If there was one constant in Denver this season, it was the defense. The Broncos didn’t just show up on that side of the ball - they dominated, establishing themselves as one of the NFL’s elite units and powering the team to a 14-3 finish and the AFC’s top seed.
Let’s start with the numbers, because they speak volumes. Denver led the league in sacks with a staggering 68 - a relentless pass rush that made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks all season long.
They weren’t just pinning their ears back and going after the QB, either. This was a complete defense, ranking second in total yards allowed (278.2 per game) and third in scoring defense, holding opponents to just 18.3 points per contest.
That’s the kind of balance that gives you a shot in every game, no matter the opponent.
But what made this defense even more impressive wasn’t just the production - it was how hard-earned that production was. For veteran defenders like Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw, both of whom came over from a 49ers system known for its own defensive excellence, learning Vance Joseph’s scheme in Denver was no walk in the park. Greenlaw even likened it to learning a new language - Spanish, to be exact.
That’s not hyperbole. When seasoned NFL players, especially ones who’ve played in Super Bowls, say a system is that complex, it tells you just how detailed and demanding Joseph’s defense really is. It’s a testament to the coaching and the buy-in from the players that they not only learned it, but executed it at such a high level.
And the results speak for themselves. The Broncos were one win away from reaching their ninth Super Bowl in franchise history. This wasn’t just a defense that put up flashy sack totals - it was a unit that consistently shut down drives, flipped field position, and gave Denver a shot to win every single week.
Looking ahead, if the core of this defense stays intact and the front office adds a few more pieces in free agency, there’s every reason to believe this group can run it back - and maybe even take that next step. The foundation is there.
The system is proven. And the Broncos’ defense?
It’s built to last.