NFL's Best Red Zone D for the Denver Broncos

In the high-stakes world of NFL football, red zone defense can be the difference between a playoff berth and a losing season—and in 2025, the Denver Broncos have established themselves as the league’s gold standard in this critical area. Through 12 weeks, the Broncos’ red zone defense ranks first in the NFL, allowing opponents to score touchdowns on just 32.1% of their red zone trips—the lowest rate in the league by a full 5 percentage points. This dominance isn’t a fluke: the Broncos have held 8 of their 12 opponents to zero red zone touchdowns, including playoff contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, this red zone prowess has been a game-changer, turning potential losses into wins and keeping high-scoring offenses in check. NFL's Best Red Zone D for the Denver Broncos is more than a statistical achievement—it’s a reflection of strategic discipline, elite talent, and a defensive unit that thrives when the pressure is highest.

The Broncos’ red zone success starts with their ability to shut down opposing rushing attacks, a critical skill in short-yardage situations where teams often rely on power runs to punch the ball into the end zone. Opponents have rushed for just 2.3 yards per carry against the Broncos in the red zone this season—the lowest mark in the NFL—and have converted only 28% of their third-and-short (2 yards or less) attempts inside the 20-yard line. Defensive tackle Malcolm Roach has been the anchor here, using his 6’3”, 310-pound frame to clog gaps and force running backs to the sidelines. In Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns, Roach stuffed running back Nick Chubb on three consecutive red zone carries, including a fourth-and-1 stop that ended Cleveland’s scoring threat. The Broncos also use a “gap-and-a-half” scheme in the red zone, where defensive linemen are assigned to control one full gap and half of an adjacent gap, eliminating cutback lanes for running backs. This combination of physicality and scheme has made the Broncos nearly impenetrable against red zone runs, forcing opponents to rely more on passing plays—a area where Denver also excels. NFL's Best Red Zone D for the Denver Broncos is built on stopping the run first, a foundational principle that has frustrated even the league’s most dynamic rushing attacks.

Equally impressive is the Broncos’ red zone pass defense, which has neutralized some of the NFL’s top quarterbacks and wide receivers. Opposing quarterbacks have a passer rating of just 68.3 against the Broncos in the red zone—more than 30 points below the league average of 99.1—and have thrown 8 interceptions compared to just 7 touchdowns. Cornerback Pat Surtain II has been a shutdown force here, using his 6’2” frame and elite ball skills to blanket opposing wide receivers in the end zone. In Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Surtain intercepted Derek Carr in the end zone on a fade route intended for Davante Adams, ending a potential game-tying drive. The Broncos also employ a “quarters coverage” scheme in the red zone, where four defenders split the end zone into quadrants, ensuring no receiver is left open for an easy touchdown catch. This coverage is complemented by aggressive pass-rushing from edge rusher Bradley Chubb, who has recorded 4 sacks in the red zone this season—forcing quarterbacks to rush their throws before they can find open receivers. Together, these elements have turned the Broncos’ red zone pass defense into a nightmare for opposing offenses. NFL's Best Red Zone D for the Denver Broncos is a complete package, stopping both runs and passes with equal effectiveness.

The Denver Broncos’ red zone defense isn’t just statistically dominant—it’s also a direct driver of their wins, as it has turned critical moments in close games in their favor. This season, the Broncos have played 7 games decided by 3 points or less, and their red zone defense has been the difference in 5 of those victories. In Week 4 against the Chiefs, the Broncos held Kansas City to just 1 red zone touchdown on 4 trips, including a game-sealing interception by safety Justin Simmons in the final two minutes. Without that stop, the Chiefs would have tied the game and likely forced overtime. In Week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Broncos’ red zone defense forced three field goals instead of touchdowns, turning a potential 21-17 deficit into a 20-16 win. The Denver Broncos’ coaching staff has also used red zone stops to shift momentum: after a key red zone stop, the Broncos’ offense has averaged 7.2 yards per play on the subsequent drive—well above their season average of 5.8—showcasing how defensive success fuels offensive confidence. For a team that aims to compete in the AFC playoffs, where every possession matters, this red zone dominance is a critical advantage that few other teams can match. NFL's Best Red Zone D for the Denver Broncos is a win-maker, turning pressure into victory when it counts most.

A key reason for the Denver Broncos’ red zone excellence is the leadership of defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who has tailored his scheme to maximize the strengths of his personnel. Joseph, who joined the Broncos in 2025 after a successful stint with the Arizona Cardinals, has a long history of building elite red zone defenses—his 2024 Cardinals unit ranked second in the NFL in red zone touchdown prevention. With the Broncos, Joseph has leaned into his players’ strengths: using Roach’s run-stopping ability, Surtain’s coverage skills, and Chubb’s pass-rushing to create a red zone defense that has no obvious weaknesses. He also emphasizes situational discipline in practice, with the Broncos running 20-30 red zone drills in every practice—more than double the league average. This focus on preparation has paid off: the Broncos have committed just 3 red zone penalties all season, the fewest in the NFL. Joseph also uses in-game adjustments to exploit opponents’ weaknesses, such as shifting to a “goal-line package” when he detects an opponent is about to run, or adding an extra defensive back when he expects a pass. The Denver Broncos’ red zone defense isn’t just talented—it’s also well-coached, a combination that has made it nearly unbeatable. NFL's Best Red Zone D for the Denver Broncos is a product of strategic vision and meticulous preparation.

Looking ahead, the Denver Broncos’ red zone defense will be tested in the playoffs, where opponents will have more time to game-plan and will likely rely on their most dynamic playmakers. However, the Broncos have already proven they can handle elite competition: they’ve held the Chiefs, Bills, and Baltimore Ravens (all top-10 red zone offenses) to a combined red zone touchdown rate of 28.6%. If the Broncos can maintain this level of play, they’ll be a tough out for any team in the postseason—especially since red zone defense becomes even more critical in single-elimination games. For the Denver Broncos, their red zone defense isn’t just a regular-season strength—it’s a blueprint for playoff success. It’s also a reflection of the team’s identity: tough, disciplined, and focused on winning the most important moments of the game. As the Broncos push toward a Super Bowl run, their red zone defense will remain their most valuable asset—a unit that can turn a close game in their favor and shut down even the most explosive offenses. NFL's Best Red Zone D for the Denver Broncos is more than a title—it’s a promise of continued success, and a reminder that in the NFL, defense still wins championships.