The Denver Broncos' defense was nothing short of dominant during the 2024 NFL season, putting on a show that left offenses scrambling. With a staggering 63 sacks, they didn’t just top the league—they set a new franchise record, proving that their pass rush was the real deal. This wasn't just a one-man effort either; it was a complete team performance, with contributions coming from every direction.
One of the most thrilling aspects of the Broncos' defensive dominance was their dynamic pass-rushing duo—outside linebackers Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper. Bonitto racked up an impressive 13.5 sacks, while Cooper wasn’t far behind with 10.5. This made them the first Denver teammates to each hit double-digit sacks in a season since the legendary Von Miller and Bradley Chubb combo back in 2018. That’s some elite company to be in!
But let’s not forget the big guys up front. Defensive linemen Zach Allen (8.5 sacks) and John Franklin-Myers (7.0 sacks) brought the heat from the trenches, constantly collapsing pockets and making quarterbacks uncomfortable. The Broncos didn’t stop there either—backup pass rushers Jonah Elliss and Dondrea Tillman chipped in with five sacks apiece, showing just how deep this unit really was. It wasn’t just the stars making an impact; the entire rotation contributed.
Strength in Numbers: Broncos’ Sack Machine
What made this season so special was how many different players got involved in the sack party. A whopping 16 different Broncos recorded at least half a sack in 2024! That’s an incredible stat that speaks volumes about their aggressive defensive scheme and relentless pressure. Opposing quarterbacks never knew where the next hit was coming from, and that unpredictability made Denver’s defense one of the scariest units in the league.
Here’s a breakdown of the Broncos’ sack leaders from the 2024 season:
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Nik Bonitto: 13.5 sacks
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Jonathon Cooper: 10.5 sacks
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Zach Allen: 8.5 sacks
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John Franklin-Myers: 7.0 sacks
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Jonah Elliss: 5.0 sacks
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Dondrea Tillman: 5.0 sacks
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Justin Strnad: 3.0 sacks
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Malcolm Roach: 2.5 sacks
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Cody Barton: 1.5 sacks
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D.J. Jones: 1.0 sack
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P.J. Locke: 1.0 sack
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Ja’Quan McMillian: 1.0 sack
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Devon Key: 1.0 sack
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Jordan Jackson: 1.0 sack
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Drew Sanders: 1.0 sack
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Eyioma Uwazurike: 0.5 sack
Building for the Future
The best part? This isn’t just a one-season wonder. Denver has ensured that their top pass rushers will be around for the foreseeable future. Bonitto, Cooper, Allen, Franklin-Myers, and Elliss are all under contract for the 2025 season, meaning Broncos fans can expect another year of relentless pressure. If this unit stays healthy and continues to develop, they have the potential to be even more dominant next season.
What Made Denver’s Defense So Effective?
It wasn’t just about raw talent—Denver’s defensive success was built on a combination of speed, technique, and strategic scheming. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph dialed up creative blitz packages that kept offensive lines guessing. The defensive front was disciplined, using a mix of bull rushes, spin moves, and stunts to break through protections. The Broncos' ability to rotate fresh pass rushers also played a key role, ensuring that their linemen and linebackers never ran out of gas late in games.
Beyond the sacks, this defense excelled in disrupting offenses in multiple ways. Their ability to pressure quarterbacks led to errant throws, turnovers, and game-changing moments. They forced opposing offenses into uncomfortable situations, allowing the secondary to capitalize with interceptions and key pass breakups. This was a complete defensive effort, not just a one-dimensional pass rush.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the Broncos prepare for the next season, they have every reason to be excited about their defense. With a core group of pass rushers returning and the potential to add more talent through the draft or free agency, they are poised to be a nightmare for opposing offenses once again. If they can replicate (or even surpass) their 2024 sack total, there’s no telling how far this team can go.
In the end, the Broncos’ 2024 defense wasn’t just good—it was historically great. With 63 sacks, a deep rotation of talented rushers, and a defensive scheme that kept offenses on their heels, they made a statement that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. And with their key players locked in for another year, fans in Denver can expect even more fireworks from this dominant defense in 2025.
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