01/23/26 08:08:00
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01/23 05:00 CST After applying the pressure all season, Broncos defense now
producing turnovers in playoffs
After applying the pressure all season, Broncos defense now producing turnovers
in playoffs
By PAT GRAHAM
AP Sports Writer
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) --- Finally, all that pressure paid off for pass rusher
Nik Bonitto and the Denver defense. Finally, the Broncos produced what's been
missing much of the season --- takeaways.
It's been a long time coming for a defense that's been one of the best in the
NFL. The Broncos forced five turnovers last weekend against the Buffalo Bills,
four from Josh Allen, who hadn't coughed up the ball in his previous six
playoff games.
They may be under pressure to turn in a similar sort of turnover-fest against
Drake Maye and the New England Patriots in the AFC championship game Sunday.
That way, they can take the pressure off backup Jarrett Stidham, who's taking
over at QB with Bo Nix out with a broken ankle.
The Broncos led the league with 68 sacks but had only 14 takeaways.
"Everyone's been saying it for the whole season, that it would eventually
flip," linebacker Alex Singleton said.
It did, and they needed every one of them to beat the Bills 33-30 in overtime
on a field goal set up by Ja'Quan McMillian's interception on a deep throw to
Brandin Cooks.
The Broncos were one of the best teams at applying pressure in the regular
season, but they only had 10 interceptions and four fumble recoveries to show
for it.
"I just feel like the emphasis that we put on these last couple of weeks, on
creating turnovers and just knowing that we have the guys to go do it, I feel
like it's been real good," Bonitto said. "We've been seeing the turnovers and
more attempts at the ball and stuff like that. It's been real crucial."
Bonitto forced two fumbles from Allen, in part because of something defensive
coordinator Vance Joseph told him.
"He's like, 'You know, if you get the ball, you can still get a sack," cracked
Bonitto, who finished fifth in the league with 14 sacks. "We've been working on
it."
It's a talented defense led by All-Pro defensive lineman Zach Allen, Bonitto
and star cornerback Pat Surtain II. They ranked in the top 10 in total yards
(second), yards rushing (second) and yards passing (seventh).
The Broncos finally started taking the ball away when they got to the
postseason.
"It's playoff football and turnovers are very critical," Surtain explained. "I
think turnovers are the key element to wins and losses, especially this time of
the year. So, to be able to accumulate that many turnovers, it definitely helps
us to win games."
So far in the playoffs, Maye has thrown two picks and lost three fumbles but
has still beaten the Texans and Chargers handily.
"We've got to find a way to eliminate the explosives on their side and find a
way to contain them," Surtain said. "Looking forward to the matchup."
It was a big day of honors for the defense with Bonitto named a finalist for
the AP defensive player of the year award and Joseph a finalist for AP's
coordinator of the year. Joseph also won the Professional Football Writers of
America's Assistant Coach of the Year honor.
Bonitto is in contention with Will Anderson Jr., Aidan Hutchinson, Micah
Parsons and Myles Garrett for the AP Defensive Player of the Year award that
went to Surtain last year. Garrett is a big favorite following a record-setting
23-sack season.
"I would not be mad at all. You break the record, I mean, you definitely
deserve it," Bonitto said. "Just the thought of me being up there is pretty
cool."
Joseph, who's up for several head coaching vacancies this cycle, burnished his
resume. He gave credit to his players and staff.
"When you win games in this league, more coaches get rewards, players obviously
get rewards," Joseph said. "It speaks to our team winning."
___
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