Nik Bonitto is on a mission-and he’s not being subtle about it.
The Broncos’ edge rusher continued his breakout campaign in Week 14, wreaking havoc against the Raiders in a game that not only kept Denver atop the AFC standings but also kept Bonitto’s name firmly planted in the franchise record books conversation. With two more sacks in the 24-17 win over Las Vegas, Bonitto now sits at 12.5 on the season-just six shy of Von Miller’s single-season franchise record of 18.5, set back in 2012.
That’s not just a number for Bonitto. It’s a target.
“It’s within range but it’s going to be tough,” Bonitto said after the game. “I’m going to have to have some good ones over the last couple of games. So we’ll see.”
That’s the kind of mindset you want from your top pass rusher in December-locked in, chasing greatness, and refusing to let up.
Make no mistake, Bonitto’s been a game-wrecker all year. After signing a contract extension this past offseason, he’s responded with what may be the best football of his young career.
He’s already matched last season’s sack total (which was a career high) and has added 12 tackles for loss, 39 total tackles, and 24 quarterback hits to his stat sheet. According to ESPN’s Pass Rush Win Rate metric, Bonitto is winning 23% of his pass rush reps-good for third in the entire league.
That’s elite territory.
And now, with four games to go, the record is within reach. It won’t be easy, but the schedule gives him a fighting chance.
Next up is Green Bay, and that’s the toughest hill to climb. The Packers’ offensive line has been one of the best in the league at protecting their quarterback, allowing just 1.4 sacks per game-second-best in the NFL. But after that, the road gets a little more favorable for Bonitto and the Broncos’ defensive front.
Jacksonville (2.5 sacks allowed per game, 21st in the league), Kansas City (2.2 sacks allowed, 15th), and the Chargers (3.3 sacks allowed, 27th) all offer matchups that could tilt in Bonitto’s favor. Especially the Chargers-if Denver’s defense gets rolling early, Bonitto could feast in a game that might carry serious playoff implications.
And that’s the bigger picture here. While Bonitto’s chase for Von Miller’s record is a compelling storyline, it’s also symbolic of something larger: this Broncos defense is finding its identity at the perfect time.
Bonitto is becoming the kind of player offenses have to game plan around. He’s not just racking up sacks-he’s dictating the flow of games, forcing hurried throws, collapsing pockets, and setting the tone for a defense that’s helping carry Denver into serious postseason contention.
The Broncos haven’t just climbed to the top of the AFC-they’ve done it with a defense that’s peaking in December. And Bonitto is right at the heart of it.
Records are nice. But if Bonitto keeps playing like this, the Broncos might be chasing something even bigger.