Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph wasn’t pleased with how the defensive unit handled Friday’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers. the Broncos lost 33-13 in the home preseason opener and in a performance that Sean Payton immediately decried.
Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph was extremely displeased and didn't mince words regarding how his defense approached its first series last Friday night. "Our approach — in my opinion — was was unengaged and a little bit lazy," he said. pic.twitter.com/Yn0bB7CsNs
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) August 25, 2026
“We can't just say, ‘Hey, this is preseason [game] two,'” Payton said following the game. “Each phase saw their share of what ended up being the final score. So, tomorrow we've got to be able to come in — coaches the same way — and look closely at what we're doing and get the corrections made. You can't not pay attention to these games, these scrimmages, these important steps towards the start of the regular season.”
Vance weighed in with his thoughts in a Tuesday media availability.
“I think that first drive was kind of twofold for me. I didn't think our approach, in my opinion, was engaged and a little bit lazy. It wasn't the right approach even in pregame so I felt that. That was the first lesson. The second lesson is I think, in the two games we've played here, we've seen how offenses see us.
He added, “Lots of boots, lots of misdirection, outside runs more often than not, match protection, passes, quick game. Teams don't want to lose first down because if they do lose first down, our rush kind of comes alive.”
Vance then spoke about how he believes that though it is a preseason game, it's a precursor for what's to come from their opponents.
“I think that game was an example of what is coming in the future: how teams see us run game-wise, pass game-wise, winning first down with quick game boots, outside runs more often than inside runs. To me it was a great lesson on both ends: when we play it's a standard and I want to see it all the time. Obviously how teams see us, and in two weeks we've seen that kind of trend that way.”
The Broncos had a phenomenal season in 2025, making the AFC Championship before ultimately losing to the New England Patriots. Both Payton and Vance look to improve from the preseason shortcomings to return to form at the start of the new season