Remember back in 2023, when the Denver Broncos defense was an absolute train wreck, hitting rock bottom by giving up 70 points in a single game? Yeah, that was undoubtedly the worst defensive performance in franchise history. But fast forward to right now in 2026, and the vibe around that unit is completely different. It’s not just “not a disaster” anymore, it’s straight-up dominant, and the expectations for this season are absolutely sky-high.
From Disaster to Dominance: The Vance Joseph Effect
This transformation isn’t just luck, it’s built on a foundation laid by Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph. His scheme is in its fourth year, and this defense has become one of the league’s best units. Last season, in 2025, they were the top force in the NFL at putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, smashing a new franchise record with a staggering 68 sacks! Think about that, 68 sacks, a new high for the organization. And it wasn’t just about getting to the QB. This squad ranked third in points allowed and seventh in yards allowed across the league. Their red zone defense was terrific, allowing the lowest touchdown rate, and they were one of the best teams at getting off the field on crucial third downs. Joseph himself said it, noting that in their fourth season together, they don’t have to teach basic scheme stuff, allowing them to focus on fundamentals every single day. He loves watching them “coach themselves and correct themselves,” which is always a sign of a truly great unit.
Chasing History and Sharpening the Blade
Here’s where it gets wild: some players on this defense aren’t just content with being “one of the best” or setting a new franchise record. They are confident they can break the all-time sack record currently held by the legendary 1984 Chicago Bears. That’s a massive statement, showing just how much belief they have in this group and the quality depth across their star-filled roster. But even with all that dominance, they know there’s still work to do. Two key areas for improvement for the 2026 season are turnovers and penalties. Last year, they led the league in defensive penalties and yards, which is a killer. And on the turnover front, they were in the bottom five with only 14 takeaways. Even with those issues, they still found a way to win fourteen regular season games in 2025. Imagine what they could do if they clean those things up!
This year’s schedule is tough right out of the gate, especially early on. The Broncos defense is going to get tested immediately. The focus is clearly on creating more turnovers, and you just know they’ll be drilling it every single day. Can they actually chase down the 1984 Bears’ sack record? Can they clean up the penalties and force more takeaways? That’s what’s at stake, and we’ll find out when the season kicks off if this unit can truly elevate to historic levels.
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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