The Denver Broncos defense has solidified itself as one the NFL’s best units, and veteran defensive end DeMarcus Ware is playing like he’s young again.
According to NFL Media’s James Palmer, Ware feels like he’s discovered something Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon failed to find.
"I do feel like I have hit that fountain of youth." – Broncos OLB DeMarcus Ware, at age 33, on his first ever defensive player of the month.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) October 2, 2015
Through just three games of the 2015 season, Ware has recorded 3.5 sacks. He’s managed to reach the quarterback at least once in each outing so far, and that helped him gain his first ever Defensive Player of the Month honor.
Ware certainly has benefited from the Broncos talent on the defensive side of the football. Ware, Von Miller, Sylvester Williams, Brandon Marshall, Danny Trevethan, Chris Harris and Aqib Talib highlight what is currently the No. 1 defense in the league.
Denver has racked up the NFL’s third-most sacks, surrendered just 259.0 yards per contest and guided the Broncos to a 3-0 record.
Another important part of the Ware’s late-career success is first-year Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who loves to bring pressure from all over the field. The pass-rush has consistently disrupted the backfield, the secondary isn’t allowing many passing lanes and Ware has taken advantage of the increased opportunities to finish a play.
Ware, who once registered 20 sacks in a season, remains a gifted edge-rusher, but his fountain of youth—in which you’ll find outstanding teammates and an aggressive coach—is helping the 33-year-old stay productive.