Mecklenburg: Broncos have ‘lost some’ inside on defense

Despite an offseason that saw the departure of defensive lineman Malik Jackson and linebacker Danny Trevathan, among others, the Denver Broncos defense remains among the top units in the NFL.

Denver’s giving up just 301.2 yards per game in 2016, good enough for third in the league, just slightly more than 2015 NFL-best total of 283.1 yards per game.

And once again, the Broncos have stopped opponents through the air better than anyone, with yards per game dropping from 199.6 to 183.9.

However, the offseason departures eventually will show up in less production from the interior of the defense, Ring of Fame defender Karl Mecklenburg told 104.3 The Fan’s “The Drive” Tuesday live from the 19th annual Bonfils “Drive for Life” community blood drive at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

“The reason the guy behind him is behind him is because he’s not as good. It’s reality, and eventually it catches up to you,” Mecklenburg said. “That’s been a place where they don’t have great depth. And the guys out there are doing their best, but they’ve got to pick it up.”

Through half of its season, Denver ranks among the bottom of the league at 117.4 yards per game given up. Comparatively, the Broncos gave up just 83.6 yards per game on the ground in 2015.

“Inside they’ve lost some,” Mecklenburg said. “And it’s not something that can’t be overcome, but they’ve been exposed a little bit on the inside in the last couple of weeks, and that’s a challenge.”

However, Mecklenburg said Denver’s defensive backfield has not lost a step and lauded Denver’s edge rush.

“They’ve got great depth at outside linebacker. I mean, what team could lose DeMarcus Ware for half the season and still not miss a beat?” Mecklenburg asked.

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