5 Defensive Changes Broncos Must Consider to Avert Disaster

The Denver Broncos are 0-2 with many issues on defense, so it may be time to consider changes.

While the 2023 season is still early, the Denver Broncos have a significant issue: defense. 

After allowing the Las Vegas Raiders to score on four of six non-kneel down drives, the Broncos relinquished 6-of-11 drives by the Washington Commanders to end in points. On the season, the Broncos have allowed points on 10-of-17 drives on the season.

The Broncos still allowed opponents into scoring position on three of those seven scoreless defensive possessions — two missed field goals by the Commanders and a red-zone interception against the Raiders.

Something needs to change. This defense is a liability. 

Denver's defense isn't the only problem, as the offense has done nothing in the second half of both games and seems to be a complete mess after Sean Payton's early-game script is over. However, the Broncos' defense can't get off the field, with only three forced punts over two games, and that affects the offense when it comes to momentum and energy. 

So what changes can the Broncos feasibly make? I'm glad you asked. 

Give Vance Joseph More Help

Joseph obviously isn't doing a good enough job. Is it all him? No. There have been many plays called where the players have simply failed to execute. However, a lot of it does fall on the defensive coordinator. 

Payton kept DBs coach Christian Parker and DL coach Marcus Dixon from last year's staff when the defense played well and perhaps overachieved. Perhaps it's time to give Parker and Dixon additional duties to try and develop them into defensive coordinator candidates. 

If things continue on the current track, Joseph may not make it through the season, so seeing what the Broncos have in those two assistants would be wise. There isn't a downfall of seeing what Dixon or Parker can bring. 

If Denver would prefer someone with more experience to step up and take some of the stuff off Joseph's plate, fine. It's time to push the panic button on this defense and discuss ways to help Joseph out with his job as defensive coordinator

While it isn't a supremely talented defense, the Broncos do have talent that's not being utilized to the utmost. That is 100% on Joseph, and it has to change if the Broncos want to turn this season around. 

Bench CB Damarri Mathis

It's been a rough two games for Mathis. He's allowed three touchdowns and all but a handful of targets to be caught over two games. Benching him would present challenges, but Denver can't keep rolling Mathis out, expecting the result to be different. Put another way, he can't be trusted on the field. 

Denver's secondary depth is weak, but rookie Riley Moss is working back from a core muscle surgery in August. He might need another week, but if he's good to go, he should be the starter against the Miami Dolphins. Yeah, it would mean throwing him to the wolves, but that offense is fast, and Moss brings more speed than Mathis, beyond what other upgrades he could offer. 

The other option is Ja'Quan McMillian, whom the Broncos like on the boundary. McMillian got some run against the Commanders after being inactive against the Raiders. 

If Moss isn't good to go by next Sunday, then turn to McMillian. This is his second year in the NFL, and although he doesn't have much experience, his lone start was a good showing against the Los Angeles Chargers to end the 2022 season. 

Bottom line, though: the Broncos can't trust Mathis at this point. 

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Less Aggressiveness 

Joseph has always been an aggressive play-caller. His blitz percentage has always been in the top half of the NFL, if not the top  10. 

The problem is that his blitz calls have no balance to them, and being aggressive just for the sake of being aggressive hasn't worked out often enough. That's how it's shaken out for Denver through two games.

The Broncos blitzed on over 44% of the Raiders' dropbacks. It was more effective against the Commanders, but their offense adjusted, while Denver's defense did not. 

Joseph has to be more timely and tactical with his aggression; otherwise, adjusting and calling plays against Denver is an easy proposition for opponents. Unfortunately, Joseph has never shown that ability. 

Change Up the D-Line Rotation

None of the Broncos' defensive linemen are playing terribly, but their rotation is confusing, to say the least. On downs where you want your best players on the field, it seems like Denver is subbing out everyone who lines up on the ball. 

You have to keep players fresh — there's no arguing that — but maybe taking your two best pass rushers off the field on third down isn't the way to do it. So, it isn't so much changing up the rotation but being, again, more tactical on how and when it's implemented.  

What can help with the Broncos' D-line is bringing in a free agent. The D-line depth is questionable at best, and the unit isn't doing a good enough job.

Jonathan Harris, Mike Purcell, and Matt Henningsen have been fine, but they've never been starters or key backups on a good defense. It's been the D.J. Jones and Zach Allen show out there, and it's noticeable when they're not on the field. 

Get Drew Sanders On the Field

The Broncos loved the pass rush ability from Sanders when they drafted him, yet he has barely seen the field. Yes, there are questions about other aspects of his game, but his athleticism is undeniable. 

Sanders showed room for improvement in the preseason, but the only way he can grow in those areas is by seeing the field — not sitting on the bench. 

It's tough to rotate your linebackers, especially with Josey Jewell and Alex Singleton playing as well as they have, but maybe that means a slight change upfront. Go with a front of Jones, Allen, Randy Gregory, and Jonathon Cooper with Jewell, Singelton, and Sanders behind them. 

What Joseph is doing isn't working, and a front like this could create natural simulated pressures. 

Nuclear Option: Fire Joseph & Bring in a New DC

Joseph isn't doing a good job. While his run defense did well against the Raiders, that was its only saving grace. Sure, the Broncos had an excellent first half against the Commanders, but it isn't about how you start, but how you finish. 

Joseph's unit isn't getting off the field. There's no balance to the aggressiveness he plays with. There's no control over what he's doing with the defense. 

Firing Joseph and making a significant change may be difficult on the players, but it might be worth it if Denver can find someone who runs a similar scheme. If the Broncos don't want to fire him at this early stage in the season, they can bring in someone to take over some of his responsibilities, like playcalling. Most of the time, the wrong play is called at the wrong time. 

This works with the first point, but the idea of giving Joseph help is focused on giving more responsibility to someone already on the staff, while the nuclear option would mean going outside. Basically, Denver needs to find Joseph his Jerry Roseburg to help with the defense instead of game management. 

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