Broncos Stand Alone in NFL With Remarkable Offensive, Defensive Sack Numbers

The Denver Broncos have established themselves as one of the NFL's most effective teams in the trenches.

And a remarkable statistical comparison shows just how unusual their success has been.

Since the start of the 2024 season, Denver has combined outstanding quarterback protection with a relentless pass rush, producing numbers unmatched by any other NFL team.

According to a chart published by Stick to the Model, the Broncos have allowed sacks on just 3.6% of their offensive dropbacks while recording sacks on 9.0% of opposing dropbacks.

Those figures cover the 2024 and 2025 seasons and the first seven games of 2026.

Denver is the only NFL team during that span to allow sacks on fewer than 4% of offensive dropbacks while generating them on more than 8% of defensive dropbacks.

The difference reflects two strengths that have helped define the Broncos under head coach Sean Payton.

On offense, Denver has built a dependable line around tackles Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey, guards Quinn Meinerz and Ben Powers, and center Luke Wattenberg.

The group has helped keep quarterback Bo Nix upright since he entered the league in 2024.

In fact, Pro Football Focus ranked Denver's offensive line as the NFL's best following the 2025 season.

That success isn't entirely about blocking. Payton's offensive system and Nix's ability to avoid pressure have also contributed to the low sack rate.

The Broncos have faced difficulties handling opposing blitzes this season, but those pressures haven't consistently resulted in sacks.

On defense, coordinator Vance Joseph has assembled one of the league's most disruptive pass rushes.

Defensive lineman Zach Allen and edge rusher Nik Bonitto have been central to that success, creating pressure from different positions along Denver's defensive front.

Denver led the NFL with 68 sacks in 2025 and has continued to harass opposing quarterbacks this season.

Through seven games in 2026, the Broncos have recorded 21 sacks, tying for the league lead.

Their defensive pressure has made life difficult for opposing quarterbacks, reinforcing the team's reputation for winning at the line of scrimmage.

The combination is especially significant because pass protection and pass rushing require different personnel, coaching and execution.

Denver has excelled at both over an extended period.

That balance will face another test Sunday when Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs visit Empower Field at Mile High.

The Broncos will be looking to protect Nix while making Mahomes uncomfortable, the same formula that has separated them from the rest of the league since 2024.