Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos Defense Analysis

Season Stats

Defense

The Denver Broncos defense utilizes a 3-4 Aggressive base scheme under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the Denver Broncos Defense?

The Denver Broncos have been a dominant force in the 2025 campaign, stifling opponents and holding the #3 spot for points allowed. In fact, they are allowing 4.7 fewer points per game than the league average, stifling opposing offenses.

In the AFC West, they are setting the standard, ranking above the Kansas City Chiefs (#6), Los Angeles Chargers (#9) and Las Vegas Raiders (#25) in points allowed per game.

This is an active front that does a solid job of generating pressure and tackles for loss. They are essentially average in terms of taking the ball away from opponents.

68
Total Sacks
10
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is above average compared to the league median, while their secondary is average (10 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

The unit is anchored by Justin Strnad, whose performance as a solid player in 2025 with 58 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 1 interception has been instrumental. Complimenting that production, Ja'Quan McMillian has added 56 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 interceptions this season.

What is the Denver Broncos defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Vance Joseph

The Denver Broncos defense runs a 3-4 Aggressive under coordinator Vance Joseph.

Base Defensive Front
3-4 Aggressive
?
3-4 Front (Two-Gap)
Three down linemen, often responsible for two gaps (the player in front). They eat blocks to free up linebackers to make plays.

Tactical Philosophy

Vance Joseph runs an aggressive 3-4 relying on elite corners.

Key Principles

Man CoverageBlitzSingle High

Scheme Strengths

  • ✓Unpredictable blitz angles & confusing formations
  • ✓Disguises coverage responsibilities well
  • ✓Versatile against spread offenses

Potential Weaknesses

  • ⚠Vulnerable to outside runs if edge setting fails
  • ⚠Complex gap assignments for defensive line
  • ⚠Requires specific 'two-gap' personnel (Nose Tackle)

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the Denver Broncos Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

🔥 This unit excels at creating negative plays. Expect a high weekly floor due to their sack and turnover potential.
Havoc Rate
GOOD
10.9/g
Turnovers
AVG
1.2/g
Aggression
AVG
4.8/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
10.9
GOOD
They disrupt the offense 10.9 times per game. This constant pressure forces bad throws and negative plays.
Ball Production
1.2
AVG
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 1.2 times per game. They struggle to take the ball away, relying on punts.
Front Aggression
4.8
AVG
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 4.8 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).
Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.
Havoc Grading Scale
ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5
Ball Production Grading Scale
ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0
Front Aggression Grading Scale
ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the Denver Broncos defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Steady
18.3 PPG(Last 3)
Their performance has remained steady vs. season average.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the Denver Broncos defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 14, 2026
LB
Dre Greenlaw
Linebacker
QuestionableJan 14
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
DE
Matt Henningsen
Defensive End
Injured ReserveAug 12
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
S
Brandon Jones
Safety
Injured ReserveJan 13
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
Drew Sanders
Linebacker
Injured ReserveJan 10
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
LB
Johnny Walker Jr.
Linebacker
Injured ReserveAug 1
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
S
Delarrin Turner-Yell
Safety
OutDec 23
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
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