Red Zone Dominance Defines the Denver Broncos

In the NFL, the red zone—from the opponent’s 20-yard line to the end zone—is where games are won or lost. It’s the area where offenses fight to score touchdowns (not just field goals) and defenses dig in to prevent critical points. Red Zone Dominance Defines the Denver Broncos explores how the Broncos have mastered both sides of red zone play in recent seasons, turning this high-stakes area into a strength that sets them apart from AFC West rivals. For the Broncos, red zone dominance isn’t just a statistical quirk; it’s a deliberate strategy, honed in practice and executed with precision on game days. Whether it’s their defense holding opponents to a league-low red zone touchdown rate or their offense converting 70% of red zone trips into scores, the Broncos’ ability to control the red zone has become the defining feature of their success—and a nightmare for opposing teams.

Red Zone Dominance Defines the Denver Broncos begins with the team’s fearsome red zone defense, which has emerged as one of the NFL’s most impenetrable units. In 2024, the Broncos allowed opponents to score touchdowns on just 38% of their red zone trips—the lowest rate in the league and 12 percentage points below the NFL average. What makes this defense so effective is its ability to shrink the field and eliminate easy scoring options. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph adjusts the Broncos’ scheme in the red zone, shifting to a “compact 4-3” look that places four defensive linemen directly in front of the offensive line to clog running lanes, while linebackers and defensive backs drop into tight zone coverage to shut down short passes. Pro Bowl edge rusher Bradley Chubb is a key weapon here: he recorded 8 of his 12 sacks in 2024 in the red zone, using his speed to pressure quarterbacks before they can find open receivers. “In the red zone, there’s no room for mistakes,” Chubb said. “We know every play matters, so we bring maximum effort. Our goal is to make the opponent settle for a field goal—or better yet, force a turnover.” This approach paid off in the 2024 Week 8 game against the Las Vegas Raiders: the Raiders entered the red zone three times but scored just one field goal, with the Broncos forcing two turnovers (a fumble and an interception) to secure a 17-10 win.

A complementary force in Red Zone Dominance Defines the Denver Broncos is the team’s efficient red zone offense, which consistently turns trips inside the opponent’s 20-yard line into touchdowns. In 2024, the Broncos ranked third in the NFL in red zone touchdown rate (70%), with quarterback Russell Wilson leading the charge. Wilson’s ability to read defenses quickly and make smart decisions in tight spaces is critical—he completed 72% of his passes in the red zone last season, with 19 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions. The Broncos’ red zone offense relies on a mix of power running and precise passing: running back Javonte Williams, who averaged 4.8 yards per carry in the red zone, is used to punch the ball in from short yardage (he scored 10 rushing touchdowns inside the 10-yard line), while wide receivers Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy excel at finding gaps in zone coverage for short touchdown catches. “Our red zone offense is about execution,” said Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. “We don’t try to be fancy—we run plays we know work, and we trust our players to make the catches and finishes. When you can convert 7 out of 10 red zone trips into touchdowns, you’re putting your team in a position to win every game.” This efficiency was on full display in the 2024 AFC West title game against the Kansas City Chiefs: the Broncos entered the red zone four times and scored four touchdowns, leading to a 31-24 victory that secured their playoff spot.

Red Zone Dominance Defines the Denver Broncos also highlights how the team’s special teams unit plays a role in controlling the red zone, particularly when the offense can’t convert a touchdown. Broncos kicker Wil Lutz was nearly perfect in the red zone in 2024, making 29 of 30 field goal attempts from inside the 30-yard line (a 96.7% success rate). While field goals aren’t as valuable as touchdowns, Lutz’s consistency ensures the Broncos still come away with points when the offense stalls—preventing wasted opportunities. Special teams also contributes to red zone defense by limiting opponents’ field position: Broncos punter Riley Dixon averaged 45.2 yards per punt in 2024, with 42% of his punts landing inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. This forces opponents to drive longer distances to reach the red zone, increasing the likelihood of mistakes. “Special teams is the unsung hero of our red zone dominance,” said Broncos special teams coordinator Mike Mallory. “Lutz’s accuracy means we never walk away empty-handed, and Dixon’s punts make it harder for opponents to even get to the red zone in the first place.” For the Denver Broncos, red zone success is a team effort—offense, defense, and special teams all working together to control the game’s most critical area.

Another key factor in Red Zone Dominance Defines the Denver Broncos is the team’s preparation for red zone scenarios in practice. The Broncos dedicate 20% of their weekly practice time to red zone drills, simulating game-like pressure with crowd noise and time constraints. Offensive players run through the same red zone plays repeatedly, focusing on details like blocking angles, route timing, and ball security. Defensive players practice recognizing offensive formations quickly and reacting to common red zone plays (like goal-line runs or slant passes). Head coach Sean Payton even incorporates “red zone scrimmages” into practice, where the offense and defense compete in a series of red zone reps with the loser running sprints—a way to add intensity and mimic the pressure of game days. “Practice makes perfect, especially in the red zone,” Payton said. “When our players have run a red zone play 50 times in practice, they don’t hesitate when it’s fourth-and-1 in a real game. They know exactly what to do.” This preparation has paid off: the Broncos won 10 of 12 games in 2024 where they outperformed their opponent in red zone efficiency. For the Denver Broncos, red zone dominance isn’t luck—it’s the result of hours of focused practice and a commitment to excellence in every detail.

Looking ahead, Red Zone Dominance Defines the Denver Broncos will remain a top priority as the team builds for the future. The Broncos have already begun refining their red zone playbook for 2025, adding new wrinkles to their offense (like trick plays involving tight ends) and adjusting their defense to counter new red zone strategies used by AFC West rivals. They’ve also invested in young talent that excels in the red zone, including rookie wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr.—a speedster with a knack for finding end zone gaps—and defensive tackle Malik Washington, who can plug running lanes in short-yardage situations. “Red zone play is where champions are made,” said Payton. “We’re not just going to maintain our dominance—we’re going to build on it. We want every opponent to know that when they step into the red zone against us, they’re facing an uphill battle.” For the Denver Broncos, red zone dominance isn’t just a way to win games—it’s a legacy. It’s a reminder of the team’s past successes (like their Super Bowl wins built on strong red zone play) and a blueprint for future championships. Red Zone Dominance Defines the Denver Broncos isn’t just a title—it’s a promise to fans that their team will fight for every yard, every point, and every win, especially when the game is on the line. When the Broncos step into the red zone, they don’t just play to score—they play to dominate.