While the Denver Broncos experienced their fair share of change during the last six months, there is one aspect of their game that should remain relatively the same in 2017.
The offense is in the process of a complete overhaul, so it would seem the defense would have the smoothest transition into the new season.
For one, Joe Woods, their new defensive coordinator, was promoted into the position from his job as the defensive backs coach that he obtained when former head coach Gary Kubiak was hired in 2015.
Instead of only coaching up the ‘No Fly Zone’, Woods has turned his focus to the entire defense.
“He’s just taking it to the entire defense now—the same mentality, the same goals he had for us,” safety T.J. Ward said of the Broncos’ new defensive coordinator. “He has a way that he wants us to play.”
According to Ward, Woods doesn’t want them to hold anything back.
“He just wants to get back to playing relentlessly,” Ward said. “Wherever the ball is, everybody has to get to it regardless of where you are on the field. At the same time, you’re going to be smart and disciplined. You don’t want to be out of control. You want to be patient but ferocious at the same time.”
Despite just going through OTAs and minicamp, Woods’ attitude is already beginning to make its way through the rest of the defense.
“He just brings a new attitude, a new life to us,” linebacker Todd Davis said. “The way he calls plays and his mentality behind the defense is going to be huge for us. He’s an attack kind of coach – a shoot your shot kind of coach. Go make plays. He wants you to make plays overall. I think that’ll be great for us. I’m really excited for him to be our DC.”
Woods’ first season as a defensive coordinator comes with some big shoes to fill. He is tasked with continuing the success that Wade Phillips experienced during his latest two-year stint in Denver, which included a Super Bowl victory.
It would not be realistic to expect Woods to replicate the defense that existed under Phillips. Having worked under Phillips with roughly the same cast of players, though, Woods is in the best possible position to succeed.
Having worked with him for two years, Ward knows the passion that Woods brings for the game and what he expects. He gives the defense a little extra something to feed off of.
“He brings that,” Ward said. “He’s not a rah-rah guy, but when he does get like that you definitely feel it. You get goosebumps and feel it from the inside and know it comes from his soul. That’s the type of players we have and that’s the type of defense we’re going to have. That’s what he expects.”
