Mile High Report
Vance Joseph and the Denver Broncos defense have come a long way since the Miami Dolphins dropped 70 points on them back in September of 2023. At that point in time, many folks across Broncos Country were ready to move on from Joseph. However, Head Coach Sean Payton stuck with the man he hired to get the franchise’s defense back to their winning ways.
Since then, they have embarked on an incredible turnaround. From being the laughingstock of the National Football League to one of the most feared and dynamic defenses over the past two seasons. All things considered, what Joseph, his fellow defensive coaches, and players have accomplished the past two years is nothing short of extraordinary.
Getting after the quarterback has been the biggest asset for the Broncos. That’s a big reason for why they have been so dominant and successful. They led the NFL in sacks last season and are currently doing so once again during their 2025 campaign. Their stud defensive trench players including Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, and Zach Allen have proven to be worth the lucrative extensions they were all given.
However, having an extremely talented and diverse secondary has been just as important in the defense’s remarkable turnaround. After yesterday’s practice, Joseph gave shoutouts to several young players on the defensive side of the ball, in particularly the team’s revamped defensive backfield.
“We’ve had four of five guys that have stepped in and played good football for us. I think players have to understand if they earn the right to play, they should play some,” stated Joseph who acknowledged the growth and development of Kris Abrams-Draine and Jahdae Barron being crucial to the defense’s success this season.
The Broncos have embodied the ‘next man up’ philosophy at several positions on defense this season. When All-Pro Patrick Surtain II was sidelined for several games due to a pectoral injury, both Abrams-Draine and Barron saw a significant uptick in snap count. Without the reigning Defensive Player of the Year on the field, Denver’s secondary didn’t miss a beat. In my opinion, I thought they fared quite well limiting the aerial attacks of opposing offenses.
“It keeps guys engaged, and it just makes you a better football team moving forward. I think it’s a good thing if you can play your young guys some each game and when it’s time to really play, they’re ready to play for you. They’ve earned it, so they play,” added Joseph highlighting the advantages of his young defensive backs getting more meaningful playing time.
Joseph also went on to detail what makes his secondary so special. With respect to his outside corners, he believes they have just the right blend of height, length, and ball skills. For those primarily at the nickel like Barron and Ja’Quan McMillian, he touted their football intelligence, foot quickness, and toughness.
There is no doubt the depth and versatility of the Broncos secondary is one of the best in the NFL. In order for Denver...
