Broncos’ defense confident it can repeat 2015 performance

7:29 AM ET

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — It’s only May, the Denver Broncos are months away from games that matter and already tired of the Broncos-defense-will-take-a-step-back narrative that has trailed them since their Super Bowl 50 win.

They are closing in on next month’s expected trip to the White House, the fruits of their win over the Carolina Panthers will officially close the celebration, and the guys on what was the league’s No. 1 defense want to know why so many believe they can’t do it again in 2016.

“We’re going to the White House in a few weeks,’’ safety T.J. Ward said recently. “It’s a new year. It’s a new season. We lost a couple guys on defense. Maybe they like us to play with a chip on our shoulders. It’s more entertaining that way.’’

The Broncos’ defense in the playoffs stymied the Nos. 1, 3 and 4 scoring offenses in the league. Joe Amon/The Denver Post via Getty Images

“They” is a popular word these days. Broncos defenders have certainly made notes of every mention of defensive end Malik Jackson’s and linebacker Danny Trevathan’s departure. While both were highly productive for the Broncos, neither was named to a Pro Bowl, and the Broncos return nine starters (defensive coordinator Wade Phillips put the number at 10 since cornerback Bradley Roby is on the field so much) on a defense that lead the league …

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