Nik Bonitto's Playmaking for the Denver Broncos Defense

In the NFL, a “playmaker” on defense isn’t just someone who makes tackles—they’re someone who changes the course of a game with a well-timed sack, a crucial interception, or a forced turnover. For the Denver Broncos’ defense, third-year edge rusher Nik Bonitto has emerged as exactly that player. Since breaking into the starting lineup in 2023, Bonitto has combined speed, technique, and a knack for being in the right place at the right time to become one of the Broncos’ most impactful defensive weapons. His playmaking isn’t limited to one skill; it’s a versatile set of abilities that keeps opposing offenses guessing and gives the Broncos a chance to win even when the game is tight. Nik Bonitto's Playmaking for the Denver Broncos Defense explores how this young player has elevated the Broncos’ defense, turning ordinary plays into game-changing moments and solidifying his role as a core piece of the team’s future.

Nik Bonitto's Playmaking for the Denver Broncos Defense begins with his elite pass-rushing skills—a foundation of his playmaking that has made him a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles. Bonitto isn’t the biggest edge rusher (6’3”, 240 lbs), but he makes up for it with explosive speed off the line and a diverse arsenal of pass-rush moves. His signature move—a quick inside spin that catches tackles off guard—has become a staple of the Broncos’ defense, and it’s led to some of his most memorable plays. In the 2023 Week 10 game against the Green Bay Packers, Bonitto used that spin move to beat Packers tackle David Bakhtiari, sacking quarterback Jordan Love and forcing a fumble that the Broncos recovered in the end zone for a touchdown. That play gave the Broncos a 14–7 lead and shifted the momentum of the game, which they eventually won 27–19. “Nik has a unique ability to turn speed into power,” said Broncos defensive line coach Marcus Dixon. “He doesn’t just run past tackles—he outthinks them. He studies their tendencies, finds their weaknesses, and then attacks them. That’s what makes him a great pass rusher.” Through 14 games in 2023, Bonitto recorded 9.5 sacks, 15 quarterback hits, and 4 forced fumbles—numbers that ranked him among the top 15 edge rushers in the NFL.

A defining aspect of Bonitto’s playmaking is his ability to create turnovers—a skill that has proven invaluable in close games and has helped the Broncos secure multiple wins. Turnovers are the lifeblood of a good defense, and Bonitto has a knack for forcing them at critical moments. One of his most impactful turnover plays came in the 2023 Week 15 game against the New England Patriots, with the Broncos trailing 17–14 in the fourth quarter. Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson caught a pass in the flat and tried to turn upfield, but Bonitto sprinted from the edge, wrapped his arms around Stevenson’s waist, and stripped the ball loose. Broncos safety Justin Simmons recovered the fumble and returned it 30 yards to the Patriots’ 10-yard line, setting up a game-winning field goal. “Forcing turnovers is about timing and awareness,” Bonitto said after the game. “I don’t just go for the tackle—I go for the ball. That’s something the coaches drill into us every day.” Bonitto’s turnover numbers speak for themselves: in 2023, he forced 4 fumbles and recovered 2, including one that he returned 25 yards for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers. For the Broncos, these turnovers have been difference-makers—they’ve led to 42 points, which is the equivalent of six touchdowns.

A key way Nik Bonitto's Playmaking for the Denver Broncos Defense stands out is his versatility to play multiple roles in the defense—a flexibility that allows the Denver Broncos to adjust to different offensive schemes and keep opponents off balance. The Broncos’ defense uses a variety of packages, from 4-3 to 3-4 alignments, and Bonitto has proven he can excel in all of them. In base 4-3 sets, he lines up as a traditional edge rusher, using his speed to attack the tackle. In nickel packages, he shifts inside to defensive tackle, where his quickness helps him beat guards and centers to the quarterback. And in short-yardage situations, he lines up as a linebacker, using his tackling ability to stop running backs at the line of scrimmage. This versatility was on full display in the 2023 Week 8 game against the Kansas City Chiefs: Bonitto started the game as an edge rusher, recorded a sack in the first quarter, then shifted to defensive tackle in the second quarter and forced a fumble, and finally lined up as a linebacker in the fourth quarter to stop Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco on a fourth-and-1. “Nik’s versatility is a coach’s dream,” said Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. “We can put him anywhere on the line or in the linebacker corps, and he’ll make plays. That gives us so many options when we’re game-planning.” For the Denver Broncos, this versatility means they don’t have to substitute as often, which keeps the defense fresh and reduces the chance of miscommunication—two key factors in winning games in the tough AFC West.

Another critical part of Bonitto’s playmaking is his performance in red-zone defense—a area where the Denver Broncos have struggled in the past, but where Bonitto has become a reliable stopper. The red zone is where offenses are most dangerous, and a good red-zone defense can turn a potential touchdown into a field goal (or even a turnover). Bonitto has proven to be a master of red-zone playmaking, using his speed and technique to disrupt plays before they can develop. In the 2023 Week 12 game against the Los Angeles Rams, the Rams drove to the Broncos’ 5-yard line with a chance to take a 14–7 lead. On third-and-goal, Bonitto lined up as an edge rusher, beat Rams tackle Rob Havenstein with a quick outside speed rush, and sacked quarterback Matthew Stafford for a 10-yard loss. The Rams were forced to settle for a field goal, and the Broncos went on to win the game 23–16. “Red-zone defense is about discipline and focus,” Bonitto said. “Offenses have a limited number of plays they can run, so you have to be ready for anything. You have to make every snap count.” Bonitto’s red-zone stats are impressive: in 2023, he recorded 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 8 tackles for loss in the red zone, helping the Broncos rank 11th in the NFL in red-zone defense (opponents scored touchdowns on just 52% of their red-zone trips). For the Denver Broncos, this red-zone success has been a big reason for their improvement on defense, and Bonitto has been at the center of it.

Wrapping up Nik Bonitto's Playmaking for the Denver Broncos Defense is the future impact of his playmaking on the Broncos’ defense—a legacy that will only grow as he gains more experience and continues to refine his skills. At just 24 years old, Bonitto has already established himself as one of the league’s most promising young edge rushers, and his best years are still ahead of him. The Broncos have built their defense around young, talented players like Bonitto, Zach Allen, and Justin Simmons, and Bonitto’s playmaking will be crucial in helping that defense become one of the best in the NFL. As he continues to develop—adding more pass-rush moves, improving his run defense, and becoming an even better leader—he’ll only become more valuable to the Broncos. “Nik is the kind of player you build a defense around,” said Broncos general manager George Paton. “He’s talented, he’s hardworking, and he has a passion for the game that’s contagious. He makes everyone around him better.” For the Denver Broncos, Bonitto’s playmaking isn’t just about the present—it’s about the future. It’s about building a defense that can compete for championships, year in and year out. Nik Bonitto's Playmaking for the Denver Broncos Defense ultimately shows that in the NFL, a great playmaker can turn a good defense into a great one. And with Bonitto leading the way, the Broncos’ defense is well on its way to becoming just that.