Jonah Elliss Phenomenal for the Denver Broncos

In the NFL, a dominant pass rusher can transform a good defense into an elite one—disrupting quarterbacks, shortening drives, and creating turnovers that swing the momentum of games. Jonah Elliss Phenomenal for the Denver Broncos shines a light on the Broncos’ second-year defensive end, who has emerged as one of the league’s most fearsome pass rushers in 2025. After a solid rookie season (6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles), Elliss has elevated his game to new heights, becoming a cornerstone of the Broncos’ defense and a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. For the Broncos, Elliss’ rise isn’t just a happy accident; it’s the result of his relentless work ethic, natural athleticism, and ability to adapt to the speed of the NFL. Whether he’s bull-rushing a tackle, using a quick spin move to get past a blocker, or chasing down a mobile quarterback, Elliss’ phenomenal play has made him a must-watch player and a critical asset in the Broncos’ push for an AFC West title.

Jonah Elliss Phenomenal for the Denver Broncos begins with his statistical dominance, which speaks volumes about his impact on the field. Through 12 games in 2025, Elliss has recorded 14 sacks—tied for the second-most in the NFL—and 5 forced fumbles, along with 42 total tackles and 18 quarterback hits. What makes these numbers even more impressive is his efficiency: Elliss averages a sack every 23 snaps, the highest rate among defensive ends with at least 10 sacks this season. He’s also been consistent, recording at least one sack in 9 of 12 games, including a two-sack performance against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7 that helped the Broncos win 24-21. “Jonah’s stats don’t just jump off the page—they tell the story of a player who shows up every week,” said Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. “He’s not a one-hit wonder; he’s a guy who can be counted on to pressure the quarterback when we need it most.” Elliss’ sack total is already the third-highest in a single season in Broncos franchise history, trailing only Von Miller (20.5 in 2018) and Simon Fletcher (16 in 1992)—company that speaks to just how phenomenal his 2025 campaign has been.

A defining trait of Jonah Elliss Phenomenal for the Denver Broncos is his versatility as a pass rusher, which allows him to excel in any defensive scheme and against any type of offensive tackle. Elliss isn’t a one-trick pony; he has a repertoire of moves that keep blockers guessing. His signature move is a “rip-and-swim” combination: he uses his right hand to rip at the tackle’s arm, then quickly swims his left hand over the top to get past the blocker— a move he used to sack Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes twice in Week 7. He’s also a master of the “bull rush,” using his 265-pound frame and 34-inch arms to push tackles back into the quarterback’s lap, as he did in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Chargers, forcing a fumble that the Broncos recovered for a touchdown. “Jonah’s versatility is what makes him special,” said Broncos defensive line coach Terrell Williams. “He can beat you with speed, he can beat you with strength, and he can beat you with technique. Offensive tackles don’t know what’s coming, and that’s why he’s so effective.” Elliss’ ability to adapt to different blockers is also key: against smaller, quicker tackles, he uses his speed; against larger, stronger tackles, he relies on his power and technique. This versatility has made him a matchup nightmare for every team the Broncos have faced.

Jonah Elliss Phenomenal for the Denver Broncos also highlights his impact on the rest of the Broncos’ defense, as his pass-rushing success opens up opportunities for his teammates. When opposing offenses focus on stopping Elliss—often assigning a tackle and a tight end to block him—it leaves other Broncos defenders unblocked, creating sacks and tackles for loss for players like defensive tackle D.J. Jones and linebacker Bradley Chubb. In Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Raiders double-teamed Elliss on 70% of his snaps, allowing Jones to record two sacks and Chubb to force a fumble. “Jonah makes everyone around him better,” said Chubb, who has played alongside Elliss for two seasons. “When teams have to game-plan around him, it frees up the rest of us to make plays. He’s the kind of teammate every defense wants.” Elliss’ presence also helps the Broncos’ secondary: by pressuring quarterbacks into quick throws, he limits the time receivers have to get open, leading to more interceptions and incompletions. In 2025, the Broncos’ secondary has recorded 12 interceptions—up from 8 at this point last season—with many of those coming because quarterbacks were forced to throw before they were ready. For the Denver Broncos, Elliss isn’t just a great player—he’s a catalyst that makes the entire defense better.

Another aspect of Jonah Elliss Phenomenal for the Denver Broncos is his ability to rise to the occasion in clutch moments, delivering game-changing plays when the Broncos need them most. In the Week 12 game against the Buffalo Bills— a critical matchup with playoff implications— the Broncos trailed 17-14 with 2 minutes left in the fourth quarter, and the Bills were driving for a potential game-winning field goal. On third-and-5 from the Broncos’ 30-yard line, Elliss lined up against Bills tackle Dion Dawkins, used a spin move to get past him, and sacked Bills quarterback Josh Allen for a 10-yard loss, forcing the Bills to punt. The Broncos then drove down the field and kicked a game-winning field goal, securing a 20-17 win. “Clutch plays are what separate good players from great ones, and Jonah is a great one,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. “He doesn’t shrink from the moment—he embraces it. That sack against Allen was the kind of play that wins championships.” Elliss has also been dominant in the red zone, recording 6 of his 14 sacks inside the opponent’s 20-yard line— a statistic that underscores his ability to stop opponents from scoring when the game is on the line. For the Denver Broncos, Elliss’ clutch performances have been the difference between wins and losses, making him one of the most valuable players on the team.

Looking ahead, Jonah Elliss Phenomenal for the Denver Broncos shows no signs of slowing down, as he continues to refine his game and build on his success. The Broncos’ coaching staff is working with Elliss to add new moves to his repertoire, including a “spin-and-bull” combination that he’s been practicing in practice and plans to use in upcoming games. Elliss is also focused on improving his run defense, which has already gotten better this season (he’s recorded 12 tackles for loss, up from 5 as a rookie). “I’m never satisfied,” Elliss said in a recent interview. “I know I can get better, and I’m going to keep working until I’m the best pass rusher in the league.” For the Denver Broncos, Elliss’ ambition and work ethic are just as valuable as his talent—they ensure that he’ll continue to be a dominant force for years to come. Jonah Elliss Phenomenal for the Denver Broncos isn’t just a description of his 2025 season; it’s a preview of what’s to come. As Elliss grows and develops, he has the potential to become one of the greatest pass rushers in Broncos history—joining the ranks of Miller and Fletcher—and leading the Broncos’ defense to new heights. When Elliss lines up on the edge, the Broncos know they have a player who can change the game in an instant, and that’s the kind of player who wins Super Bowls.