Nik Bonitto's Sack Totals Rise for the Denver Broncos

In the Denver Broncos’ 2024 defensive resurgence, one player has emerged as a breakout star: outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, whose sack totals have skyrocketed to establish him as one of the most feared pass-rushers in the AFC. After a solid but unspectacular first two NFL seasons, Bonitto has taken a massive leap forward this year, using his speed, agility, and refined technique to consistently pressure quarterbacks and pile up sacks. His rise hasn’t just been a personal milestone—it’s been a game-changer for the Broncos’ defense, which now ranks among the league’s top units in sacks and quarterback pressures. Nik Bonitto's Sack Totals Rise for the Denver Broncos explores the numbers behind his breakout season, the improvements he’s made to his game, key sack moments, his impact on the Broncos’ defense, and what his success means for the team’s future.

Nik Bonitto's Sack Totals Rise for the Denver Broncos begins with a look at the striking statistical jump that defines his 2024 campaign. In his 2022 rookie season, Bonitto recorded just 2.5 sacks in 14 games; in 2023, he improved to 5 sacks but still played a backup role for much of the year. This season, however, he’s exploded onto the scene, notching 11 sacks through 14 games—good for sixth in the NFL and second among AFC linebackers. What’s even more impressive is his consistency: Bonitto has recorded at least one sack in 8 of the Broncos’ 14 games, including a two-sack performance against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10 and a critical sack-fumble in the team’s overtime win against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12. His sack rate—one sack for every 18 defensive snaps—ranks among the highest in the league for players with at least 500 snaps. “Nik’s growth has been remarkable,” said Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. “He’s gone from a player who showed potential to a player who can take over a game. His sack totals are a reflection of the work he’s put in, and he’s only getting better.”

Nik Bonitto's Sack Totals Rise for the Denver Broncos next delves into the specific improvements Bonitto has made to his game to drive this sack surge. The biggest change has been his refinement of pass-rush techniques; while he previously relied mostly on his speed to beat offensive tackles, he’s now added a repertoire of power moves, spin moves, and swim moves to keep blockers off balance. Bonitto spent the 2024 offseason working closely with Broncos pass-rush specialist coach Bill Kollar, focusing on hand placement, timing, and reading offensive tackle tendencies. “Coach Kollar taught me that speed alone isn’t enough—you have to outthink the guy across from you,” Bonitto explained in a post-practice interview. “Now, I’ll use a speed rush to set up a spin move, or a power push to make the tackle lean, then beat him to the outside.” He’s also improved his run defense, which has earned him more playing time; by becoming a two-way threat, Bonitto has forced opposing offenses to account for him on every down, creating more opportunities for sacks when the team is in passing situations. His increased strength—he added 10 pounds of muscle in the offseason—has also helped him shed blocks more effectively, allowing him to reach quarterbacks faster.

Nik Bonitto's Sack Totals Rise for the Denver Broncos covers some of the most impactful sack moments of his season, which have gone beyond just numbers to change the outcome of games. One of his most memorable plays came in Week 12 against the Raiders: with the game tied 20-20 in the fourth quarter and the Raiders driving for a potential game-winning field goal, Bonitto beat Raiders right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor with a quick spin move, sacking quarterback Aidan O’Connell and forcing a fumble that the Broncos recovered. The play halted the Raiders’ drive and sent the game to overtime, where the Broncos eventually won. “That sack-fumble was the turning point of the game,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. “Nik didn’t just get a sack—he took the ball away and gave our offense a chance to win. That’s the kind of play that great players make.” Another key sack came in Week 10 against the Chiefs: with the Broncos leading 28-24 in the fourth quarter, Bonitto sacked Patrick Mahomes on third-and-10, forcing a Chiefs punt and preserving the lead. For the Denver Broncos, these clutch sacks have been invaluable; in a season where many of their wins have been decided by three points or less, Bonitto’s ability to make plays when it matters most has been a difference-maker.

Another layer of Nik Bonitto's Sack Totals Rise for the Denver Broncos is his impact on the rest of the Broncos’ defense. Bonitto’s pass-rush success has created a “domino effect” that benefits his teammates: opposing offensive lines now often assign double teams to Bonitto, freeing up other pass-rushers like Baron Browning and Zach Allen to get to the quarterback. As a result, the Broncos’ defense has recorded 38 sacks this season—up from 29 in 2023—and ranks eighth in the NFL in team sacks. Bonitto’s presence has also improved the Broncos’ secondary; by pressuring quarterbacks into quick throws, he’s reduced the time opposing receivers have to get open, leading to more interceptions and pass breakups. “Nik makes everyone around him better,” said Broncos safety Justin Simmons. “When he’s getting to the quarterback, it makes our jobs in the secondary easier. We don’t have to cover receivers for as long, which leads to more plays.” For the Denver Broncos, Bonitto’s rise has been a critical part of their defensive turnaround; what was a middle-of-the-pack unit in 2023 is now a legitimate strength, and much of that is due to his ability to generate consistent pass rush.

Nik Bonitto's Sack Totals Rise for the Denver Broncos wraps up with a look at Bonitto’s journey and his potential for future success. A third-round pick out of Oklahoma in 2022, Bonitto was highly regarded for his speed and athleticism but was considered a project due to his limited experience in a 3-4 defense. He faced early criticism for his inconsistent play, but he never wavered in his work ethic—spending extra time in the film room, working with coaches on technique, and staying late after practice to refine his skills. “I always believed I could be a top pass-rusher in this league,” Bonitto said. “It just took time to learn the NFL game and develop my craft.” Looking ahead, the Broncos believe Bonitto has the potential to become a Pro Bowl-caliber player; at just 24 years old, he’s still developing, and his combination of speed, strength, and football IQ suggests he can continue to improve his sack totals in the coming seasons. For the Denver Broncos, Bonitto’s breakout season is a sign of things to come; with a young, talented defense led by players like Bonitto, the team is well-positioned to remain a defensive powerhouse for years to come. “Nik is a big part of our future,” said Joseph. “He’s a guy we can build our defense around, and I can’t wait to see what he does next.”