NFL power rankings: Which teams will have the best defense this season?
By Jakob Ashlin
6. Denver Broncos
- Notable additions: DE Zach Allen
- Notable losses: DT Dre’Mont Jones, CB Ronald Darby
- 2022 scoring defense: 14th
- 2022 yards defense: 7th
Lost in the Russell Wilson and Nathaniel Hackett dialogue was the Broncos’ terrific defensive season.
Through the first 10 weeks, the Broncos had the best scoring defense in the NFL (16.6 points per game).
Per @NFLResearch , The #Broncos lead the NFL in scoring defense (16.6 PPG allowed) but are last in the NFL in scoring offense (14.6 PPG).
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) November 17, 2022
- The 1946 Steelers are the only team in NFL history to finish the season ranked 1st in scoring defense and last in scoring offense
That defensive performance came in the face of adversity. The Broncos had the second-most games lost to injuries. In addition, the defense had to hold up, while the offense was sputtering. For the season, the team’s offense was 30th in average time per drive. That put a lot of pressure on the defense.
Leading the charge was star defensive backs Justin Simmons and Patrick Surtain II.
Prior to the 2022 season, I interviewed Simmons for Heavy.com, and he expressed high expectations for the Broncos’ secondary.
"“I don’t think even think I would put kind of like a limit on (the secondary’s ceiling). Obviously, my expectations are going to be the highest out of anybody. I think we can be the best secondary in the NFL.”"
Despite the aforementioned obstacles, that secondary was outstanding, as the Broncos finished fifth in both opponent net yards gained per pass attempt (5.6) and opponent passing touchdowns (20).
After struggling with injuries, edge rusher Randy Gregory and linebacker Jonas Griffith are set to return to the lineup.
In 2023, the Broncos’ defense is primed to be a force to be reckoned with.