Teamwork makes the dream work.
In the “next man up” world of the NFL, competition is thick for starting spots. On the Denver Broncos extremely talented roster, bonds between men transcend the competition as everyone works together in search of one goal; to win a Super Bowl.
Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware are sensational superstars, veterans who’ve proven their worth, earned their keep and continue to dominate as pass-rushers weekly. Miller’s a fifth-year pro who’s racked up 52 sacks and 13 forced fumbles – like the incredible strip-sack of Derek Carr last Sunday – he’s a three-time Pro Bowler and a one-time All-Pro. Ware, in his ninth year, has 131.5 sacks while being named first-team All-Pro four times.
But it’s not just that the two are phenomenal players. They’re solid leaders, as well.
Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak appreciates their leadership qualities, explaining on the radio today they are in part thanks to youngster Shaquil Barrett‘s development.
Coach Kubiak to @850KOA: "I think you have to give Von & DeMarcus credit for (the play of) Shaq Barrett. They've taken him under their wing"
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) October 16, 2015
Interesting that Kubiak says that because Barrett himself said the same thing way back in training camp.
“Just like different pass-rush moves that I would probably never, ever try,” the youngster said of learning from the Pro Bowlers. “Usually, I’ll come off the edge, I’ll try speed, stud and swipe. But now I’m trying to work my ‘long arm’ technique and everything comes from D-Ware, using the long arms.
“And Von, he’s just quick and he’s explosive. His speed off the edge, I mean, I can try to do what he does but he’s got it right now. I’m still working to get it. Just having them in there, they always have something to tell you, what you could do better. I appreciate stuff like that. It’s going to help me become better in the long run.”
With Ware likely out this Sunday due to a back injury, Barrett, the former Colorado State University star, will get the start at outside linebacker on the right side. While he’s played in a limited fashion due to Miller and Ware being the starters, Barrett’s graded well when he’s been on the gridiron. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s graded out as the league’s 12th best pass-rushing outside linebacker. Guess who’s first and fifth? Miller and Ware, respectively.
Seeing action in all five of the Broncos’ games this year, Barrett has 13 total tackles with two sacks and two forced fumbles. Watch him sack Derek Carr in last Sunday’s 16-10 win over the rival Oakland Raiders here, and get ready to watch him rack up sacks from now through the foreseeable future, Broncos fans.
Barrett is a beast who has yet to hit his ceiling, a second-year professional who will continue to grow under the wing of Miller and Ware, as well as with Wade Phillips’ coaching. The 22-year old out of CSU is also a positive young man with a wonderful attitude and zest for life. He’s just the type of player teams and coaches love as they look to build a Super Bowl winner.
