No Fly Zone (Denver Broncos)

The No Fly Zone was the name given to the defensive backfield of the Denver Broncos from the 2014–2018 NFL seasons.[1][2][3] The group gave themselves the nickname in 2015, when it led the Broncos to a victory in Super Bowl 50. This group consisted of defensive backs Chris Harris Jr., Aqib Talib, Bradley Roby, Darian Stewart, and T.J. Ward. The group is also associated with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and defensive players Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, Danny Trevathan, Brandon Marshall, Derek Wolfe, and Malik Jackson for their role throughout the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

No Fly Zone
AbbreviationN.F.Z.
Formation2014–2018
Members
Chris Harris Jr.
Bradley Roby
Darian Stewart
Aqib Talib
T.J. Ward
Parent organization
Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos tied an NFL record by giving up the least passing yards per attempt for three consecutive years, 2014-2016. From 2014-2017, the Denver Broncos held a top total five defense (YPG) and also led the lead in passing defense (YPG) in both 2015 and 2016.[4] On top of that, the Broncos victory in Super Bowl 50 is attributed primarily to the success of the defense.[5] Quarterback Peyton Manning acknowledged that “the Denver Broncos’ defense won the Super Bowl while carrying me.”[6]

The group is considered defunct, with the departure of all founding members except for Harris. Despite this, Harris is quoted as saying "I started the ‘No Fly’ so it’s going to always be here.”[7] With the addition of coach Vic Fangio and defensive backs Kareem Jackson, Bryce Callahan, Isaac Yiadom, Justin Simmons, and Will Parks gives hopes that the Broncos will continue the legacy of the No Fly Zone.[8]


Members

The original members of the No-Fly Zone included corners Aqib Talib, Chris Harris Jr. and nickel Bradley Roby. Darian Stewart and T.J. Ward rounded out the safety positions.

Accomplishments

In 2015, the Denver Broncos defense led the Broncos to a Super Bowl victory while holding the NFL's #1, #3, and #4 offenses to points well below their season averages.

The 2015 Broncos defense had one of the best DVOA's of any defense all time, and the best cumulative ProFootballFocus score.

2014-2016 the Broncos allowed the fewest yards per passing attempt in the NFL for three consecutive years.

Following the 2015 season, Talib and Harris were named to the 2016 Pro Bowl.[9]

Following the 2016 season, Talib and Harris were named to the 2017 Pro Bowl. Safeties Darian Stewart and T. J. Ward were named Pro Bowl alternates.

Aaron Rodgers’ worst career performance was in the 2015 season against the No Fly Zone; he only passed for 77 yards in the game.

The 2015 Broncos shattered the record for most hits on a QB in a game, with 27, in the AFC Championship against the New England Patriots, in which Tom Brady had to hold the ball for long periods of time to try to allow his receivers to get open.

Performance

2015 season

The inaugural year of the No Fly Zone, the Broncos defense allowed only one 300-yard passer all season, Ben Roethlisberger in Week 15, on the road. The 2015 Denver Broncos defense is considered a contender for the NFL's best of all-time.

2016 season

The Broncos finished the 2016 season as the league's number one pass defense for the second straight year.

See also

References
  1. Heath, Jon (November 26, 2016). "No Fly Zone: John Elway's secondary is built for long-term success". USA Today. Retrieved September 22, 2017.
  2. Silver, Michael (February 5, 2016). "Broncos' No Fly Zone on the path to defensive greatness". NFL.com. NFL Enterprises, LLC. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  3. {cite web|url=https://bsndenver.com/broncos-to-release-piece-of-no-fly-zone/%7Ctitle=Broncos to release piece of 'No Fly Zone'|date=2019-03-06|website=BSN Denver|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-12}}
  4. "NFL Team Stats | NFL.com". www.nfl.com. Retrieved 2019-08-12.
  5. Schwartz, Paul (2016-02-08). "Broncos defense carries Peyton Manning to Super Bowl victory". New York Post. Retrieved 2019-08-12.
  6. "Peyton Manning knows defense carried him to Super Bowl: 'I'm no idiot'". Broncos Wire. 2017-07-13. Retrieved 2019-08-12.
  7. "Broncos CB Chris Harris Jr.: 'No Fly Zone' will 'always be here'". Denver Broncos. Retrieved 2019-08-12.
  8. "Death of the No Fly Zone | What the future holds for the Broncos". Denver Broncos. Retrieved 2019-08-12.
  9. Raymond, Allie (December 22, 2015). "Four Broncos selected for 2016 Pro Bowl". Denver Broncos. Archived from the original on December 23, 2015. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
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