Nik Bonitto's Playoff-Ready Form for the Denver Broncos

As the Denver Broncos gear up for the 2024 NFL playoffs, one player has emerged as a clear standout in terms of readiness: edge rusher Nik Bonitto. After a regular season that saw him establish career highs in sacks, forced fumbles, and tackles for loss, Bonitto has elevated his game even further in the final stretch, showing the kind of focus, intensity, and skill that defines playoff-caliber players. His playoff-ready form isn’t a coincidence—it’s the result of intentional preparation, film study, and a relentless drive to help the Broncos make a deep postseason run. Nik Bonitto's Playoff-Ready Form for the Denver Broncos explores how he’s fine-tuned his game for the playoffs, adapted to potential opponents, and become a leader the Broncos can rely on when the stakes are highest.

Nik Bonitto's Playoff-Ready Form for the Denver Broncos begins with his dominant performance in the final four weeks of the regular season—a stretch that has seen him turn up his intensity and deliver game-changing plays when the Broncos needed them most. In Week 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Bonitto recorded 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 3 tackles for loss, helping the Broncos secure a 24–17 win that kept their AFC West title hopes alive. He followed that with a 1-sack, 2-tackle-for-loss game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15, then added another 2 sacks and a fumble recovery in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders. What’s most impressive about this stretch is his consistency: he’s recorded at least one sack in each of those four games, becoming the first Broncos edge rusher since Von Miller in 2015 to have a four-game sack streak heading into the playoffs. “Nik’s been building momentum all season, and now he’s playing his best football at the right time,” said Broncos defensive line coach Marcus Dixon. “He’s not just making plays—he’s making the kind of plays that win playoff games: sacks, forced fumbles, stops on third down.” For the Broncos, this late-season surge is a sign that Bonitto is peaking at the perfect moment—a critical factor in any team’s playoff success.

A key part of Bonitto’s playoff readiness is his targeted film study of potential playoff opponents—a process that has allowed him to adapt his game to counter the strengths of the AFC’s top offenses. Bonitto has spent extra time each week breaking down tape of teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills, focusing on their offensive linemen’s tendencies, quarterbacks’ escape routes, and how they block edge rushers in high-pressure situations. For example, he’s studied Chiefs tackle Donovan Smith’s tendency to lean too far forward when defending speed rushes—a flaw Bonitto plans to exploit if the two teams meet in the playoffs. He’s also analyzed Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s habit of scrambling to his right when pressured, practicing angles to cut off that escape route in practice. “Playoff football is about preparation,” Bonitto said in a recent interview. “You can’t just show up and play—you have to know what your opponent is going to do before they do it. That’s what I’ve been working on.” This film study has paid off in practice, where he’s been simulating matchups against potential opponents, helping the entire defense prepare for what they’ll face in the postseason.

A defining aspect of Nik Bonitto's Playoff-Ready Form for the Denver Broncos is his physical and mental preparation—a dual focus that has ensured he’s ready to handle the rigors of playoff football. Physically, Bonitto has adjusted his training routine to prioritize endurance and recovery, knowing playoff games are often longer and more intense than regular-season matchups. He’s added extra cardio sessions to his weekly schedule to build stamina, and he’s been working with the Broncos’ sports science team to optimize his sleep and nutrition, ensuring his body is fully recovered for each practice and game. Mentally, he’s worked with the team’s sports psychologist to stay focused and manage the pressure of the playoffs, using visualization techniques to imagine himself making key plays in high-stakes situations. “The playoffs are as much mental as they are physical,” Bonitto said. “You have to stay calm when the crowd is loud, when the game is on the line. That’s something I’ve been practicing just as hard as my pass-rush moves.” For the Denver Broncos, this combination of physical and mental readiness means Bonitto will be able to perform at his best even in the most stressful playoff moments—a quality that separates good players from great ones.

Another critical part of Bonitto’s playoff readiness is his leadership on and off the field—a role he’s embraced to help the Denver Broncos’ younger players prepare for their first taste of playoff football. Bonitto, who played in his first playoff game last season, has been sharing his experiences with rookies like defensive tackle Thomas Incoom and linebacker Drew Sanders, teaching them how to handle the increased media attention, the longer practices, and the pressure of win-or-go-home games. He’s also taken it upon himself to lead extra pass-rush drills after practice, working with Incoom to refine his technique and helping Sanders learn how to read offensive formations. “When I was a rookie, I had veterans like Zach Allen to guide me,” Bonitto said. “Now it’s my turn to do that for the young guys. We’re a team, and we need everyone ready to play in the playoffs.” This leadership has had a tangible impact: the Broncos’ defensive unit has become more cohesive in recent weeks, with players communicating better on the field and supporting each other off it. For the Denver Broncos, having a leader like Bonitto who can both perform and mentor is invaluable—especially in the playoffs, where teamwork and chemistry are just as important as talent.

Wrapping up Nik Bonitto's Playoff-Ready Form for the Denver Broncos is the impact he’s expected to have on the Broncos’ playoff run—a role that could define both his season and his legacy with the team. If the Broncos are to make a deep playoff run, they’ll need Bonitto to continue his dominant play, disrupting opposing quarterbacks, forcing turnovers, and setting the tone for the defense. His ability to win one-on-one matchups against offensive linemen will be crucial, as will his knack for making plays in critical moments. Broncos head coach Sean Payton has already called Bonitto “the key to our defensive success in the playoffs,” and teammates like safety Justin Simmons have praised his work ethic and readiness. “Nik’s ready for whatever the playoffs throw at us,” Simmons said. “He’s been preparing for this moment all season, and I have no doubt he’ll deliver.” For the Denver Broncos, Bonitto’s playoff-ready form is a sign of hope—a sign that they have the talent, the leadership, and the preparation to compete for a Super Bowl. Nik Bonitto's Playoff-Ready Form for the Denver Broncos ultimately shows that in the playoffs, success belongs to those who are ready—and Bonitto is more than ready to lead the Broncos to victory.