Losing Josey Jewell to a season-ending injury hurts the Broncos. The former Hawkeye was the central hub of the defense, the play caller, and the only backer who stayed on the field when Denver went with their 4-1-6 dime personnel. More than that, he was showing signs of marked improvement against both the run and pass. His absence will be felt. The question becomes: how much?
What Fangio does to replace the man they call the Outlaw could play an outsized role in the Broncos playoff chances out of the AFC West. So who look likeliest to try to accomplish that feat?