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.