The Houston Texans (3-4) face the Denver Broncos (6-2) this Sunday afternoon for the second game of their three-game homestand. It will be the best total defense in the NFL vs. the 5th-best, and a quarterback duel featuring Texans' field general C.J. Stroud facing off against Broncos second-year signal-caller Bo Nix. 

To help preview what is shaping up to be a defensive slugfest, The Mile High Report's Christopher Hart joins the Texans Roundtable to discuss everything from the Broncos' 6-2 record to Nix's ascension and even Denver's potential response to the recent injury news involving their All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II. 

Clayton Anderson: After 8 Weeks of Play, the Broncos Sit at 6–2 on the Season and Lead the AFC West by 1.0 Game. What Would You Most Attribute to This Early Success?

Christopher Hart: I would have to say their success on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph has done a tremendous job this season. The Broncos have the best pass rush in the National Football League, one of the top red zone defenses, and have been clutch in crucial down-to-down situations. Their run defense is even better than it was in 2024. It’s a really stellar unit. They have risen to the occasion when it matters most. It’s hard to imagine they would be at 6-2 without them performing so well.

CA: What’s the Feeling Surrounding Bo Nix’s Trajectory As QB1 in Denver After His Early Career Success?

CH: I think most of Broncos Country is optimistic about Nix’s potential and arc. He has been extremely productive and clutch in big-time moments. He is just one of three quarterbacks in NFL history to have 50 touchdowns in the first 25 games of their career. His leadership and tangibles are top-notch.

Though some of his critics have well-deserved concerns on his ability to be an effective drop back passer and hit on concepts over the middle of the field. It’s important to remember there are a lot of young players, especially at receiver, still growing into their roles. Overall, it’s hard not to be impressed with what he has shown us to date.

CA: With the News That Pat Surtain Is Expected To Miss Time With a Left Pec Injury, How Much Reshuffling and Adjusting Do You See for the Broncos’ D Against Houston?

CH: Losing Surtain for several weeks is going to put a challenge on Denver’s secondary. It will be interesting to see how Joseph opts to deploy his coverages with him out of the lineup. Riley Moss, Ja’Quan McMillian, Kris Abrams-Draine and Jahdae Barron are all talented players. Going up against C.J. Stroud will be a good test to see how they can perform without the reigning Defensive Player of the Year suiting up.

I’d expect Abrams-Draine to get the first crack at lining up on the boundary for the Broncos. He is undersized, but I like the way he makes plays on the ball in off and man coverages. He played admirably when called upon late last season. McMillian is one of the best nickel corners in the game and has fared well there in ‘25. Barron, the team’s first-round draft choice, will likely get a rise in snaps and can play inside and out. He’s really helped shut down opposing teams’ tight ends over the past few weeks. He’s a versatile chess piece for Joseph’s secondary.

CA: What Are Three Keys for Success for Sean Payton, Bo Nix and Co. Against the Texans’ #1 Overall Defense?

CH: First and foremost, the Broncos’ offense can’t afford to turn the ball over. The Texans’ defense has been quite good and advantageous at generating turnovers. This is a game where the turnover margin is going to matter significantly. The last thing Denver needs to do on the road is cough the ball up.

Second, the Broncos need to establish the run. Houston’s secondary and pass rush is doing a great job at limiting the impact of opposing quarterbacks through the air. That’s why I expect J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey to be a big part of the game plan. They had nearly 200 combined yards last week against the Cowboys. The Texans have done great stopping rushing attacks too, but alleviating some pressure off Nix’s shoulders by getting those two going would be smart to do.

Last but not least, they need to limit the penalties. The Texans’ defense does a good enough job stopping their opponents without any help from the offense. Denver has been one of the most penalized teams in the NFL this season. It’s really inhibited their ability to convert on third downs and consistently move the chains. They’ll have to avoid that this weekend to come out with a victory.

CA: With the Amazing Job That DC Vance Joseph Has Done With the NFL’s Top 5 Overall Defense, Is There Concern Over His Departure for a Possible HC Job Come the Next Hiring Cycle?

CH: I’d say there are some fans who are concerned. Count me in as one of them. Losing a great coach is never a good thing. Joseph has really turned things around in the last two seasons on defense. He is clearly one of the best defensive minds in football. They’ve performed at a high level and I’m proud of what he and his players have accomplished.

Even so, I think some of the concerns are alleviated when you consider the amount of talent Denver has. Surtain, Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, Zach Allen, etc. A lot of their top-flight players have recently been locked up on long-term deals. Not only that, but they have good depth at most positions and are hitting on their draft picks defensively. Very few question marks exist on that side of the ball.

If Joseph were to be hired elsewhere, a lot of folks seem to be high on Defensive Passing Game Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach Jim Leonard being an in-house candidate to take over for him. After a great career as a player, he has been a fast riser in the coaching ranks and seems to be thought of quite highly around the league.