TJ Ward: 'Denver Broncos defense will be even better'

Denver Broncos safety TJ Ward has insisted that his new side's defense will be even better in 2014 than it was in the Super Bowl-qualifying 2013 season.

Ward said that the Broncos will "make a statement" in 2014, starting from the very first game in pre-season, despite the fact that he only joined the Broncos a month ago.

"I know I can speak for everybody on the defensive side of the ball when I say we're going to make a statement from point go, from the first preseason game," Ward told USA Today.

"From then on, teams can know what they're up against and know what to expect week-in and week-out. They don't have to just worry about the offense no more.

"As good as the Broncos' offense was last year, you see what happens when you get put up against a stout defense and an offense that can pretty much manage and make some plays here and there."

The Broncos were beaten 43-8 by the Seattle Seahawks in last season's Super Bowl.