Denver Broncos run defense continues to be a back-breaking issue

The Denver Broncos invested along their defensive front seven, and trying to improve the rush defense was part of the goal, which hasn’t been met.  The weak part of the Denver Broncos’ defense in 2021 was the run-stopping.  This became more obvious when the team gave DJ Jones, a run-stuffing nose tackle, $30 million in free agency.

The defense has largely been elite to begin the season.  In fact, it’s been a top-three unit that’s being wasted by an inept offense and an inept play-caller.  The pass rush is alive, the secondary is playing well, and the inside linebackers are doing their jobs.

Denver Broncos run defense was an issue again vs. Jets

However, the rush defense, which was allegedly fixed this offseason, has still shown itself to be the weakest part of the defense.  DJ Jones signing in free agency was essentially a replacement for Mike Purcell, who is more in a backup role.  The team also drafted Matt Henningsen and Eyioma Uwazurike to help the defensive line.

DeShawn Williams slid into the last starting spot along the line, which I have not been a fan of.  I think the team should have looked elsewhere for their last starter along the defensive line because Williams was a career backup up to this point.

Anyway, the rush defense has not been impressive to begin the 2022 season, which is now actually nearly half over.  The Broncos are allowing 4.7 yards per carry, which is tied for the 9th most in the NFL.  The team ranks 17th in the NFL in yards allowed in total.  The Broncos apparently rank second in the NFL behind the Titans in their run-stop win rate, according to ESPN, so there are statistics on both sides of the coin, but the things that matter most, in my opinion, are yards, and yards per carry, the Broncos are below average.

Denver Broncos may have to trade a star player after Jets loss

The Denver Broncos dropped to 2-5 with a loss to the New York Jets, which may ultimately prompt the trade of a star player on defense.

I do think the DJ Jones signing was smart, but it’s clear that the rush defense as a whole has not improved.  It’s an interesting situation given that there are favorable stats and unfavorable ones.  I do think ultimately, the defense is just fine, and the rushing defense isn’t a massive liability, but there is a clear gap between the run defense and the pass defense, which yet again appears to be elite.