'It's all about getting the ball': Broncos defense focused on takeaways, earns plenty during Day 1 of training camp

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Denver's defense took a positive first step toward that goal Friday as the defense recorded four interceptions during team-period drills. Safety Trey Marshall, linebacker Alexander Johnson and cornerbacks Bryce Callahan and Michael Ojemudia all forced turnovers during either 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 work.


The Broncos certainly have the talent to record more turnovers and trot out one of the league's top defenses.


In addition to returning a now-healthy Bradley Chubb and Bryce Callahan, the team also added Jurrell Casey and A.J. Bouye via a pair of trades for late-round picks.


"I think we can," said Jackson when asked if the defense can be elite. "I think we have the veteran guys on this defense that can be great leaders. Not only that, I think we have the talent to do it at every level. Adding Jurrell Casey along with Shelby Harris, and we have those two outside 'backers in Chubb and Von along with Jerry [Attaochu], Todd [Davis] and A.J. [Johnson]. Then in our secondary, we've got some guys that can be great leaders as well — A.J. [Bouye] and getting Bryce back. I think at every level we have veteran guys that know what it takes and that's played a lot of ball. We'll be ready and up for the task."


President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway previously suggested the defense may have to help carry a young offense early in the season, but after Friday's practice, Jackson believes Drew Lock and Co. will be ready for the Sept. 14 opener.


"I think the offense will be fine," Jackson said. "They also have some veteran guys. They're young, but they've got some guys that's played a lot of ball. Those guys are as competitive as anyone in that locker room, so I think they'll want to go out and they'll want to do what they're expected to do as well. As far as us having to carry those guys, I don't think we will have to. I think they'll come out and perform just [as] well."


For the next three weeks, though, Jackson and the defense will try to make the offense's job much harder. This Broncos defense wants turnovers — and on Friday, it got them.