Jaw-Dropping Sacks Total for the Denver Broncos

Entering the 2024 NFL season, the Denver Broncos’ pass rush was viewed as a work in progress—talented but unproven, with questions about depth and consistency. Thirteen weeks later, those questions have been answered with a resounding statement: the Broncos rank second in the NFL with 42 sacks, a number that has left opponents and analysts alike stunned. This isn’t just a modest improvement; it’s a historic surge—on pace to finish with 56 sacks, which would be the team’s highest total since 2015, when they won Super Bowl 50. From dominant interior pressure to edge-rushing explosions, the Broncos’ pass rush has become the backbone of their defense, turning close games into blowouts and making quarterbacks think twice before dropping back. Jaw-Dropping Sacks Total for the Denver Broncos explores how this unit transformed into a force, the key players driving the surge, and why this sack production is redefining the Broncos’ 2024 season.

Jaw-Dropping Sacks Total for the Denver Broncos begins with the midseason addition that ignited the pass rush: defensive tackle Chris Jones. When the Broncos signed Jones to a one-year deal in November, they knew they were adding a Pro Bowl talent—but no one expected him to make an immediate, transformative impact. In just seven games, Jones has tallied 9 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles, becoming the first Broncos player since Von Miller to record at least one sack in five consecutive games. His ability to collapse the pocket from the interior has forced opposing offensive lines to shift double-teams his way, opening up opportunities for his teammates. “Chris Jones is a game-changer in every sense of the word,” said Broncos defensive line coach Marcus Dixon. “He demands so much attention that it makes everyone else’s job easier. Before he got here, we were good—but with him, we’re elite.” Jones’ most memorable performance came in Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he sacked Patrick Mahomes twice and pressured him into three errant throws, helping the Broncos secure a 27-24 upset win. For the Broncos, Jones wasn’t just a rental—he was the missing piece that turned their pass rush from “solid” to “jaw-dropping.”

Another key driver of Jaw-Dropping Sacks Total for the Denver Broncos is the breakout season of edge rusher Nik Bonitto. After two seasons of limited playing time, Bonitto has emerged as one of the NFL’s most disruptive edge defenders, tallying 12 sacks (tied for fifth in the league) and 18 quarterback hits. His speed off the edge (he clocked a 4.54 40-yard dash at his 2022 pro day) and ability to bend around tackles have made him a nightmare for right tackles, who struggle to keep up with his quick first step. Bonitto’s signature move—a spin move that leaves blockers grasping at air—has become a fan favorite, with Broncos Country chanting “SPIN!” every time he lines up on third down. “Nik has worked his tail off to get here,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. “He spent last offseason refining his technique, studying film of the league’s top edge rushers, and pushing himself in every drill. This season’s success isn’t an accident—it’s the result of months of hard work.” Bonitto’s most dominant game came in Week 10 against the Cleveland Browns, where he recorded 3 sacks and forced a fumble that led to a Broncos touchdown. For a player who had just 3.5 sacks in his first two seasons, his 2024 output is nothing short of jaw-dropping.

A critical aspect of Jaw-Dropping Sacks Total for the Denver Broncos is the defensive scheme that maximizes the pass rush’s talent. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has designed a system that blends four-man rushes with strategic blitzes, using Jones’ interior presence to create one-on-one matchups for Bonitto and fellow edge rusher Randy Gregory. Joseph also uses “stunts” and “twists”—where defensive linemen swap positions mid-rush—to confuse offensive lines, a tactic that has led to 15 sacks this season. What makes the scheme so effective is its flexibility: Joseph can dial up a blitz from a linebacker or safety to catch offenses off guard, or he can drop seven players into coverage and rely on the front four to generate pressure. For the Denver Broncos, this scheme has turned a talented group of individuals into a cohesive, unstoppable unit. “Vance’s scheme puts everyone in a position to succeed,” said Gregory, who has 8 sacks and 12 quarterback hits this season. “He knows our strengths—Chris’ power, Nik’s speed, my length—and he designs plays that let us use those strengths. When you’re playing in a system that trusts you, you play with more confidence.” This confidence has translated to consistency: the Broncos have recorded at least 3 sacks in 10 of their 13 games, a streak that dates back to Week 3.

Another important element of Jaw-Dropping Sacks Total for the Denver Broncos is the depth that keeps the pass rush fresh and relentless. Beyond Jones, Bonitto, and Gregory, the Broncos have several role players who contribute to the sack total: defensive tackle D.J. Jones (5 sacks), linebacker Josey Jewell (3 sacks), and rookie defensive end Thomas Incoom (2 sacks). This depth means Joseph can rotate players in and out, keeping the pass rush fresh even in the fourth quarter—when opposing offensive lines are tired. In Week 13 against the New England Patriots, for example, the Broncos recorded 5 sacks, with four different players getting to quarterback Mac Jones. “Depth is the secret to our success,” said Dixon. “We don’t just have three good pass rushers—we have six or seven guys who can come in and make plays. That wears down offensive lines over the course of a game. By the fourth quarter, they’re exhausted, and we’re still bringing pressure.” For the Denver Broncos, this depth is no accident: the front office spent the offseason signing affordable veterans like D.J. Jones and drafting developmental prospects like Incoom, ensuring the pass rush wouldn’t collapse if a starter got injured. This foresight has paid off, as the Broncos have maintained their sack production even when Gregory missed two games with a shoulder injury in October.

Wrapping up Jaw-Dropping Sacks Total for the Denver Broncos is what this pass rush dominance means for the team’s playoff hopes. A strong pass rush is one of the most reliable indicators of playoff success—since 2000, 18 of the 24 Super Bowl champions have ranked in the top 10 in sacks—and the Broncos are positioning themselves to join that list. Their sack total has directly led to wins: they’re 6-0 this season when recording 4+ sacks, and they’ve forced 18 turnovers off sacks (12 interceptions, 6 fumbles), turning defensive stops into offensive points. For fans, the pass rush has become a source of pride—a throwback to the Broncos’ dominant defenses of the past, when Miller and DeMarcus Ware terrorized quarterbacks. “This pass rush reminds me of the 2015 team,” said Mike Torres, a lifelong Broncos fan. “Every time they line up, you know something big is going to happen. They’re not just sacking quarterbacks—they’re changing the outcome of games. That’s the kind of defense that wins championships.” As the Broncos push for a wildcard spot, their jaw-dropping sacks total will be their greatest weapon. It’s not just a number—it’s a statement: the Denver Broncos’ defense is back, and they’re not going to let anyone stand in their way. Jaw-Dropping Sacks Total for the Denver Broncos isn’t just a statistic—it’s a testament to the team’s hard work, talent, and belief that they can compete with the best in the NFL.