Legion of Boom hype doesn't upset Broncos' defense

The Broncos are the first ones to give credit where credit is due. But don't think their defense hasn't heard all the talk about the Seahawks' formidable defensive front and ballhawking secondary.

When it comes to Denver's defense, only one sound comes to mind: crickets.

"Nah, nobody's talking about us,'' cornerback Quentin Jammer said Thursday. "Nobody's been talking about us all year. I don't know [why].''

Jammer, like many of his teammates, saluted the Seahawks for having the NFL's No. 1 defense.

Defensive tackle Orlando Franklin said of Seattle: "They definitely deserve all the credit they have been getting. They have done a lot of great things this season.''

Jammer said Seattle's Earl Thomas "probably was the best safety in the league this year.''

Broncos defensive players admitted they didn't play up to their standards for much of the season and often were bailed out by the league's No. 1 offense. But the unit is jelling at the right time, especially the secondary, said cornerback Tony Carter. Their preparation and communication on the back end is much improved, which has helped them get off the field on third down more often.

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So while talk of the "Legion of Boom,'' Seattle's secondary, dominates the hype, Denver defenders say they're content in their own skins.

"We don't care about that,'' linebacker Nate Irving said. "We [know] who we are and what we have to do and that's what we're focused on.''

Defensive tackle Terrance Knighton agreed. "They can have the attention. Our focus is on winning,'' he said. "With team success comes personal success, as long as we do what we're supposed to do and shut them down and allow our offense to go out there and do what it is supposed to do.''