For the Broncos to turn right side up, they built from the inside out.

In coach Sean Payton’s first two offseasons in charge, he has committed to investing and winning at the line of scrimmage.

“It is often where games are decided,” Payton said.

Externally, nobody thinks the Broncos will be very good this season. But beyond rookie quarterback Bo Nix, optimism is sprouting inside the building because of the men in the trenches. The offensive line receives the most attention because of the $126 million guaranteed to right tackle Mike McGlinchey, left guard Ben Powers and right guard Quinn Meinerz.

But let’s not forget about the defensive line. Perhaps no unit is more improved after the additions of John Franklin-Myers and Malcolm Roach.

“No disrespect to the guys that we had. But along with the scheme, attacking, and the guys we brought in, it’s a big difference,” nose tackle D.J. Jones said. “You watch practice. You see it. I am getting shades of San Fran(cisco). I love who we brought in.”

Bringing in reinforcements offers multiple benefits. More talent casts players in more suitable roles, and it frees holdovers Zach Allen and Jones to reach their potential rather than spend Sundays fighting off double teams. Allen brings relentless energy, but could he reach a career-high in sacks in 2024? And will Jones re-establish himself as a middle clogger when flanked by bigger bodies?

“It’s huge to have the depth and the guys who are playmakers,” Allen said.

Powers has noticed. How could he not given how the defense line dominated the first two weeks of training camp?

“I am really happy the way they are playing and competing,” Powers said. “They are as hungry as ever to prove that they are going to continue to help this team and help us win.”

Form follows function. And the Broncos were motivated to overhaul their defensive line because of their issues against the run. The Broncos ranked 30th overall last season. They yielded more than 122 yards rushing 10 times. That included 350 by the Dolphins in what amounted to an Olympic track meet disguised as a football game and 234 by the Jets.

Even during the team’s five-game winning streak that featured 16 takeaways, they struggled to slow ground attacks.

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph explained that it starts with better tackling, pointing to too many yards after contact. But he also needed better players. In Roach, the Broncos turned the room from acoustic to electric with his personality — “He never has a bad day,” Jones said — and added versatility. Payton identified him as a target after coaching him in New Orleans. And Roach was more than happy to follow him to Denver.

“Being good against the run is about having the right attitude. Believing that you can’t get blocked, and if you do, it won’t happen the next play,” Roach said. “We have a young team and a young defense. We have a great corner (in Pat Surtain II), but you always need those big guys you can lean on. It is going to start up front. We have to do our job.”

Complementary football is required to maximize a defense. It is hard to write a diary of havoc when trailing. But the Broncos believe they will have more sack opportunities because of Joseph’s scheme. While he insists it is not much different than the one employed from October on last season, the players say it has more gas, less brake.

“Obviously with the (New York) Jets, it was five years of that attack front. It’s something I am used to. But I got here and understood the assignment,” Franklin-Myers said. “They said, ‘attack, get off the ball and be disruptive.’ Shoot, sign me up.”

The Broncos have not had a player reach double-digit sacks since Von Miller and Bradley Chubb pulled it off in 2018. If opponents face more third-and-longs, the pressure should come from outside linebackers Baron Browning, Jonathon Cooper, Nik Bonitto and Jonah Elliss.

It all traces back to the men up front. For too many years, the defensive line has been more like a tightrope, leaving fans waiting for the next dramatic failure. This year, the players insist, will be different.

“I think VJ (Joseph) is riding the wave we were on during our win streak. But we are more aggressive,” Jones said. “He’s allowing us to take off our seatbelt and just go. It has changed the mindset of the entire defense. The turnovers are going to come. Letting us attack, I love it. You are going to see it.”

Rushing yards allowed in 2023

The Broncos ranked 30th in rushing yards allowed last season. With new additions Malcolm Roach and John Franklin-Myers, they should improve. Mobile users, tap here to see the chart.

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Originally Published: August 27, 2024 at 5:45 a.m.