The Denver Broncos have built their identity this season around a defense that doesn't just bend without breaking - it digs in when it matters most. Right now, that unit is a big reason why Denver sits atop the AFC.
But in last Sunday’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers, we saw something a little different. The Broncos’ defense got tested in a way that revealed both a potential vulnerability and the mental toughness that’s become their calling card.
Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love had some early success moving the ball against Denver’s defense, particularly in the first quarter. On one drive, he sliced through the secondary with surprising ease, hitting multiple open receivers and pushing the Packers deep into scoring territory.
But just when it looked like Green Bay was about to punch it in, Broncos rookie cornerback Riley Moss made a crucial play - breaking up a pass intended for Romeo Doubs in the end zone. Instead of six points, the Packers settled for three.
That’s been the story of this Broncos defense all year: when the field shrinks, they get meaner.
“It’s just a mindset,” said pass rusher Nik Bonitto. “VJ (defensive coordinator Vance Joseph) tells us, ‘No matter where the ball’s spotted, no matter how they get there, they just can’t get in.’ I feel like everybody has bought into that mindset of, ‘They have to earn it to get in.’”
And the numbers back it up. Denver is allowing touchdowns on just 38.5% of red-zone trips - one of the stingiest marks in the league. Only the Los Angeles Rams are in the same neighborhood statistically, and that margin could matter in a big way as the playoff picture takes shape.
Head coach Sean Payton isn’t getting caught up in yardage totals or style points. He’s focused on the only stat that really matters.
“Even at halftime, I get the question that I have to answer from the (CBS broadcast) production crew, and it’s all about the yards (allowed),” Payton said. “I’m saying, ‘Are we paying attention to the field goals?’
We thought that would be important. They’re a real good red zone team.
In the second half, our front began to, on both sides of the ball, control the line of scrimmage.”
That second-half adjustment was key. Denver’s defensive front started to assert itself, and the Packers’ early rhythm faded.
But the first half still raised an eyebrow. Green Bay was one of the few teams this season that managed to neutralize Denver’s pass rush - at least until the field shrank and the Broncos could tighten the screws.
That’s something to watch moving forward. Not every offense has the protection to keep Denver’s rushers at bay, but the ones they’ll face in January likely will. Playoff football is a different beast, and the Broncos know they’ll have to keep winning those red-zone battles against teams that won’t blink under pressure.
Still, if this defense continues to play with the same resolve inside the 20, Denver’s going to be a nightmare matchup for anyone come postseason. They’re not just stopping teams - they’re forcing them to settle. And in a league where every point counts, that’s the kind of edge that can carry you a long way.