When it comes to the best safety duo in NFL history, the Denver Broncos’ pairing of Dennis Smith and Steve Atwater is often at the top of the list. Together, these two players formed a formidable defensive backfield that helped lead the Broncos to three Super Bowl appearances and two championships during the 1980s and 1990s.
Dennis Smith was a hard-hitting safety who played for the Broncos from 1981 to 1994. He was known for his physicality and his ability to make big plays in crucial moments. Smith was a five-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro selection during his career, and he finished his career with 30 interceptions and 1,171 tackles.
Steve Atwater, on the other hand, was a more versatile safety who played for the Broncos from 1989 to 1998. Atwater was known for his speed, athleticism, and ability to cover the entire field. He was a six-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro selection during his career, and he finished his career with 24 interceptions and 1,180 tackles.
Together, Smith and Atwater formed a safety duo that was unmatched in the NFL. They were both hard-hitting defenders who could play the run as well as the pass, and they were able to make game-changing plays on a regular basis. They were also leaders on the Broncos’ defense, helping to set the tone and keep the unit focused and motivated.
One of the most memorable moments in the career of Smith and Atwater came in Super Bowl XXXII, when the Broncos faced off against the Green Bay Packers. In the third quarter of the game, Atwater delivered a crushing hit on Packers’ wide receiver Robert Brooks that caused a fumble. Smith was there to recover the ball, setting up a Broncos touchdown that helped swing the momentum of the game in their favor.
Overall, Smith and Atwater were two of the best safeties to ever play the game, and their partnership in the Denver Broncos’ defensive backfield was truly special. Their combination of speed, power, and playmaking ability helped lead the Broncos to some of the most successful seasons in franchise history, and their impact on the NFL will be felt for generations to come.
