Vance Joseph’s Revamped Broncos Defense Shocks NFL, Ignites Playoff Push — Here’s How He Did It

DENVER — Few storylines in the 2025 NFL season have flipped as dramatically as the perception of Vance Joseph. Ten months ago many Broncos fans wanted the veteran coach dismissed; today his name is being whispered in league circles as one of the hottest potential head-coaching candidates after Denver’s defense dragged the club back to .500 and squarely into the AFC playoff conversation. Defensive turnaround fuels playoff push Joseph’s unit has authored a weekly masterclass in bend-but-don’t-break football. In last Sunday’s 18-15 victory over Houston, the Broncos allowed only one touchdown, generated three sacks and forced a crucial fourth-quarter takeaway that flipped field position and ultimately sealed the win. The performance continued a trend that began in mid-September: over the last six games Denver is surrendering just 16.8 points per outing, third-best in the league during that span. Doing it without Pat Surtain Perhaps most impressive is that Denver has maintained its stingy ways despite losing All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain to a high-ankle sprain two weeks ago. “There will be no drop-off — that’s the standard,” Joseph told local reporters, noting that the scheme has built-in answers to protect young replacements on the boundary. Safeties Justin Simmons and newcomer Talanoa Hufanga have been deployed interchangeably as deep-half defenders and nickel linebackers, disguising coverages long enough for edge rushers Randy Gregory and Baron Browning to feast. Key numbers underline the surge • 63 sacks in 2024 led the NFL, and Denver is on pace for 59 this year. • Opponents are averaging just 4.8 yards per play since Week 4, second in the league. • Red-zone touchdown rate allowed: 41 %, trimmed from 59 % a year ago. Head-coach buzz growing louder Success breeds speculation, and Sports Illustrated reports that at least two franchises have already placed Joseph on their short list for January interviews, prompting anxiety inside the Broncos building that he could depart after only two seasons back in orange and blue. For now, Joseph is deflecting the noise: “My focus is our locker room, our guys, and the next opponent. The rest will take care of itself.” Players buying in Linebacker Alex Singleton credited Joseph’s simplified communication system. “We’re playing faster because we all speak the same language,” he said. Defensive tackle Zach Allen echoed the sentiment: “Coach Vance let us own the game plan. When you feel ownership, effort goes through the roof.” What’s next Denver hosts division-leading Cincinnati on Monday Night Football, a national stage that could further elevate Joseph’s profile if his defense can corral Joe Burrow. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. ET; the Bengals have surrendered 24 sacks through eight games, presenting another ripe opportunity for Joseph’s relentless front. Bottom line With each suffocating Sunday, Vance Joseph is rewriting his narrative from embattled coordinator to coveted leader. Whether that journey keeps running through the Mile High City remains to be seen, but for now Broncos Country is riding the wave — and the defense — he has built.