We all know the Denver Broncos‘ defense leads the league in team sacks. It’s why NBC Sports’ Tony Dungy wants “the country to see this defense” in Week 13 vs. the Washington Commanders. But Denver’s defense leading in sacks doesn’t paint the entire picture. The Broncos’ defense allows the third-fewest total yards per game as well, including the sixth-fewest passing yards per game and the third-fewest rushing yards per game.

Examining the Broncos’ Defense

Denver’s defense allows the third-fewest points per game as well. In fact, the Broncos’ defense is No. 1 in PFSN’s Defense Impact Score. And the Broncos’ turnover ratio is minus three, with nine takeaways to 12 giveaways. Dungy continued.

He said, “I want the country to see this defense. They’re playing lights out. Their front seven gets after it. They’re physical. They’re fast. And (Broncos defensive coordinator) Vance Joseph has done a tremendous job putting this group together.”

The front seven is one of the best in the league and is only getting better with the recent return of inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw, No. 18 in PFSN’s LB Impact Score. Fellow inside linebacker Alex Singleton is No. 21 as well. That said, it is the secondary that the front seven is playing in tandem with.

Because of the defensive line’s ability to get home without blitzing, it frees up resources for Joseph. In nickel defense, Joseph can rush four, and because of Pat Surtain II, No. 4 in PSFN’s CB Impact Score, the former can leave one cornerback on an island on one side of the field.

This leaves both safeties to roam the middle of the field as opposed to guarding specific players. If cornerback Riley Moss needs help opposite Surtain II, the free safety is available to shade over to the former’s side. If Greenlaw needs help covering the tight end, the strong safety is available to crash down. This leaves Singleton, when healthy, in a read-and-react position.

If he crashes down, the offensive line now has to block five pass rushers. This creates one-on-one matchups specifically for EDGE rusher Nik Bonitto, No. 21 in PFSN’s EDGE Impact Score, as opposed to a double team. The Broncos’ defense’s next test is the Commanders in Week 13 on “Sunday Night Football.”