Schlereth: Peko’s been ‘unreal,’ No. 1 change to Broncos defense

Oct 3, 2017, 11:45 AM

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 17: Nose tackle Domata Peko #94 of the Denver Broncos reacts after making a defensive stop against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

(Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Though the first quarter of the season, the Denver Broncos against rank atop the NFL in total defense, largely on the heels of its stout rush defense.

Coupled with the “No Fly Zone,” which has given up just 840 yards in the air (11th), the Broncos front seven have stifled four-straight Pro Bowl-caliber running backs, giving up just 50.8 yards per game — 20 yards better than the next best team, the Philadelphia Eagles.

“When you see what they’re doing right now, defensively, to some of the top running backs in the NFL — Melvin Gordon, Ezekiel Elliott, LeSean McCoy, and Marshawn Lynch with 9 carries for 12 yards — this is remarkable for a team that was among the league’s worst in rush defense a year ago,” said Mike Evans, co-host of “Schlereth & Evans,” on Monday.

“And it’s not like they have drastically changed the look of their defensive line.”

Denver defensive front seven is largely the same as it was in 2016, though one key addition has been the difference this season for “Schlereth & Evans’” Mark Schlereth.

“Domata Peko has been unreal. I mean, unreal,” Schlereth said Monday.

The Broncos added the veteran defensive tackle in March, along with Zach Kerr, in an effort to solidify the Denver defensive line.

“I was with him for two years obviously in Cincy. He’s a big man that understands his job description,” head coach Vance Joseph said in March. “He understands that it’s his job to hold the point between the center and the guard to keep our linebackers free. He understands that and he wants that job.

“He’s been good at it for a long time. He doesn’t miss practice and he doesn’t miss games. That is a talent.”

So far this season, Peko’s started every game for Denver and has, in Schlereth’s opinion, been the “focal point” in how well the Broncos have stuffed the run.

“I think Peko has been probably the No. 1 change of that defense,” Schlereth said. “He’s probably the focal point of why that defense is so much better at the nose.”

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.