Myles Garrett Takes Home Defensive Player of the Year, But Broncos’ Defense Still Turns Heads
There was little suspense when the NFL Honors rolled around Thursday night - Myles Garrett walked away with the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year award, and it was well deserved. Garrett put up a jaw-dropping 23 sacks in 2025, setting a new single-season record and cementing his place as one of the most dominant forces off the edge the league has seen in years.
But while Garrett grabbed the headlines, Denver’s defense quietly built a compelling case of its own this season - and folks around the league took notice.
Nik Bonitto: Quietly Making Noise
Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto was in the DPOY conversation, and although his 14 sacks didn’t quite match Garrett’s historic output, they were more than enough to earn him a Pro Bowl selection and a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America All-Pro team. Bonitto finished fourth in the AP’s Defensive Player of the Year voting - an impressive showing for a player who’s steadily grown into a cornerstone of Denver’s front seven.
Bonitto’s speed off the edge, paired with his improved ability to finish plays, helped anchor a Broncos pass rush that was relentless all year long. He may not have taken home the big award, but his breakout season is a sign that Denver’s defense isn’t just a one-year wonder - it’s building something.
Vance Joseph: A Scheme That Speaks for Itself
While Bonitto delivered on the field, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph was pulling the strings behind the scenes - and nearly walked away with some hardware of his own. Joseph finished second in the AP’s Assistant Coach of the Year voting, losing out to Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. But Joseph did earn the PFWA’s Assistant Coach of the Year honor earlier this offseason, a nod to just how impactful his system was in 2025.
And the numbers back it up.
Denver’s defense ranked third in points allowed per game (18.3), second in total yards allowed (278.2), and first in sacks (68). That’s not just good - that’s elite. Joseph’s unit consistently dictated the tempo of games, and they did it with a mix of pressure, discipline, and smart situational football.
What’s Next for Joseph?
Despite that success, Joseph didn’t land one of the 10 head coaching jobs available this offseason - a surprise to many considering both his resume and the league-wide demand for defensive-minded leaders. For now, he’s set to return to Denver, and that’s a big win for the Broncos.
Continuity matters in this league, especially when you’re building a defense that can win games in January. With Joseph back in the fold and players like Bonitto continuing to ascend, Denver’s defense is poised to be a problem for opposing offenses again in 2026.
Garrett may have earned the spotlight, but don’t sleep on what’s brewing in the Mile High City. This Broncos defense isn’t just producing stats - it’s building an identity.