Broncos Brace for Red-Hot Trevor Lawrence After Lockdown Win Over Packers
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - The Denver Broncos defense passed a major test last week, and they didn’t just scrape by - they aced it. Down nine points in the third quarter against a surging Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers, Vance Joseph’s unit dug in and flipped the script. Two second-half interceptions and a pair of red-zone stands - courtesy of the league’s top-ranked red-zone defense - helped the Broncos storm back for their 11th straight win.
And let’s not gloss over just how impressive those picks were. Love had thrown only two interceptions in his previous eight games combined.
So for Denver to match that total in one half? That’s not just opportunistic - that’s elite-level execution against a quarterback who’s been in the MVP conversation.
But there’s no time to celebrate. Because up next is Trevor Lawrence - and if you haven’t been watching closely, now’s the time to tune in. The former No. 1 overall pick is playing the best football of his career, and frankly, he’s doing it at an elite level.
Over the last five weeks, Lawrence leads the NFL in success rate and ranks fourth in expected points added (EPA) per play. That’s not just good - that’s surgical efficiency. And for a Broncos defense that thrives on making quarterbacks uncomfortable, this week presents another high-stakes challenge.
Vance Joseph Sees Parallels - But Lawrence Is on Fire
When asked to compare Lawrence with Love, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph didn’t hesitate.
“They’re both super talented. They’re both really well-coached,” Joseph said.
“He’s playing well. I mean, he’s so talented - he can make every single throw.
He’s got the speed to outrun pressure, and he knows how to give ground to gain ground. He’s putting that offense in the right spots.”
Translation: Lawrence isn’t just managing the game - he’s dictating it.
And he’s doing it with flair. In last week’s 48-20 demolition of the New York Jets, Lawrence accounted for six total touchdowns - five through the air, one on the ground. Only Buffalo’s Josh Allen has matched that kind of output this season, and that’s rarefied air.
“What they did last week was super impressive,” said Broncos defensive end Zach Allen. “Anytime you can put up that many points and yards in this league, it’s huge. So yeah, it’s going to be a challenge.”
Allen also pointed to Jaguars head coach Liam Coen, who’s brought a dynamic touch to the offense after his time with the Buccaneers last season. But it’s Lawrence who’s elevating everything around him.
“He’s playing at an MVP-type level,” Allen added. “And they’re deep - up front, at the skill positions - they’ve got weapons.”
Broncos Embrace the Challenge: “We Want the Best”
The Broncos know what’s coming. Lawrence has been red-hot for a month, and since Jacksonville added wideout Jakobi Meyers, the offense has averaged 32 points per game. This isn’t a team sneaking up on anyone - they’re coming in loud, fast, and confident.
But that’s exactly how Denver wants it.
“The last four weeks, [Lawrence] has been really hot,” Joseph said. “So it’s going to be a challenge for us again.
We like it. We love the challenges, and we’re ready for it.”
Edge rusher Nik Bonitto echoed that sentiment with a competitor’s edge.
“I want the best all the time,” Bonitto said. “Playing the backups is nice and stuff, but I want the best. I want their best game plan and everything.”
Well, they’re about to get it. Lawrence is playing the best football of his young career, the Jaguars are rolling, and the Broncos’ defense - with its red-zone dominance and ball-hawking swagger - is set for another heavyweight bout.
This isn’t just another December game. It’s a measuring stick. And if Denver’s defense can rise to the moment again, they’ll have proven - once more - that they’re built to take on the league’s best and come out on top.