The Denver Broncos’ already elite defense, leading the NFL in sacks and dominating opponents, is poised for unprecedented excellence with the highly anticipated return of star linebacker Dre Greenlaw, solidifying their status as a Super Bowl contender.
The Denver Broncos have meticulously crafted the NFL’s best defense, a unit that has consistently stifled opponents throughout the season. Now, their formidable defensive machine is set to become even more potent with the return of star linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
Greenlaw, who has been sidelined since summertime with a quadriceps injury, is eligible to return from injured reserve this weekend against the New York Giants. His presence on the field, following his first practice since September 12, injects a dynamic force into an already dominant defensive line-up, as reported by the Associated Press.
Fellow Broncos are already buzzing about his impact. Star cornerback Patrick Surtain II noted, “Dre looked good out there. Obviously, his first day back out there on the field in a minute. It seems like he’s very sharp on everything, the game plan, so I’m very excited for him.” Edge rusher Jonathon Cooper echoed the sentiment, stating, “Obviously, we know the type of player Dre Greenlaw is, you watch the film. And you add that type of dynamic to this defense with him being right, it’s just going to take us even to another level.”
The Road to Denver: A Strategic Acquisition
Greenlaw’s journey to the Mile High City was not without drama. The Broncos ultimately triumphed in the “Dre Greenlaw sweepstakes,” despite a spirited late push from the San Francisco 49ers to retain the linebacker they drafted out of Arkansas in 2019. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the 49ers were “pretty persuasive, but not persuasive enough,” with financial constraints playing a significant role in their inability to match Denver’s offer.
General Manager George Paton meticulously orchestrated a three-year, $31.5 million contract for Greenlaw. This shrewd deal includes additional option years, which are likely to be triggered if Greenlaw fully recovers from his Achilles injury and returns to dominant form. This structure provides Denver with crucial flexibility while offering Greenlaw substantial first-year money, motivating him to reignite his career.
Greenlaw’s decision to join the Broncos, alongside safety Talanoa Hufanga, signifies a notable shift from the 49ers. This move speaks volumes about Greenlaw’s character and commitment, and further underscores the end of the Broncos’ years in the “NFL wilderness,” a sweet relief for the fan base.
Unprecedented Defensive Dominance
Even without Greenlaw for much of the season, the Broncos’ defense has been nothing short of spectacular, leading the NFL in multiple critical categories:
- Sacks: A league-best 30 sacks, a staggering 10 more than second-place Pittsburgh. They are on pace to shatter the 1984 Chicago Bears’ record of 72 sacks, projected to reach an astounding 85 this season.
- Red Zone Defense: Dominating in the red zone, allowing opponents to score on just 28.6% of attempts.
- Third-Down Defense: Holding opponents to a mere 27.1% conversion rate on third downs.
- Points Allowed: Entering Week 7, Denver has allowed the second-fewest points in the NFL, a testament to their overall stinginess.
This relentless pressure has been a trademark of their season, as seen in their recent gritty 13-11 victory over the New York Jets in London, where they sacked quarterback Justin Fields nine times and limited the Jets to minus-10 passing yards.
Back-to-Back Defensive Player of the Week Honors
The individual brilliance within the Broncos’ defensive line has also garnered significant recognition. For two consecutive weeks, Denver defenders have claimed the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award:
- Nik Bonitto: The week prior, Bonitto single-handedly terrorized the Philadelphia Eagles with 2.5 sacks, 3 quarterback hits, and 2 tackles for loss. He currently leads the NFL with eight sacks, putting him on pace for an incredible 23 by season’s end, and holds the best odds for Defensive Player of the Year, an award his teammate Patrick Surtain II took home last season.
- Jonathon Cooper: This past week, Cooper earned the honor for his stellar performance against Justin Fields, recording two sacks, including the game-winning takedown. He now boasts 4.5 sacks on the season.
The friendly competition fuels their collective success. As Cooper quipped, “I’m just trying to beat him. I can’t let him take over me. I should be out there with sacks with him right now. But no, I think it’s really cool. That’s my brother.”
A Strategic Masterclass: Building for the Future
General Manager George Paton’s aggressive offseason maneuvers have transformed the Broncos’ defensive line from a former weakness into an unbelievable strength. By strategically signing players like Greenlaw and ensuring long-term contracts for rising stars like Bonitto (free agent in 2030), Zach Allen (2029), and Cooper (2029), Paton has secured the core of this dominant unit for years to come.
This long-term planning is further enhanced by quarterback Bo Nix’s rookie contract, which allows the team to “go all in” on other position groups, building a roster capable of making a deep run at a Super Bowl. Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph has capitalized on this talent, implementing diverse blitz packages and schemes that consistently confuse opposing quarterbacks.
The return of Mac Lom Roach from a calf strain last week in London also provided a crucial boost to the run defense, adding another vital weapon to Joseph’s arsenal. With key players returning and an undeniable momentum, the Broncos’ defense is truly built to succeed.
Looking Ahead: The Giants and Beyond
The upcoming matchup against the New York Giants, featuring rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, presents another opportunity for the Broncos’ defense to showcase its prowess. As Cooper noted, while Dart “looks like everybody needs something,” the Broncos have faced and stifled mobile quarterbacks before.
With Dre Greenlaw’s return adding another layer of versatility to an already top-ranked unit, the Denver Broncos are not just a good defense; they are a historically great one with Super Bowl aspirations firmly within their grasp. The fan community eagerly anticipates seeing this unstoppable force dominate for the remainder of the season and beyond.
