up their play.
Shane Ray should see the bulk of the playing time. Ray can run after the quarterback, but he isn’t the threat that Ware is with 4 tackles, one for a loss. He has been able to hit the quarterback but has yet to record a sack. He must find a way to bring the quarterback down.
Shaquil Barrett might also see some time opposite Von Miller. He is a speedy linebacker who can also rush the quarterback. Barrett also failed to obtain a sack this season. Maybe next week against the Bengals that will change.
The Broncos are lucky to have depth at the outside linebacker position. It may not take one player to replace Ware but the whole defensive line. Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips will need to make adjustments so the defense can make big plays on the quarterback.
Who do you think should replace DeMarcus Ware?
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