Broncos, Texans square off in battle of elite defenses

Integral to the unmitigated success the Denver Broncos have enjoyed this season has been a stellar defense that ranks fifth in the NFL in points allowed per game (18.9) and yards (281.4).

On the shortlist of defenses that have outperformed the Broncos is that of the Houston Texans, who will host Denver on Sunday in a showdown of two of the stingiest units in the NFL.

The Texans (3-4) not only pace the league in points (103) and yards (1,868) allowed, but they also top the NFL in average number of plays, yards and points surrendered per drive.

"We're not at Week 3 now," Broncos coach Sean Payton said of the Texans. "We're far enough along where that's the DNA."

From edge rushers Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter to cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter, the Texans are stout up front and on the back end. Their ability to fly to the ball serves as the foundation for the Texans' success on defense.

"They're extremely fast," Payton said. "Man, the edges ... both of these edge players with wide techniques are problems. The secondary is extremely talented. I say this respectfully: It's not there's a multitude of things, but the things they do, they do exceptionally well.

"They're very well coached, they're very talented. I think they've done a great job of building that defense through the draft (and) free agency. And (Texans coach) DeMeco (Ryans), you can see his touches all over it."

While lauding the Texans' performance on defense this season, Ryans has been hesitant to celebrate just yet. For all Houston has accomplished thus far, additional expectations remain.

"Haven't talked about it," Ryans said. "Haven't talked about being the top-ranked defense. It's all about us, and I continue to harp on it with the guys, ‘Can we be even more dialed in on being on the details of our job?' Which I think we can. We can still play better as a defense. So, there's no pats on the back, ‘Great job.' How can we continue to get better? There is still room for improvement for us."

The Broncos (6-2) will be without All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II (pectoral) against the Texans, although Payton wouldn't commit to whether Surtain will land on the injured list. Denver will continue to be buoyed by running back J.K. Dobbins, who ranks third in the NFL in rushing (634 yards) in his first season with the Broncos.

Dobbins' addition via free agency last offseason has been a boon to the Broncos in myriad ways.

"It's been fantastic," Payton said. "It's one of those things that in free agency I didn't know I was getting all this other stuff, and I would say in a very positive way. He loves being out here, and it's infectious. It's important."