Defense Redefines Bully Status for the Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos’ defense has emerged as a true “bully” in the 2025 NFL season—redefining the term not just through physical dominance, but by controlling games, breaking opponent wills, and turning momentum with game-changing plays. After a 2024 campaign where the defense showed flashes but lacked consistency, coordinator Vance Joseph’s unit has transformed into a force: ranking top-5 in run defense, top-10 in sacks, and leading the league in takeaways through the first eight weeks. This “bully status” isn’t about dirty hits or intimidation tactics; it’s about imposing their will on every snap—stopping the run on third-and-short, sacking quarterbacks when they need to pass, and forcing turnovers that swing games. Defense Redefines Bully Status for the Denver Broncos thus explores how this unit has gone from a supporting cast to the team’s backbone, using dominance in the trenches and precision in coverage to establish itself as one of the NFL’s most feared defenses.

At the core of the Broncos’ bully identity is their elite run defense—a unit that has held seven of eight opponents to under 100 rushing yards and ranks first in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (3.0). Led by interior linemen D.J. Jones and newly acquired Jeffery Simmons, the Broncos have turned “stop the run” from a goal into a guarantee. Against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, they held Isiah Pacheco (who entered the game averaging 4.8 YPC) to just 29 yards on 12 carries—including a 关键 fourth-and-1 stop in the third quarter where Simmons and Jones combined to stuff Pacheco at the line, forcing a turnover on downs. “Our run defense is about more than strength—it’s about discipline,” said defensive line coach Marcus Dixon. “We don’t miss gaps, we don’t overpursue, and we make opponents earn every inch.” This dominance has a ripple effect: when teams can’t run, they’re forced to pass more, playing into the Broncos’ strength in the secondary. For opponents, facing the Broncos’ run defense means abandoning their game plan early—exactly the kind of “bully” impact Joseph envisioned. Defense Redefines Bully Status for the Denver Broncos thus frames run defense as the foundation of their intimidating identity.

The Broncos’ bully status is further amplified by their pass rush, which has evolved from a one-man show (Nik Bonitto) to a balanced, relentless attack. With the addition of Brian Burns (acquired via trade in Week 5), the Broncos now have two edge rushers who can win one-on-one matchups—Bonitto has 7 sacks, Burns has 4 in just four games with the team—and Simmons adds interior pressure with 3 sacks of his own. This trio has turned third downs into nightmares for quarterbacks: the Broncos rank third in the NFL in third-down sack rate (22%), often forcing opponents into long-yardage situations they can’t overcome. Against the Buffalo Bills in Week 7, the pass rush sacked Josh Allen five times—including a fourth-quarter sack by Burns that forced a fumble, which the Broncos recovered to seal a 24-17 win. “A great pass rush doesn’t just get sacks—it disrupts timing and forces bad decisions,” Joseph said. “When quarterbacks are looking over their shoulders on every dropback, they can’t focus on reading the defense. That’s how we break their confidence.” This relentless pressure has made the Broncos’ defense a nightmare for even the most experienced quarterbacks, solidifying their bully reputation. Defense Redefines Bully Status for the Denver Broncos thus highlights how the pass rush turns dominance into game-changing plays.

The Denver Broncos’ defense has also redefined bully status by creating turnovers at a historic rate—leading the NFL with 21 takeaways (12 interceptions, 9 fumbles recovered) through eight weeks. What makes these turnovers impactful is their timing: 14 of them have come in opponent territory, setting up the offense with short fields and easy points. Cornerback Patrick Surtain II has been the catalyst, with 4 interceptions—including a pick-six against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2 that gave the Broncos a 14-0 lead and shifted the game’s momentum for good. Safety Justin Simmons has added 3 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles, using his football IQ to read quarterbacks and jump routes. “Turnovers are the ultimate bully move—they take control away from the opponent and give it to us,” Surtain said. “When we force a turnover in their red zone, we’re not just getting points—we’re telling them, ‘This is our game now.’” The Denver Broncos’ ability to create turnovers isn’t luck; it’s a product of Joseph’s scheme, which emphasizes forcing opponents into risky throws and aggressive tackling to jar loose fumbles. This turnover machine has turned close games into blowouts and made the Broncos’ defense a feared opponent. Defense Redefines Bully Status for the Denver Broncos thus underscores how takeaways are the finishing touch on their dominant identity.

The Denver Broncos’ defense has also mastered the art of red-zone dominance—another key pillar of their bully status. They rank second in the NFL in red-zone stop rate (65%), holding opponents to field goals or turnovers on two-thirds of their trips inside the 20-yard line. Against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6, the Broncos stopped the Chargers on three straight red-zone drives: a fourth-down sack by Burns, an interception by Justin Simmons, and a fumble recovery by Jones. Each stop deflated the Chargers’ offense and kept the Broncos in control of the game (they won 19-10). “The red zone is where bullies assert themselves,” Joseph said. “Opponents think they’re about to score, and we shut them down. It breaks their spirit.” The Broncos’ red-zone success stems from a mix of personnel and scheme: they use extra defensive linemen to stop the run, shift to man coverage to eliminate quick passes, and rely on veterans like Surtain and Justin Simmons to make clutch plays. This dominance has turned opponents’ best scoring chances into missed opportunities—a classic bully move that swings games and builds confidence. The Denver Broncos’ red-zone defense isn’t just about stopping points; it’s about sending a message: “You can’t score on us when it matters most.” Defense Redefines Bully Status for the Denver Broncos thus shows how red-zone control cements their intimidating reputation.

Finally, the Denver Broncos’ defense has redefined bully status through veteran leadership—a group of core players who set the tone in practice, hold teammates accountable, and lead by example on game day. Linebacker Alex Singleton (who leads the team with 89 tackles) is the heart of the unit, barking out calls on the field and organizing post-practice film sessions for young players. Justin Simmons, the team’s longest-tenured defensive player, has become a mentor to rookies like safety JL Skinner, teaching them how to read quarterbacks and stay disciplined in coverage. Even new additions like Burns and Simmons have quickly bought into the culture, showing up early to practice and pushing teammates to raise their level. “A bully defense isn’t just about talent—it’s about culture,” Singleton said. “We hold each other to a higher standard. If someone misses a play, we don’t let them get away with it—we help them get better, because we know we’re only as good as our weakest link.” This leadership has turned individual talent into a cohesive unit—one that plays with the same intensity on the first snap as it does on the last. The Denver Broncos’ defense isn’t just dominant; it’s resilient, consistent, and focused—traits that turn good defenses into great ones, and great defenses into bullies. Defense Redefines Bully Status for the Denver Broncos thus concludes by emphasizing that their bully identity is about more than stats; it’s about a mindset—one that will carry them through the tough divisional games and into the playoffs.