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Broncos' defense will be 'hell' for opponents, says Stewart

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart is putting the league on notice after featuring in the team's Super Bowl-winning defense last season.

The Broncos finished first in total defense, passing defense, and defensive Defense-adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA) last season. Denver routed the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50, led by a surreal performance from outside linebacker Von Miller, cementing the unit's case for all-time great status.

Despite holding the Lombardi Trophy, Stewart believes the Broncos haven't received their due recognition and promises they'll be on the map entering 2016.

"It's our second year together, so it's going to be hell for teams this year," Stewart told reporters Wednesday.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor said on NFL Network that his former club boasts the hardest-hitting secondary in the league, with the Broncos ranking second. It's a slight Stewart did not take lightly.

Demaryius Thomas torched Taylor for an 80-yard, game-winning touchdown in the Broncos' 29-23 overtime victory against the Steelers in the 2011 wild-card game, which Stewart was sure to bring up.

"They must not have watched the film. For him to say the Steelers were No. 1, that was bad. He shouldn't even be on TV," Stewart said. "He remembers D.T. well."

The Broncos will be on everyone's radar as they defend their title without quarterback Peyton Manning, who retired in the offseason, and according to Stewart, they're prepared.

"We are ready for the challenge," Stewart said. "From day one, we came in with our mindset on repeating."

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