Denver defense one of NFL leaders in sacks

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — About this time last year, the Broncos were dumping their only two proven pass rushers, Randy Gregory and Frank Clark.

Through four games this year, the Denver defense ranks No. 2 in sacks with 16, just behind Minnesota’s 17.

“I don’t think anybody on this defense is surprised  we’re doing this,’’ said Broncos’ outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper. “Maybe outside they might be, but I never was. I knew the type of guys that we had, especially when you add the type of guy like JFM [John Franklin-Myers].

“We’ve been able to get after people and teams all year,” Cooper said. “As long as we keep taking care of business and keep rushing together, keep getting more of a feel for each other when we’re out there, we’re only going to get better.”

In all, 10 Broncos are in the sack column with Cooper the leader with 3.0.

“I should have five,’’ he said.

Then it’s four players with 2.0 sacks – defensive linemen Zach Allen and Franklin-Myers, and outside linebackers Nik Bonitto and Dondrea Tillman. Rookie outside linebacker Jonah Elliss has 1.5.

The Broncos were tied for 22nd in the league in 2023 with 42 sacks in 17 games. Much of the 1.5 sack per game increase (from 2.47 last year to 4.0 so far this year) can be attributed to the revamped defensive line (Franklin-Myers and Malcolm Roach are newcomers) and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph giving his big guys up front more freedom to shoot the gaps for penetration rather than anchor down and hold up blockers.

“Whenever you have a defensive coordinator like Vance who’s able to switch up different schemes and bring different guys, it always helps out because it leaves somebody with a one-on-one,’’ Cooper said. “And we’re going to win those. Our job is to win those. Getting one-on-one blocks is a dream, and Vance does a great job putting us in those situations.”