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Vance Joseph has changed his philosophy to improve the Broncos defense in 2024

Vance Joseph has changed his philosophy to improve the Broncos defense in 2024

Vance Joseph didn’t practice on his terms, and Denver’s defense paid the price.

In his first season in Denver, the Broncos’ defensive coordinator decided it would be best to do things similar to what players did under the previous regime. However, Joseph’s plan backfired. According to Next Gen Stats, the Broncos gave up the third-most rushing yards in the league (137.1), the most yards per attempt (5.1) and 56 yards per attempt (5.1) and 56 yards over 10 yards.

Their performance against the Dolphins – 726 total yards allowed, including 350 on the ground – left a stain that was hard to wipe away.

During the offseason, Joseph knew a philosophical change was necessary. He wanted to move away from bullet guards and instead encouraged his defensive linemen to play more aggressively. Over the course of eight weeks, this change paid off.

Denver is one of the best-performing defenses in the NFL, making Sunday’s matchup with the Ravens’ rushing attack led by quarterback Lamar Jackson and quarterback Derrick Henry a highly anticipated one.

“I really think in this day and age of the NFL, if you don’t play on your terms, you lose,” Joseph told The Denver Post. “We (didn’t) do that last year and it didn’t help our team win.”

Bronco’s success is more than just a change in mindset. They added reinforcements in the trenches to match the new approach. During the draft, they traded former Jets defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers and signed shortstop Malcolm Roach to a two-year contract. Meanwhile, outside linebacker Nik Bonitto spent the offseason improving as a run defender, allowing him to be more than just a pass-rush specialist.

Denver aligned its defense with its leader’s vision, and the results were impressive. Through eight games, the Broncos have given up 106.4 rushing yards per game – seventh most in the NFL – and four yards per carry.

The Broncos held opponents to under 100 rushing yards four times, winning each time. Throughout the 2023 season, they had six games in which they had less than 100 rushing yards.

“We brought in some guys that play an attacking style, which I personally think a lot of top defensemen play that way,” Allen told The Post. “It was great fun. And when you stop running, take the opportunity to rush the passer.

Allen was among the league leaders in QB pressures (fifth with 38), but he also played well in this series. He has 17 stops, according to Pro Football Focus. Edge rusher Jonathon Cooper and middle linebacker Justin Strnad, who replaced Alex Singleton after a season-ending injury, also played integral roles, each earning 10 stops per inning.