Purcell: Broncos defense can be “force to be reckoned with”

Mike Purcell isn’t overlooking the fact that Denver’s 33-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings took place in preseason Week 1.

But what the Broncos defensive tackle saw on the field Saturday from Denver’s defense is still cause for excitement.

“I know it’s a preseason game, but there is a lot to be excited about. I’m not going to overlook that it was a preseason game, but it was a lot of excitement,” Purcell said after practice on Monday. “There are young guys making plays, and even old guys still out there making plays on both sides of the ball — special teams included. It was a great game day to see, and it makes me excited for the season.”

Purcell attributed a lot of his excitement to how much depth Denver has on the defensive side of the ball, saying there wasn’t a “drop off” as they rested the starters.

“Everybody is feeling good, and we can rely on our depth,” Purcell said. “If we stay healthy, we’ll be a force to be reckoned with.”

Himself battling back from a season-ending foot injury suffered this past October, Purcell said last year was “tough” with the number of injuries the Broncos sustained.

“That kind of just emotionally brought some people down,” Purcell said.

But looking past 2020, Purcell said a healthy Broncos defense has plenty of depth to dominate offenses across the NFL.

“I think that’s what this past game proved,” Purcell said of the defensive depth. “Just to see the young guys come out there and play to their ability — it’s exciting.”