It’s no secret that the Denver Broncos are 8-2 because of the star-studded defense keeping the team in games.
The offense at times has looked great; quarterback Bo Nix has shown that he can be an effective passer and rusher and the running game has been strong behind veteran J.K. Dobbins who is fifth in the National Football League with 772 rushing yards.
However, the offense hasn’t been consistent for a full 60 minutes in any game except for the 44-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8. Nix will look uncomfortable and antsy in the pocket for much of the games and struggle to get anything going with the passing game until the fourth quarter, but again, the team has managed to win eight of their 10 games.
It has been the defense keeping the team in it with their league-leading 46 sacks and unwavering pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Their coverage on receivers is always tight, and they always find ways to get stops.
Even without star cornerback Pat Surtain II, who is dealing with a pectoral injury, other members of the defense are stepping up in his absence and continuing to hound offenses.
Standout linebacker Nik Bonitto has been impressive to say the least. He is third in the NFL with nine-and-a-half sacks and has anchored the defense with Surtain for the last several seasons.
ESPN’s Jeff Legwold believes Bonitto has been the Broncos’ non-QB Most Valuable Player.
“Bonitto is putting together a formidable Defensive Player of the Year campaign, but he is surrounded by defensive players who are producing Pro Bowl seasons. And in reality, much like when a coach gives game balls to the entire defense after a win, the Broncos' MVP is really coordinator Vance Joseph's swirling, aggressive, bring-it-on, man-to-man coverage scheme,” Legwold wrote Tuesday. “Bonitto and Zach Allen lead the league in quarterback hits; Bonitto's quick pressure rate leads the league; the Broncos lead the league in defensive EPA; and 30 of the team's league-leading 46 sacks have come with four or fewer rushers. At times this season, Bonitto and the Broncos have presented a front that can't be blocked.”
Denver and its defense will have their hands full trying to stop quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the 5-4 Kansas City Chiefs when they host their division rival in Week 11. The Chiefs are coming off their bye week and head coach Andy Reid is 22-4 coming off the bye.