Broncos Lead NFL in Three Major Pass-Rushing Categories Through Eight Games

The Denver Broncos have established one of the NFL's most disruptive defenses, and the latest advanced statistics show just how dominant their pass rush has become.

Through eight games, Denver leads the league in several major pass-rushing categories, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Broncos rank first in PFF pass-rush grade and pass-rush win rate, while also leading the NFL in total quarterback pressures.

According to a November 6 analysis by Mile High Report, the Broncos have generated 144 quarterback pressures through eight games, 12 more than any other NFL team.

Denver also leads the league with 51 quarterback hits, 11 more than the next-closest team.

Combined with their sacks, the Broncos have recorded 74 sacks and quarterback hits, 15 more than any other team.

Those figures illustrate why Denver's pass rush has remained effective even when opposing quarterbacks have avoided taking sacks.

Patrick Mahomes, Trevor Lawrence, Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy are among the quarterbacks the Broncos have faced this season.

Those players are particularly adept at escaping pressure, helping explain why Denver's sack totals haven't matched the pace established during the previous two seasons.

Nevertheless, the Broncos have consistently forced opposing offenses to operate under pressure.

That ability was evident during Sunday's dramatic 28-24 comeback victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Denver's defense helped preserve the victory when Malcolm Roach sacked Mahomes on the game's final play, with Nik Bonitto also applying pressure.

The performance added another chapter to an impressive stretch for Denver's defensive front.

As previously reported, the Broncos have combined elite quarterback protection with outstanding sack production since the beginning of the 2024 season.

Denver is the only team over that span to allow sacks on fewer than 4% of its offensive dropbacks while recording sacks on more than 8% of opposing dropbacks.

The pass rush has also benefited from contributions throughout the defensive rotation, including Bonitto, defensive tackle Zach Allen and young linebacker Que Robinson.

That defensive dominance has been particularly important because the Broncos' offense has struggled to sustain drives.

Denver ranks 31st in the NFL in three-and-out rate at 30.3%, placing additional pressure on its defense.

The Broncos enter Sunday's road matchup against the Carolina Panthers at 6-2, leading the AFC West.

With the offense still searching for greater consistency, Denver's ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks remains one of its biggest advantages.