While much of the spotlight in Denver has shone on Sean Payton and the offensive resurgence, the Broncos’ defense has quietly emerged as one of the NFL’s most formidable units in 2024.
At the heart of this defensive renaissance is coordinator Vance Joseph, whose leadership has transformed a once-struggling group into a dominant force. Players like Nik Bonitto, a rising star in the league, aren’t shy about crediting Joseph for the team’s success.
The numbers speak for themselves. Entering Week 12, the Broncos are the only team ranked in the top five in both points per game (PPG) and yards per game (YPG) allowed. Joseph’s defense ranks third in both categories, holding opponents to an impressive 16.5 PPG and just 289.4 YPG. If this trend continues, history is on Denver’s side—over the past 30 years, every team to finish top three in both metrics has not only made the playoffs but often made deep postseason runs.
Nik Bonitto, one of the Broncos’ defensive standouts, spoke on NFL Network’s The Insiders about Joseph’s influence and the team’s mindset shift since early struggles in the 2023 season. Reflecting on the infamous 70-point game against Miami last year, Bonitto highlighted how Joseph remained composed and focused despite external criticism.
“Obviously, we looked at that game as players and realized we needed to do more for V.J.,” Bonitto said. “He was putting us in great positions, but we had to play with more effort and integrity. Hats off to him—he kept coaching, blocked out the outside noise, and now we’re seeing the success. He’s just a great coach to be around and someone who always has a positive mindset.”
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Denver’s defense has been relentless this season, fueled by an aggressive front line and a lockdown secondary. With players like Bonitto, Zach Allen, and Jonathon Cooper wreaking havoc in the trenches, and the cornerback duo of Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss neutralizing opposing receivers, the Broncos lead the NFL with 39 team sacks. This puts them on track to potentially break the franchise record of 57, set in 1984.
For Bonitto, tied for second in the league with nine sacks, the defensive success is a collective effort. “It starts with the coaching staff,” Bonitto explained. “They give us great game plans every week. Then it’s about the guys I’m rushing with—Zach Allen, Jonathon Cooper, and others—everyone does their job and rushes well together. The secondary also makes things easier for us up front. It’s just a team effort.”
Vance Joseph’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed, with speculation building around his potential return to a head coaching role. For Bonitto, while the thought of losing Joseph as a defensive coordinator stings, it’s also a source of pride. “I’d be pretty sad, but knowing he could go out there and do more for himself would make me happy,” Bonitto said. “He deserves the opportunity.”
The Broncos are also looking to snap an eight-season playoff drought, the longest in NFL history immediately following a Super Bowl win. With Joseph’s defense locking down opponents and the offense beginning to thrive under Payton, Denver fans have reason to believe this could finally be the year the streak ends.
Bonitto isn’t the only one optimistic about the team’s trajectory. The balance between a revitalized offense and a dominant defense has the Broncos positioned as legitimate playoff contenders, a far cry from their struggles just a year ago.
Denver’s turnaround under Vance Joseph showcases the power of resilience and leadership. The defense has embraced Joseph’s vision, creating a unit that not only stifles opponents but inspires confidence across the roster. As the playoff race heats up, the Broncos are proving that they are a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball.
For Denver, the rest of the season will serve as a litmus test for how far this team can go. With Joseph’s defense setting the tone and players like Bonitto continuing to thrive, the Broncos look ready to reclaim their spot as one of the NFL’s elite teams.