ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos enter training camp with a clear priority: turn more of their disruptive plays into takeaways. The issue has been a focus throughout the spring and was among the first topics addressed by defensive coordinator Vance Joseph when players arrived for the offseason program in May.
Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto said the defense produced plenty of pressure but not enough turnovers. “We made so many plays, the sacks, third downs, stop the run. And the turnovers didn’t really come with it,” he said, adding, “[I have to] turn some of those sacks into a takeaway, get the ball out.” Denver led the league with 68 sacks and hit quarterbacks a league-high 224 times, 42 more than the next-best team. The unit also ranked second in third-down defense (33.8%), first in red-zone efficiency (42.6%), sixth in defensive EPA (41.4), second in run defense (91.9 yards per game) and seventh in pass defense (187.2 yards per game).
Despite those numbers, the Broncos finished 14-3 and were tied for 26th in takeaways with just 14. Only the Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1), Washington Commanders (5-12) and New York Jets (3-14) caused fewer turnovers. Denver recovered three fumbles in 2025 — tied with the Jets and Kansas City Chiefs (6-11) for fewest in the league — and only two of those recoveries came from the defense.
Joseph said the postseason provided a glimpse of what the team can achieve. The Broncos had five takeaways in two playoff games, including three fumble recoveries in the divisional-round win over the Buffalo Bills, equaling their total from the 17 preceding regular-season games. Joseph suggested schematic tweaks could help, noting the team often mixes man-to-man concepts with zone matchups and that high-turnover defenses frequently use more zone so “more defenders are facing the ball.” “It’s for me, schematically, having more eyes on the ball with pressure,” he said.
Safety Talanoa Hufanga said the simplest fix is catching the ball more, citing the cast he wore on his right hand and wrist last season after wrist surgery as a factor in several dropped interception opportunities. Players expect turnovers to be a primary emphasis when training camp opens later this month.
