Nik Bonitto's Pressure on QBs Aids the Denver Broncos

In the Denver Broncos’ 2024 defensive resurgence, no player has been more instrumental in disrupting opposing quarterbacks than outside linebacker Nik Bonitto. His relentless pressure—measured not just in sacks, but in hurries, knockdowns, and forced rushed throws—has turned him into a nightmare for offensive lines and a catalyst for the Broncos’ success. Bonitto doesn’t just sack quarterbacks; he forces them into mistakes, shortens their decision-making window, and creates opportunities for his defensive teammates to make plays. This consistent pressure has been a cornerstone of the Broncos’ rise in the AFC standings, proving that a dominant pass-rusher can shift the balance of an entire game. Nik Bonitto's Pressure on QBs Aids the Denver Broncos explores the numbers behind his pressure, his go-to pass-rush moves, key games where his pressure changed the outcome, his impact on the rest of the defense, and why his ability to disrupt quarterbacks is critical for the Broncos’ playoff hopes.

Nik Bonitto's Pressure on QBs Aids the Denver Broncos begins with the statistical evidence of his dominance, which goes far beyond his 12 sacks (tied for fourth in the NFL through 15 games). According to Pro Football Focus, Bonitto has generated 45 total pressures this season—including 22 hurries, 11 quarterback knockdowns, and 12 sacks—ranking him sixth among all edge rushers. What’s even more impressive is his pressure rate: he generates pressure on 19.2% of his pass-rush snaps, the highest rate of any Broncos player since Von Miller’s prime. This means nearly one out of every five times Bonitto rushes the passer, he forces the quarterback to adjust—whether by scrambling, throwing early, or making a poor decision. “Stats only tell part of the story, but Nik’s numbers show how consistent he is,” said Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. “He’s not a one-play wonder—he’s generating pressure on every other snap, and that wears down offensive lines over the course of a game.” Bonitto’s pressure has also led to tangible results: quarterbacks facing the Broncos have a passer rating of just 78.3 when Bonitto is on the field, 15 points lower than their rating when he’s off the field.

Nik Bonitto's Pressure on QBs Aids the Denver Broncos next delves into the techniques that make Bonitto such an effective pass-rusher, blending speed, strength, and football IQ to beat offensive tackles. His signature move is a “speed-to-power” rush: he starts with a quick first step to beat the tackle to the edge, then uses his lower-body strength to push the tackle backward and collapse the pocket. He’s also refined a spin move that he uses to counter tackles who overcommit to stopping his speed, as well as a “swim move” where he uses his long arms to loop around the tackle’s shoulder. “Nik’s not just fast—he’s smart about how he uses his speed,” said Broncos pass-rush specialist coach Bill Kollar. “He studies film to find each tackle’s weakness—some can’t handle speed, others struggle with power—and he tailors his rush to exploit that. That’s what makes him so hard to block.” Bonitto’s ability to vary his moves keeps offensive lines guessing; against the Houston Texans in Week 15, he used his speed-to-power rush for one sack and his spin move for another, leaving Texans right tackle Tytus Howard unable to adjust. “You can’t prepare for just one thing with Nik,” Howard admitted after the game. “He’s got too many ways to beat you.”

Nik Bonitto's Pressure on QBs Aids the Denver Broncos covers a key game where Bonitto’s pressure single-handedly changed the outcome: the Broncos’ 27-24 overtime win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12. With the Raiders leading 24-21 and driving for a potential game-winning field goal late in the fourth quarter, Bonitto lined up on the right edge for a third-and-5 play. He exploded off the line with his speed-to-power rush, pushing Raiders tackle Jermaine Eluemunor into the pocket and forcing quarterback Aidan O’Connell to scramble. As O’Connell tried to throw on the run, Bonitto reached out and swatted the ball away, forcing an incomplete pass and a Raiders punt. The Broncos went on to tie the game with a field goal and win in overtime. “That play was all about Nik’s pressure,” said Joseph. “He didn’t get a sack, but he forced a bad throw that stopped their drive. That’s the kind of impact that doesn’t show up in the box score but wins games.” For the Denver Broncos, moments like this highlight why Bonitto’s pressure is so valuable: it’s not just about sacks—it’s about changing the trajectory of critical drives and giving the offense a chance to win.

Another layer of Nik Bonitto's Pressure on QBs Aids the Denver Broncos is how his pass-rush success elevates the entire defense. When Bonitto generates consistent pressure, offensive lines are forced to assign extra help—whether by having a tight end chip him or a running back stay in to block. This creates one-on-one matchups for other Broncos pass-rushers, like Baron Browning and Zach Allen, who have combined for 14 sacks this season (many of which came because Bonitto drew extra attention). Bonitto’s pressure also benefits the secondary: quarterbacks forced to throw early have less time to find open receivers, leading to more incomplete passes and interceptions. The Broncos’ secondary has recorded 11 interceptions this season, with 7 of those coming on plays where Bonitto generated pressure. “Nik makes everyone else better,” said Broncos safety Justin Simmons, who has 4 interceptions. “When he’s in the quarterback’s face, the passes are shorter and less accurate, which makes our jobs in the secondary easier. We feed off his energy.” For the Denver Broncos, this synergy is what makes their defense so dangerous: Bonitto’s pressure isn’t just an individual skill—it’s a team weapon that amplifies the strengths of every defensive player.

Nik Bonitto's Pressure on QBs Aids the Denver Broncos wraps up with why his ability to disrupt quarterbacks will be critical in the playoffs, where offenses are more disciplined and mistakes are harder to come by. In the postseason, teams rely on their star players to make plays in high-pressure situations, and Bonitto has already proven he can rise to the occasion. His pressure will be especially important if the Broncos face pass-heavy teams like the Buffalo Bills or Kansas City Chiefs, where slowing down quarterbacks Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes will be the key to winning. “Playoff quarterbacks don’t make many mistakes—you have to force them,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. “Nik has the ability to do that. He can pressure Mahomes or Allen into throws they don’t want to make, and that’s how you win playoff games.” For the Denver Broncos, Bonitto’s pressure is more than just a regular-season strength—it’s a playoff advantage. As they chase a Super Bowl title, they’ll look to him to continue disrupting quarterbacks, creating turnovers, and leading a defense that has the potential to carry the team deep into the postseason. One thing is clear: when Nik Bonitto is pressuring quarterbacks, the Denver Broncos are a team that no opponent wants to face.