Defensive Standouts Lead the Denver Broncos Charge

In the NFL, a team’s success often hinges on the strength of its defense—and for the Denver Broncos, 2024 has been a season defined by standout performances from key defensive players. These athletes haven’t just made plays; they’ve set the tone for the entire team, turning the Broncos’ defense into one of the most feared units in the AFC. From dominant pass rushers to lockdown defensive backs, each standout brings a unique skill set that complements the others, creating a cohesive force that shuts down opposing offenses and fuels the Broncos’ push for the playoffs. Defensive Standouts Lead the Denver Broncos Charge explores how these players have stepped up, the impact they’ve had on the team’s success, and why their leadership is crucial to the Broncos’ championship aspirations.

Defensive Standouts Lead the Denver Broncos Charge begins with edge rusher Nik Bonitto—a third-year player who has emerged as the face of the Broncos’ pass rush and one of the league’s most dynamic defensive playmakers. Bonitto’s 2024 season has been nothing short of exceptional: through 14 games, he’s recorded 11 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 18 quarterback hits, and 12 tackles for loss—numbers that rank him among the top 5 edge rushers in the NFL. What sets Bonitto apart isn’t just his stats, but his ability to make game-changing plays when the Broncos need them most. In Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs, with the game tied 21–21 in the fourth quarter, Bonitto sacked Patrick Mahomes on third down, forcing the Chiefs to punt and setting up the Broncos’ game-winning field goal drive. “Nik has that rare combination of speed, power, and football IQ,” said Broncos defensive line coach Marcus Dixon. “He doesn’t just rush the passer—he studies quarterbacks’ tendencies, finds their weaknesses, and attacks them with precision. He’s the kind of player who can take over a game.” Bonitto’s leadership extends beyond his on-field performance, too: he’s the first to arrive at practice, stays late to work with rookies, and leads by example in the weight room—a work ethic that has rubbed off on his teammates.

A second defensive standout driving the Broncos’ charge is defensive end Zach Allen—a veteran presence who has anchored the defensive line and provided consistency alongside Bonitto. Allen, in his second season with the Broncos, has built on a strong 2023 campaign to post 9 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 16 quarterback hits in 2024. What makes Allen invaluable is his versatility: he excels at both pass rushing and stopping the run, allowing the Broncos to keep him on the field in nearly every defensive package. In Week 12 against the Baltimore Ravens, Allen made his presence felt on both fronts: he sacked Lamar Jackson once and recorded 4 tackles for loss, helping the Broncos hold the Ravens to just 89 rushing yards—25 below their season average. “Zach is the glue that holds our defensive line together,” said Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. “He’s a smart player who understands every aspect of our defense, and he makes sure everyone around him is in the right place. When he’s playing well, our entire defense plays well.” Allen’s leadership is also evident in the locker room: as a veteran, he mentors young defensive linemen like rookie Thomas Incoom, sharing tips on technique and game preparation to help them grow.

A key way Defensive Standouts Lead the Denver Broncos Charge is through linebacker Josey Jewell—a six-year veteran who has become the heart of the Broncos’ run defense and a vocal leader on the field. Jewell’s 2024 season has been a masterclass in consistency: he leads the Broncos with 132 total tackles (85 solo), ranks second on the team with 3 interceptions, and has added 2 sacks and 4 passes defended. His ability to read plays quickly and shut down running backs has been crucial for the Broncos, who rank 6th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed (98 per game). In Week 10 against the Green Bay Packers, Jewell recorded 15 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 sack, single-handedly slowing down the Packers’ running game and forcing them to rely on their passing attack—a shift that played into the Broncos’ strength. “Josey is the quarterback of our defense,” Joseph said. “He calls out plays, adjusts our alignment based on what he sees, and makes sure everyone is on the same page. He’s the kind of leader you can trust to make the right call in any situation.” For the Denver Broncos, Jewell’s presence ensures that the defense remains disciplined and focused, even when facing the league’s most dynamic offenses—a critical asset in the competitive AFC West.

Another defensive standout leading the Broncos’ charge is safety Justin Simmons—a nine-year veteran and one of the NFL’s most reliable lockdown defensive backs. Simmons has long been a staple of the Broncos’ defense, but 2024 has been one of his strongest seasons yet: he’s recorded 6 interceptions (tied for the league lead), 8 passes defended, 72 tackles, and 1 forced fumble. His ability to read quarterbacks and make timely interceptions has turned the tide in multiple games for the Broncos. In Week 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers, with the Broncos trailing 17–14 in the third quarter, Simmons intercepted Justin Herbert in the end zone, preventing a Chargers touchdown and setting up the Broncos’ game-tying scoring drive. “Justin is a student of the game,” said Broncos defensive backs coach Christian Parker. “He spends hours watching film, studying quarterbacks’ release points and receivers’ routes, and it shows on the field. He has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, and he’s not afraid to make big plays.” For the Denver Broncos, Simmons’ leadership is invaluable: he’s a quiet leader who leads by example, and his experience has helped stabilize a secondary that has faced injuries to other key players. His ability to shut down opposing receivers and create turnovers has made him one of the most respected players in the league.

Wrapping up Defensive Standouts Lead the Denver Broncos Charge is the collective impact of these standouts—a synergy that has turned the Denver Broncos’ defense into a championship-caliber unit. What makes the Broncos’ defensive leaders so effective is that they complement each other: Bonitto and Allen’s pass rush creates pressure that forces quarterbacks into bad decisions, which Simmons capitalizes on with interceptions, while Jewell’s run defense ensures that opposing teams can’t rely on the ground game to balance their attack. This synergy was on full display in Week 6 against the Cincinnati Bengals, where the Broncos held Joe Burrow and the Bengals to just 17 points: Bonitto and Allen combined for 3 sacks, Jewell recorded 12 tackles to shut down the run, and Simmons intercepted Burrow once to stop a potential scoring drive. “Our defensive standouts don’t play for individual stats—they play for the team,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. “They push each other to be better, and they lift up the entire defense when things get tough. That’s the kind of chemistry you need to win championships.” For the Denver Broncos, these defensive standouts aren’t just players—they’re leaders who have set the tone for the entire team. Their performances have given the Broncos a clear path to the playoffs and a legitimate chance to compete for a Super Bowl. Defensive Standouts Lead the Denver Broncos Charge ultimately shows that in the NFL, a great defense can carry a team to greatness—and the Broncos’ defensive stars are leading that charge every single week.