Turn back the clocks a few years ago and the Denver Broncos defense was in disarray. It was the first stretch of the 2023 season, and they had just given up 70 points in their Week 3 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Undoubtedly the worst defensive performance in franchise history—and one of the worst ever in the NFL—the Broncos’ defense had hit rock bottom.
Fast forward to the present day and the vibe of the defense is entirely different. It’s no longer a disaster. In fact, it has been quite dominant.
Led by Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph, the unit has become one of the league’s best. Entering their fourth year in Joseph’s scheme, this year’s defense has a shot at being the best thus far.
With a star-filled roster and quality depth at most positions, the Broncos are in great shape. Those factors, alongside continuity and scheme familiarity, are key reasons why the expectations on that side of the ball are sky high in 2026. Yesterday after practice, Joseph stated on how that should help their efforts this season.
“It helps because there are certain things that we don’t have to teach in our fourth season together, as far as scheme stuff. Obviously with football, the technique stuff, fundamental stuff, you teach every single day, every year,” stated Joseph.
“It’s been fun to watch them coach themselves and to correct themselves. That’s a sign of a good unit. It’s a great unit, but they’re motivated and they’re not satisfied with what we did last year,” added Joseph.
Last year, the Broncos were the top force in the NFL when it came to putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. They set a new franchise record with 68 sacks. Though there are some players who believe the defense is poised to break the all-time record currently held by the 1984 Chicago Bears. That’s a lofty statement, but the team’s players are confident that can achieve.
However, it wasn’t just sacking quarterbacks that made Denver’s defense one of the best in 2025. As a whole, they ranked third in points allowed and were the seventh-best unit with respect to yards allowed. Their red zone defense was terrific allowing the lowest touchdown rate in the league. Additionally, they were one of the best teams getting off the field on third downs.
Two areas for improvement for the ‘26 season are with respect to turnovers and penalties. The Broncos led the league in defensive penalties and yards. On the turnover front, they were in the bottom five with just 14 takeaways. Even with those issues, Denver found themselves on the winning side of fourteen regular season games in ‘25.
With one of the hardest schedules, especially early in the season, the Broncos defense is going to be tested right out the gate. While creating more turnovers is a focus of theirs, Joseph emphasized the importance of fundamentals and doing things the right way. If they can accomplish that and stick to their aggressive style of play, he is confident the turnovers will come, and that the defense can be even better in ‘26.
“It’s about playing good football. Stopping the run, winning third downs, winning red zone, but also being intentional. When you have a chance to get the ball off the quarterback, you have to do it. It can’t be, ‘Well, I forgot’ or ‘I hope.’ It has to be intentional. I think that’s going to be a non-issue in my opinion. If we play to our play style, I should say, it won’t be an issue.”
