Broncos Are Trying To Find Missing Piece Of Puzzle On Defense In Training Camp

The Denver Broncos are hunting takeaways and turnovers, and according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN, this issue remains “the most curious hole” in Denver’s defensive résumé. It was a major focus late last season, and the quest for more will continue to be an priority in training camp. 

"You have to look at that," Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto said. "We made so many plays, the sacks, third downs, stop the run. And the turnovers didn't really come with it. We always say they come in bunches, but the bunches didn't really come.

"[I have to] turn some of those sacks into a takeaway, get the ball out. We're there, we make the plays, so get the ball out. That's been a big thing this offseason."

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph wasted no time making it a priority this year, as he addressed it as soon as players arrived for the offseason program in May, according to Legwold. They’ll cover it further later this month, and it’s high on the Broncos’ to-do list. 

"It was right on the board," said Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga. "At the top."

The other defensive stats certainly aren’t a problem. Legwold added that the Broncos led the league with 68 sacks last season, and they were also second in third-down defense, first in red zone efficiency, sixth in defensive EPA,  second in run defense at 91.9 yards per game and seventh in pass defense at 187.2 yards per game. But somehow Denver managed to finish tied for 26th in takeaways as they caused just 14.

"[That's on] our players when they're sacking a quarterback, [hitting] the elbow and causing more forced fumbles," Joseph said. "You attack the ball, you make the tackle first, but you attack the ball when you get to the quarterback. ... I really believe you sack the ball; that's the approach."

The playoffs provided an example of where Denver would like this to go. They had five takeaways in two games, including three fumble recoveries against the Buffalo Bills in the division round. 

"We did it in the playoffs, and some of it was circumstance," Joseph said. "I think our focus has to always be playing great defense. That's first and second down, stopping the run, being great in the red zone and being great on third downs. Those things can't change, but you can still focus on getting the ball."

Joseph is putting this all on himself, and he has a definite plan for changing things. 

"That's for me, schematically, having more eyes on the ball with pressure," he added. "... So, it's all of us, but it starts with me pushing it and making sure we fix that problem."