The Denver Broncos are 6-0 this season, all thanks to the leagues number one defense. Who is their heart and soul? Aqib Talib.
Talib leads the league in interceptions returned for touchdowns since 2009, including two already this season for the orange and blue. “It feels good, feels great. I feel like I’m doing my job.” Talib said after practice Tuesday. Talib leads a talented group of players on the defensive side of the ball for the Broncos, who as a unit lead the league in sacks with 26 and 9 interceptions, three of which are from Talib, 4th best in the NFL.
Talib has as many touchdowns as running backs C.J. Anderson (zero) and Ronnie Hillman (two) combined.
A pick-six taken 63-yards Sunday sealed a win and was one of only two touchdowns for the day for Denver. When asked if he is always thinking TD, Talib was quoted: “all the time, I’ve been doing that since I started playing Football.” This defense makes plays when they need too, and with the way Peyton Manning and the offense is playing this season, they need too, a lot.
Like Manning, Talib is a huge on the aspect of film study. “[Film study is] a lot of it. You put yourself right in the situation, have an idea of what’s coming, the coach puts you in the right situation after that and it’s your job to score a touchdown.” This philosophy has rubbed off on a few others in the locker room as well. Defensive back Chris Harris Jr. has been keen on the idea of keeping up with Talib and trying to outplay the 8th year veteran, including his own TD to seal a Broncos victory two weeks ago in Oakland.
This team is 1-5 without the defense and Talib is leading the way, although, there is always room for improvement. “Anybody who thinks they have accomplished something through week six is terribly wrong. We know we’ve got a long way to go.” Talib is still looking for his first Super bowl appearance.
These Broncos are here to prove this team is not a fluke and that they can win from both sides of the ball. Every player in a Bronco uniform will be ready to play in two weeks against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night; Talib is looking to lead the charge.
