Fansided

3 surprise cuts the Broncos can make this offseason

By Russell S. Baxter

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 02: Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos looks to pass the ball during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 02: Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos looks to pass the ball during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 28: Cornerback Ronald Darby #21 of the Denver Broncos adjusts his helmet between plays during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on November 28, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 28: Cornerback Ronald Darby #21 of the Denver Broncos adjusts his helmet between plays during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on November 28, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

2. CB Ronald Darby

The franchise is certainly years away from its “No Fly Zone” days in which the Denver Broncos’ secondary played a large part in the team’s 2015 Super Bowl 50 championship season. Of course, that talented last line of defense was complimented by a potent pass rush led by the likes of Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware.

In 2021, the team did give up the eight-fewest passing yards in the league. A group led by then-defensive coordinator Ed Donatell gave up just 22 touchdown passes in 17 contests. Denver defenders also picked off 13 passes, five by standout safety Justin Simmons and four by rookie cornerback Patrick Surtain Jr.

It’s also worth noting that in the team’s seven victories, the club allowed only eight scores through the air. But in the team’s 10 setbacks, Donatell’s defender allowed 14 TD tosses. Hence the story here is less about talent but more about consistency.

While Surtain enjoyed a solid debut campaign, well-traveled Ronald Darby had an erratic year. He started all 11 games in which he played and finished with 53 total tackles and six passes defensed. But he failed to finish with an interception and is No. 69 when it came to Pro Football Focus’ cornerback rankings.

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