Defensive Coordinator's Scheme Wins It for the Denver Broncos

In the Denver Broncos’ historic 2024 turnaround—culminating in a nine-game win streak—one factor stands above the rest: the innovative, adaptable defensive scheme crafted by defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Joseph, in his second stint with the Broncos, has transformed a defense that ranked 18th in points allowed in 2023 into the NFL’s top unit this season, surrendering just 16.3 points per game since Week 6. This scheme isn’t just about X’s and O’s; it’s a masterclass in leveraging player strengths, exploiting opponent weaknesses, and making in-game adjustments that turn momentum in the Broncos’ favor. Defensive Coordinator's Scheme Wins It for the Denver Broncos explores how Joseph’s tactical vision has become the backbone of the team’s success, the key elements that make the scheme effective, and the impact it’s had on critical wins.

At the core of Joseph’s winning scheme is its “multiple-front” design, which keeps opponents guessing by shifting defensive alignments pre-snap and creating mismatches that disrupt offensive game plans. Unlike traditional defenses that stick to a single formation (like a 4-3 or 3-4), Joseph’s scheme blends both, lining up the Broncos in a 4-3 look on one play and a 3-4 on the next—often with the same players moving between positions. For example, defensive end Bradley Chubb might line up as a traditional edge rusher on one down, then shift inside to defensive tackle on the next, forcing opposing offensive lines to constantly readjust. This flexibility makes it nearly impossible for quarterbacks to pre-snap identify blitzes or run lanes; during the Broncos’ nine-game win streak, opponents have committed 27 pre-snap penalties, the most in the NFL over that stretch. Joseph also uses “zone-blitz” concepts heavily, sending linebackers or safeties on blitzes while dropping linemen into coverage—a tactic that has resulted in 12 sacks from non-defensive linemen since Week 6. Defensive Coordinator's Scheme Wins It for the Denver Broncos highlights that this multiple-front approach isn’t just flashy; it’s proven to be one of the most effective ways to neutralize today’s NFL offenses, which rely on pre-snap reads to execute.

Another critical element of Joseph’s scheme is its focus on forcing turnovers, with tactical decisions designed to create takeaways that swing games in the Broncos’ favor. Joseph has built his defense around “ball-hawking” principles, teaching players to go for the ball rather than just make tackles and designing plays that put defenders in positions to intercept passes or strip fumbles. For instance, he often lines up safety Justin Simmons 10-12 yards deep in a “center-field” position, giving him a clear view of the entire field and time to react to passes—resulting in 4 interceptions for Simmons during the win streak. Joseph also emphasizes “strip-sack” techniques for edge rushers, teaching Chubb and fellow end Nik Bonitto to reach for the quarterback’s arm rather than just bring him down; this has led to 7 forced fumbles from the defensive line since Week 6, including 3 that were returned for touchdowns. What’s most impressive is how the scheme turns turnovers into points: the Broncos have scored 87 points off takeaways during their streak, the most in the NFL. Defensive Coordinator's Scheme Wins It for the Denver Broncos notes that this turnover-focused approach isn’t just luck—it’s a deliberate 战术 (tactic) that Joseph has refined over years, and it’s become a defining feature of the Broncos’ defense.

For the Denver Broncos, Joseph’s scheme has been instrumental in maximizing the potential of key players, turning good talents into elite playmakers who drive the defense forward. Take linebacker Alex Singleton, for example: a journeyman who struggled to find a consistent role in other systems, Singleton has thrived in Joseph’s scheme, which lets him play both middle and outside linebacker and use his speed to cover tight ends or blitz the quarterback. He’s recorded 87 tackles and 3 interceptions during the streak, emerging as one of the league’s most underrated defensive players. Similarly, Chubb—already a Pro Bowl talent—has reached new heights in Joseph’s system, as the scheme lets him use his speed and power in varied ways: he’s not just an edge rusher, but also a run-stopper and occasional coverage defender. Chubb’s 10 sacks during the streak are a career high for a nine-game stretch, and he credits Joseph’s scheme for his success. “Vance knows how to put me in positions to win,” Chubb said in a recent interview. “He doesn’t box me into one role—he lets me use all my skills.” For the Denver Broncos, this player-centric approach is what makes Joseph’s scheme so effective; it doesn’t force players to fit a rigid system—it adapts to their strengths. Defensive Coordinator's Scheme Wins It for the Denver Broncos explores how this alignment of player and scheme has turned the Broncos’ defense into a unit where every member contributes to the win.

The Denver Broncos’ ability to win close games during their streak has also been a direct result of Joseph’s in-game adjustments, which let the defense shut down opponents in critical moments—especially in the fourth quarter. Joseph is known for his halftime analysis, using the break to identify opponent tendencies and tweak the scheme to exploit them. A perfect example came in Week 12 against the Buffalo Bills, a game the Broncos trailed 17-14 at halftime. Joseph noticed the Bills were relying heavily on short passes to tight end Dawson Knox, who had 5 catches for 45 yards in the first half. At halftime, he adjusted the scheme, moving Simmons to cover Knox one-on-one and sending a linebacker on a delayed blitz whenever Knox lined up. The result? Knox was held to 1 catch for 8 yards in the second half, and the Broncos’ defense forced 2 turnovers that led to 13 fourth-quarter points, securing a 27-23 win. During the nine-game streak, the Broncos have outscored opponents 78-24 in the fourth quarter, with Joseph’s adjustments playing a key role in nearly every win. For the Denver Broncos, this ability to adapt mid-game is what separates good defenses from great ones—and it’s a testament to Joseph’s football IQ and ability to make quick decisions. Defensive Coordinator's Scheme Wins It for the Denver Broncos emphasizes that in the NFL, where games are often decided by a single play, Joseph’s adjustments have been the difference between winning and losing.

Finally, Joseph’s scheme has laid the groundwork for long-term success for the Denver Broncos, creating a sustainable defensive identity that can keep the team competitive even as rosters change. Unlike schemes that rely on one or two superstars, Joseph’s system is designed to be flexible, meaning it can absorb new players or compensate for injuries without losing effectiveness. For example, when defensive tackle Mike Purcell missed 3 games with an injury during the streak, Joseph adjusted the scheme to use a rotation of backup linemen in different roles—keeping the defense ranked first in run yards allowed even without a key starter. This adaptability is critical for the Broncos, who are building toward a Super Bowl run and need a defense that can stand the test of time. Joseph has also focused on player development, teaching young talents like rookie cornerback Riley Moss the nuances of the scheme and giving them opportunities to contribute. Moss, who was a late-round draft pick, has recorded 2 interceptions during the streak, a sign that the scheme is helping young players grow. For the Denver Broncos, Joseph’s scheme isn’t just a short-term fix—it’s a blueprint for sustained defensive excellence. Defensive Coordinator's Scheme Wins It for the Denver Broncos concludes that as the Broncos head into the playoffs, Joseph’s tactical vision will be their greatest asset. In a postseason where every play matters, a scheme that can adapt, force turnovers, and maximize player potential is exactly what the Broncos need to make a deep run—and possibly bring a Super Bowl title back to Denver.