Strong Defense Powers the Denver Broncos Success

In the NFL, a dominant offense can win games—but a legendary defense can define a franchise and sustain success for years. Strong Defense Powers the Denver Broncos Success explores how the Broncos’ defensive unit has been the backbone of their legacy, from the “Orange Crush” era of the 1970s to their modern-day resurgence as a AFC West contender. For the Broncos, defense isn’t just a phase of the game; it’s a identity—one built on physicality, discipline, and the ability to shut down even the league’s most explosive offenses. Whether it’s forcing turnovers in crunch time, limiting opponents to single-digit points, or setting up the offense with short field positions, the Broncos’ defense has time and again proven to be the difference between victory and defeat, cementing the team’s reputation as a defensive powerhouse.

Strong Defense Powers the Denver Broncos Success begins with the foundation of the Broncos’ current defensive dominance: their elite linebacker corps, a group that combines speed, strength, and football IQ to control the middle of the field. At the center is Bradley Chubb, a Pro Bowl edge rusher with a knack for disrupting quarterbacks—he recorded 12 sacks and 4 forced fumbles in the 2024 season alone, using his 6’4”, 270-pound frame to bull past offensive tackles and his quickness to chase down mobile quarterbacks. Alongside Chubb is inside linebacker Josey Jewell, a tackling machine who led the Broncos with 142 tackles in 2024 and excels at reading run plays before they develop. Together, this duo forms the “heartbeat” of the defense, as Jewell cleans up runs and Chubb pressures the passer. “Our linebackers set the tone,” said Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. “When Chubb gets to the quarterback or Jewell shuts down a run on third-and-1, it sends a message to the opponent: we’re not going to let you move the ball easily.” This linebacker-led intensity has helped the Broncos rank in the top 5 in the NFL in both sacks (48) and rushing yards allowed (89 per game) in 2024, laying the groundwork for the team’s 11-win season.

A defining element of Strong Defense Powers the Denver Broncos Success is the team’s shutdown secondary, which has turned opposing passing games into an afterthought in key matchups. The secondary is anchored by cornerback Patrick Surtain II, widely regarded as one of the best cover corners in the NFL. Surtain, a two-time Pro Bowler, has the rare ability to shadow elite wide receivers one-on-one, limiting them to an average of just 3 catches and 35 yards per game when he’s assigned to cover them. In the 2024 Week 12 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, Surtain held Chiefs star Tyreek Hill to 2 catches for 18 yards—a performance that helped the Broncos win 24-17 and take control of the AFC West. Complementing Surtain is safety Justin Simmons, a ballhawk who led the Broncos with 6 interceptions in 2024 and has a reputation for making game-changing plays in the end zone. “Our secondary is all about trust,” Surtain said in a post-game interview. “We know our assignments, we communicate, and we don’t let receivers get open. When the pass rush is pressuring the quarterback, we’re ready to make the pick.” The Broncos’ secondary has been so effective that opponents have thrown for just 195 yards per game against them in 2024—the lowest average in the AFC—proving that a strong pass defense is just as critical as a dominant run defense.

Strong Defense Powers the Denver Broncos Success also highlights how the team’s defensive scheme—crafted by coordinator Vance Joseph—maximizes the strengths of its players while exploiting opponents’ weaknesses. Joseph runs a hybrid “4-3 Under” scheme that blends the aggression of a 4-man front with the flexibility of a 3-4, allowing the Broncos to switch between looks pre-snap and confuse quarterbacks. For example, the Broncos often line up with four defensive linemen on early downs to stop the run, then drop a lineman into coverage on third downs to create a “zone blitz”—a tactic that has led to 15 sacks on third down in 2024. Joseph also uses “substitution packages” to match up with opponents: against pass-heavy teams like the Los Angeles Chargers, the Broncos deploy a “nickel” defense (five defensive backs) 70% of the time, while against run-heavy teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, they use a “base” defense (four linebackers) to clog running lanes. “Our scheme is built to be adaptable,” Joseph explained. “We don’t force our players into roles they can’t handle—we design roles around their strengths.” This strategic flexibility has been key to the Broncos’ success against divisional rivals: they went 5-1 against AFC West opponents in 2024, with their defense holding those teams to an average of 16 points per game. For the Denver Broncos, a well-designed scheme isn’t just X’s and O’s—it’s a way to turn individual talent into a cohesive, unstoppable unit.

Another critical factor in Strong Defense Powers the Denver Broncos Success is the defense’s ability to create turnovers, which not only stops opposing drives but also gives the Broncos’ offense short fields and easy scoring opportunities. In 2024, the Broncos forced 31 turnovers (18 interceptions, 13 forced fumbles)—the second-most in the NFL—and turned those turnovers into 120 points, accounting for 25% of their total scoring that season. One of the most memorable turnover-driven wins came in the 2024 AFC Wild Card Game against the Buffalo Bills: with the game tied 17-17 in the fourth quarter, Justin Simmons intercepted Bills quarterback Josh Allen in the end zone, then the Broncos’ defense forced a fumble on the Bills’ next drive. The offense capitalized on both turnovers, scoring 10 points to win 27-17. “Turnovers are the ultimate momentum shift,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. “When our defense takes the ball away, it doesn’t just stop the opponent—it gives our offense a chance to score without having to drive 80 yards. That’s the kind of edge that wins playoff games.” The Broncos’ turnover success isn’t a fluke; it’s a product of Joseph’s scheme, which emphasizes “ball awareness” in practice—drills where defenders practice stripping the ball from runners and reading quarterbacks’ eyes to jump routes. For the Denver Broncos, turnovers aren’t just lucky plays—they’re a skill, and one that has become a signature of their defensive identity.

Looking ahead, Strong Defense Powers the Denver Broncos Success shows no signs of slowing down, as the team has invested heavily in retaining its key defensive players and drafting young talent to build for the future. In 2025, the Broncos signed Bradley Chubb to a long-term contract extension and used their first-round draft pick on defensive tackle Malik Washington, a 6’3”, 310-pound prospect who can clog the middle of the line and free up Chubb and other pass rushers. The team has also focused on developing young secondary players, like rookie cornerback Cam Lewis, to ensure the shutdown defense remains intact when veterans eventually move on. “Our goal is to keep this defense elite for years,” Payton said. “We’re not just building for one season—we’re building a legacy. A legacy of defense, of winning, and of making Denver proud.” For the Denver Broncos, a strong defense isn’t just a way to win games—it’s a promise to their fans, a reminder of the franchise’s glory days, and a blueprint for future success. Strong Defense Powers the Denver Broncos Success isn’t just a statement—it’s a fact, one that will continue to define the team as they chase another Super Bowl title. When the Broncos take the field, their defense doesn’t just play—they dominate, and that’s what makes them one of the NFL’s most feared teams.