The Denver Broncos have evened their record at 2-2 following a 10-9 victory over the New York Jets, bouncing back after looking pretty bad during the first two weeks of the season.
But even in those first two losses against the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers, it was only the offense that looked bad. The defense has played well all season.
In the last two games — victories over Tampa Bay and the Jets — the defense has buckled down and been fantastic. Vance Joseph, the target of many negative comments from Broncos fans over the years, is the man calling the shots for that defense.
On Sunday against the Jets, with the field soaked in rain, Joseph attacked Aaron Rodgers aggressively, calling a great game that flustered the veteran. The Broncos sacked Rodgers five times on the day and frustrated him in the passing game.
The Jets' rushing attack wasn't much better. They averaged just 2.8 yards per carry for the game and were kept out of the end zone entirely. The weather may have been a big factor in the game, but last week against the Buccaneers, the Broncos held them to just seven points... and that game was in Tampa.
Denver Broncos defense through 4 games
| Total Yards allowed per game | Pass yards allowed per game | Rush Yards allowed per game | Sacks | Turnovers Forced | Points allowed per game |
| 256.5 | 146 | 110.5 | 16 | 5 | 13.7 |
Those are some impressive numbers. The Broncos have yet to allow a 200-yard passer this season.
Vance Joseph deserves an apology
Joseph is widely considered one of the worst head coaches in Broncos history. In two seasons (2017-18) he went 11-21 as the coach. But it was the fact the team never looked ready to play, his clueless stare on the sidelines and his comical "we had a great week of practice" quote following each loss.
Joseph was a bad head coach, one that fans were all too happy to see go. That is why there were so many moans and groans when Sean Payton brought him back last year as his defensive coordinator.
Let’s not confuse things. #Broncos are 2-2 with two straight wins because of Vance Joseph’s defense. They are legit in every way. Sacks, stuffs, coverage and a nasty attitude. Have allowed 16 points the past two games.
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) September 29, 2024
Fans were thrilled to be able to get Payton but that decision looked like a terrible choice and had some fans questioning the thought process of Payton.
After the Miami Dolphins dropped 70 points on the Broncos in Week 3 of last season, there were fans vehemently calling for Joseph's job... again. It would have been understandable if Payton relieved him of his duties at that time. But he stuck with the man he picked and Joseph slowly got the defense to a better place by season's end.
This year, he has a handful of guys stepping up and making plays. Zach Allen has been a monster on the defensive line. The team is beginning to create a regular pass rush. Ja'Quan McMillian has become a terrific piece of the secondary. Riley Moss is looking like a perfect fit in his defense and the inside linebackers all make plays, no matter who the team has at that spot.
Through four games, the Broncos have one of the best defenses in football and Joseph deserves all the credit. Broncos Country apologizes, Mr. Joseph, or at least, they should.
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