Safety T.J. Ward is tired of the lack of respect, tired of the omissions. Cornerback Aqib Talib is tired of arguing the Denver defense’s merits — OK, when he’s on a roll, he never grows weary of making a point — tired of lacking recognition.

Friday, the Broncos’ secondary began debating the topic, and wondering aloud about its all-pro snubs, echoing defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ complaints moments earlier. How is it a team that leads the NFL in fewest passing yards allowed per game, intercepts 14 passes and has three pick-six plays continues to escape praise?

Cornerback Chris Harris made the all-pro second team. No one else in the secondary made all-pro. With respect to the voters, that is ridiculous. Or “very suspect,” as Harris put it.

Josh Norman deserves praise. The Carolina cornerback locks down receivers and practically makes opponents sob openly. Yet, he benefits from playing primarily cover two zone.

Arizona’s Patrick Peterson is an athletic wonder. He embraces the challenge of playing against No. 1 receivers. Terrific season? Yes. All-pro first team? Nope.

Talib was better. He made plays that won games and his biggest mistake of the season — vs. San Diego last week — wasn’t his fault as the Broncos were in zone. Talib posted three interceptions. He took two, in his words, “to the crib.” His first pick-six play established the identity of this Denver defense, securing the season-opening win over the Ravens. Without his second pick-six play, the Broncos never make it to overtime and beat the Browns. And his other interception proved the catalytic moment in Denver’s improbable Week 2 win at Kansas City.

Last season, miscast in zone- heavy coverage, Talib was inconsistent. Playing almost exclusively man-to-man coverage this season, he stares into the face of stars and cackles. He made so few mistakes, they are easy to remember. His aggression brings risks. But the reward is far greater — huge plays in big moments.

No other cornerback is more versatile than Harris. He can play slot receivers, and cover top guys on the outside. Every defense is made better by Harris’ unique skill set. He should have made the all-pro first team. He allowed only two touchdowns this season, both at Pittsburgh. Want it done well? Point him in the direction, and he gets it done.

Talib deserved to be on the all-pro second team.

Denver players were on boil over the all-pro voting. So was Phillips. “They take it personal,” Phillips said.

But the snub can serve a greater purpose. The Broncos have played their best when they have been slightest the most. Going into the Green Bay game, they were the worst 6-0 team in NFL history. They earboxed Green Bay. When the undefeated Patriots arrived, the Broncos were viewed as pushovers. The Broncos won in overtime.

Denver’s offensive inconsistency makes it capable of losing to anyone. But its defense gives it a realistic chance of beating any AFC team. And that’s why the all-pro omissions can only help. The Broncos want to be mentioned in the conversation with great defenses of recent memory, such as the 2000 Ravens and 2013 Seahawks. Stats can only go so far. A title ring wins every argument.

“It’s a shock we didn’t have more all-pros,” safety Darian Stewart said. “But if we win the ‘chip, that’s all that matters.”

Troy E. Renck: trenck@ denverpost.com or @troyrenck

Spotlight on …

Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins

With Cousins in charge, Washington returns to the playoffs for the first time since 2012 and seek its first postseason victory since 2005.

What’s up: Before this season, Cousins became famous for words uttered by someone famous. Former Broncos and Redskins coach Mike Shanahan insisted that Cousins would blossom into an elite NFL quarterback. Shana- han was right. Don’t believe it? Digest the statistics. Cousins carved up defenses this season, passing for 23 touchdowns and rushing for four TDs while throwing just three interceptions over the past 10 games.

Background: Cousins wasn’t supposed to be in this situation. Robert Griffin III, a former Heisman Trophy winner, owned Washington. He represented the future — until he blew out his knee, lost his job and lost the confidence of two head coaches. Jay Gruden stuck with Cousins, who provided stability, if not sanity, to a franchise mired in turmoil. Cousins grew into the role, rallying teammates with his energy and effort. And when he yelled “You like that?” after a Week 4 victory, it inspired the Redskins.

Renck’s take: Pay attention to Cousins. If he wins a playoff game, his price is going to go up. He is the best quarterback in a free-agent class that includes the Broncos’ Brock Osweiler. If Cousins asks for $16 million to $18 million per season, it could drive up Osweiler’s price. A three-year contract worth $35 million sounds about right for Osweiler, but it takes only one team to set the market. Cousins could pull up the entire class with a strong postseason.