The Broncos’ defense was sold on Wade Phillips before he installed his 3-4 alignment.
Phillips’ track record said enough. Having veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Ware as one of his biggest proponents didn’t hurt either.
Three games into the preseason, Denver’s defense is showing signs that it could be the best in the NFL. The first-team defense hasn’t allowed a touchdown, and the unit as a whole leads the league with 15 sacks that are spread among 12 players.
Rookie pass rusher Shane Ray was credited for half a sack in the Broncos’ victory at Houston, and he notched his first solo sack against the 49ers on Saturday.
“It was really special to get that first sack because it’s like the one thing I’ve been looking for to get me started,” the former Missouri star said. “And I got it.”
Ray has spent the offseason and training camp learning from Ware and Von Miller. The prospect of using all three in Phillips’ system has been tantalizing from the start, but Saturday’s victory offered a glimpse at just how good it could be.
“The energy that those two bring just shows why they’re such great pros,” Ray said. “As a young guy, I see that and instantly it tells me that I need to raise my energy level.”
Ray’s learning extends to even the celebrations, something Miller has become known for.
“I don’t have any names for dances,” Ray admitted. “When you get a sack, it’s a lot of hard work that goes into it, so it’s always fun to just go up there and turn up a little bit.”
