“The 2025 Denver Broncos defense are doing things their own way,” writes our James Weaver. “Different from what Tom Jackson, Randy Gradishar, Lyle Alzado, and the “Orange Crush Defense” of the 70’s did by suffocating opposing run games. Different from what Demarcus Ware, Von Miller, Aqib Talib, Chris Harris Jr. and the “No Fly Defense” did by locking up opposing passing attacks.”

With Bo Nix injured and the Broncos starting a quarterback in the AFC Championship Game who hasn’t thrown a pass in the last two seasons, much of Denver’s hopes to win one game, let alone two, are on its defense to continue to play at a historically good level.

The capability is there. As James pointed out, the Broncos’ sack total is among the best by a team this century and the defense’s pressure rate is elite when compared to teams of the last five years. We also pointed out in an Instagram reel that Patriots QB Drake Maye hasn’t seen this good an overall pass coverage group all season.

You can read more about it in James’ article:

This also came up on the latest Off The Charts Football Podcast where our crew analyzed both of Sunday’s matchups. Our Jeff Dean noted:

“If you look at how the Broncos are built, they take the best parts of that Texans defense going into this game and then add to it with linebackers and a secondary that can back it up as well … If they're able to get pressure with four rushers like they've been able to do all season, they're gonna be able to put a much better group of seven coverage defenders back there. And I think the Patriots, if they aren't scheming quick throws and able to get the ball out of (Maye’s) hands quick, they could be in for a really long day.”

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