Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph absolutely spilled the beans this week, straight up telling everyone how opposing offenses are planning to attack his crew this season. He said teams are flat-out desperate to avoid losing first down against the Broncos, because if they give up that first down, that’s when Joseph’s “pass rush comes alive.” Wild, right?
Opponents’ Game Plan Is Locked In
Joseph dropped that the Packers and Falcons already showed the blueprint. We’re talking tons of boots, misdirection plays, outside runs, max-protection passes, and quick game stuff. Why? Because offenses are trying to snag a quick four yards. They wanna steer clear of being stuck in 2nd-and-7-plus or 8-plus, which Joseph knows is just begging for a pass rush down. It makes sense, right? Who wants to be in that spot?
The Broncos’ Big Adjustment
Last season, Joseph said most of their sacks actually came on second down. Teams would prep their full-on pass rush protection packages for third downs, sliding to guys like Nik Bonitto or chipping Jonathon Cooper. But second down? That was “where we made our hay as the pass rush.” Now, Joseph sees it differently. He’s saying this new life means defensive backs gotta be ready for quick game on first-and-ten. If they give up a slant for a few yards, it’s 2nd-and-4 or 5. Hand off for two more? Suddenly it’s 3rd-and-2, and you can’t even get to the QB. That favors the offense way too much.
So, Joseph’s message to his team is crystal clear: they have to truly understand how teams see them. The quick game and running game are specifically designed to neutralize that elite pass rush. It puts some serious heat on the Broncos’ secondary and their run defense. They gotta play tighter coverage on those early downs to shut down slants, screens, and flat passes that pick up those crucial 3 or 4 yards. It’s all about adjusting their own game, even on third down, to win first down. This ain’t just talk, this is how they gotta adapt to survive in the trenches this season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mile High Report.
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