The Denver Broncos defense was very good in 2024.
They allowed just 18.3 points per game, which was the third lowest in the NFL. Denver’s 63 sacks were by far the most in the league.
And this offseason they got even better with the additions of linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga and cornerback Jahdae Barron.
All of that caught the attention of NFL.com analyst Gennaro Filice, who predicts the Broncos will be the No. 1 defense in the NFL in 2025. He revealed his rankings earlier this week, with Denver “edging out” the Eagles and Ravens for that honor.
Filice outlines the obvious points, including that Pat Surtain II is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper and a slew of others make up a ferocious pass-rush.
Throw in the free agency signings of Greenlaw and Hufanga, plus the first-round selection of Barron, and Vance Joseph’s Broncos defense could put up some monster numbers.
But it’s what Filice concluded his article with that will have Denver fans most excited.
“In summation, this looks like the best (Broncos defense) since the ‘No Fly Zone’ gave the franchise its third Lombardi Trophy a decade ago,” Filice wrote.
Ah, the memories of Super Bowl 50 and one of the best defense in NFL history. Not only were Aqib Talib, Chris Harris Jr., T.J. Ward, Darian Stewart and Bradley Roby beasts in the secondary, but Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware formed a monster tandem hitting the QB.
Guys like Derek Wolfe, Malik Jackson, Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan were also incredible pieces, and that made for one of the most fun seasons in Broncos history. It culminated with Denver wrecking Cam Newton and winning a championship.
This current Broncos defense doesn’t appear to be that good, at least not yet, but if they can get Denver in the Super Bowl conversation fans will slowly warm up to that idea.
It’s high praise from NFL.com, and to see the full rankings, click here.