Defense devastated: Broncos rule out five vs. Jets

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) celebrates in front of Denver Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams (55) and safety Brian Dawkins (20) after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

The Denver Broncos‘ fortitude was tested against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday. Their depth is next on the list.

Head coach Josh McDaniels has already ruled out five key defensive players for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets: safeties Darcel McBath (ankle) and Brian Dawkins (knee), linebackers Wesley Woodyard (hamstring) and Robert Ayers (leg), and cornerback Andre Goodman (thigh).

The list is comprised of three starters on defense and two players who are both important backups and solid contributors on special teams (with Ayers contributing there as well). McBath, in fact, is Dawkins’ primary backup, so the Broncos will need to dig three-deep when they line up this Sunday.

Look for David Bruton to start alongside Renaldo Hill. At linebacker, it’s possible the Broncos might mix it up and move Mario Haggan outside and start Joe Mays inside, a lineup they tested several times in training camp.