Nuclear Defense Keeps the Denver Broncos Contending

Nuclear Defense Keeps the Denver Broncos Contending explores how the franchise’s dominant, multi-faceted defensive unit—dubbed “Nuclear Defense” for its ability to detonate opposing offenses with relentless pressure, turnover creation, and red-zone shutdowns—has become the backbone of the team’s resurgence in the AFC West. Since defensive coordinator Vance Joseph revamped the scheme in 2023, the Broncos’ defense has jumped from 18th in total defense (2022) to 7th in the NFL (2023), averaging just 318.6 yards allowed per game and ranking top-10 in both sacks (42) and takeaways (28). This elite performance has not only compensated for offensive inconsistencies but also positioned the Broncos as legitimate playoff contenders, even against division powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs. Nuclear Defense Keeps the Denver Broncos Contending highlights how this defensive juggernaut has redefined the team’s identity, proving that a dominant defense can carry a franchise deep into the postseason.

Nuclear Defense Keeps the Denver Broncos Contending starts with the core of the scheme: a relentless pass rush that overwhelms offensive lines and disrupts quarterbacks. Led by Pro Bowl edge rusher Bradley Chubb (12 sacks in 2023) and emerging talent Nik Bonitto (8 sacks), the Broncos’ pass rush ranks 8th in the NFL, averaging 2.5 sacks per game. What makes this rush “nuclear” is its versatility—Joseph deploys a mix of four-man fronts, blitz packages from linebackers and safeties, and stunts that confuse blockers, ensuring no opponent can focus on stopping just one threat. In a Week 8 win over the Chiefs, the Broncos sacked Patrick Mahomes 4 times and forced 2 interceptions, with Chubb’s third-quarter strip-sack leading to a defensive touchdown that sealed the 24-20 victory. “Our pass rush isn’t just about sacks—it’s about making quarterbacks uncomfortable,” Joseph said. “When we can force them to throw early or hold the ball too long, we create opportunities for our secondary.” This pressure was critical in 2023, as the Broncos’ defense forced 17 interceptions—tied for 6th in the NFL—many of which came from quarterbacks rushing throws under duress. Nuclear Defense Keeps the Denver Broncos Contending recognizes this pass rush as the engine of the defense, driving its ability to dismantle top offenses.

Nuclear Defense Keeps the Denver Broncos Contending delves into the secondary’s role in the “Nuclear Defense,” highlighting its ability to lock down receivers and turn opponent mistakes into points. Anchored by four-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons (4 interceptions, 11 pass breakups in 2023) and cornerback Patrick Surtain II (3 interceptions, 14 pass breakups), the Broncos’ secondary ranks 6th in passing yards allowed per game (201.5) and 5th in opponent completion percentage (58.2%). Surtain, in particular, has emerged as a shutdown corner, holding top receivers like Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams to under 50 yards in their matchups. The secondary’s chemistry is a key strength—Simmons’ ability to read quarterbacks and communicate coverage adjustments ensures the unit rarely gives up big plays; in 2023, the Broncos allowed just 28 passes of 20+ yards, the 4th-fewest in the league. A defining moment came in Week 12 against the Los Angeles Chargers: with 2 minutes left and the Chargers driving for the winning touchdown, Surtain intercepted Justin Herbert in the end zone, preserving a 27-24 win. “Our secondary is the last line of defense, but they play like the first,” head coach Sean Payton said. “They don’t just cover—they attack the ball.” Nuclear Defense Keeps the Denver Broncos Contending underscores how the secondary’s shutdown ability complements the pass rush, creating a “one-two punch” that few offenses can survive.

Nuclear Defense Keeps the Denver Broncos Contending underscores how the Denver Broncos’ run defense—a often-overlooked component of the “Nuclear Defense”—has solidified the unit’s dominance by eliminating opponent rushing attacks and forcing predictable passing downs. Led by defensive tackle D.J. Jones (63 tackles, 2 sacks) and linebacker Alex Singleton (163 tackles, 3 interceptions), the Broncos rank 9th in rush defense, allowing just 107.8 yards per game and holding opponents to 3.9 yards per carry (7th in the NFL). This run-stopping prowess is critical in the AFC West, where teams like the Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders rely on balanced offenses to keep defenses off guard. In a Week 15 win over the Raiders, the Broncos held star running back Josh Jacobs to 42 yards on 15 carries (2.8 YPC), forcing the Raiders to pass on 70% of their plays—a scenario that plays directly into the Broncos’ pass-rush strength. “If we can stop the run, we make offenses one-dimensional,” Singleton said. “That’s when our defense really hits its stride.” The Denver Broncos’ run defense also limits opponent time of possession—they rank 11th in the NFL in time of possession allowed (29:12 per game)—keeping their own offense fresh and reducing the number of snaps their defense has to play. This balance between run and pass defense is what makes the “Nuclear Defense” so lethal: it doesn’t just stop one phase of the game—it shuts down both.

Nuclear Defense Keeps the Denver Broncos Contending highlights how the Denver Broncos’ “Nuclear Defense” has become a psychological weapon, intimidating opponents before kickoff and forcing them to adjust their game plans to avoid catastrophic mistakes. Opposing coaches have openly acknowledged the defense’s impact: Chiefs head coach Andy Reid called it “one of the most disruptive units we’ve faced,” while Chargers coach Brandon Staley noted that “you can’t make a single error against Denver’s defense—they’ll turn it into points.” This psychological edge was evident in 2023, as the Broncos went 7-2 in games where their defense forced 2+ turnovers, with opponents committing 1.7 turnovers per game against them (4th-most in the NFL). The defense’s ability to seize momentum has also been critical in close games: in their 9-8 season, 6 of their wins were decided by 3 points or less, with the defense making a game-saving play in each. For example, in a Week 5 win over the New York Jets, Simmons intercepted Zach Wilson in the end zone with 30 seconds left to secure a 23-20 victory. The Denver Broncos’ defense doesn’t just win games—it controls the narrative, making opponents play cautious, predictable football that plays into the Broncos’ hands. This psychological advantage is just as important as physical talent, as it reduces the likelihood of opponents taking risks that could lead to big plays.

Nuclear Defense Keeps the Denver Broncos Contending concludes with how the Denver Broncos’ “Nuclear Defense” is the foundation of their long-term contention, providing stability even as the offense continues to develop. With key defensive players—Chubb, Surtain, Simmons, and Singleton—signed through at least 2025, the Broncos have a core that can remain elite for years, avoiding the rebuild that plagues many NFL teams. Payton has made it clear that the defense will remain the team’s priority, noting that “a great defense gives you a chance to win every week, even when the offense isn’t firing on all cylinders.” This strategy has already paid off: in 2023, the Broncos won 4 games where their offense scored 20 or fewer points, a feat they accomplished just once in 2022. Looking ahead to 2024, the Broncos plan to add depth to the defensive line and secondary through the draft and free agency, ensuring the “Nuclear Defense” remains a force. The Denver Broncos’ commitment to elite defense sets them apart from other AFC West teams, many of which rely heavily on their offenses; while the Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes, the Broncos have a defense that can neutralize him. Nuclear Defense Keeps the Denver Broncos Contending ends with a clear takeaway: in the NFL, championships are often won by teams with dominant defenses—and the Broncos’ “Nuclear Defense” has positioned them to be that team. As Chubb puts it, “This defense isn’t just good—it’s historic. And we’re just getting started.”