Broncos’ defense still ranks high even after mishaps vs. Browns

The Broncos allowed 552 yards to the Browns in Week 13, but Denver’s defense also had three takeaways.

Going into last week’s Monday Night Football showdown with the Cleveland Browns, the Denver Broncos‘ defense ranked third in total yards allowed (296.0) and second in points allowed (16.8) per game.

Then the unit allowed 552 yards and 32 points to Cleveland’s offense.

Denver’s defense has now dropped down to ninth in total yards allowed (315.7) and third in points allowed (18.0) per game. Still good numbers.

While the yards were allowed freely on Monday, the Broncos also grabbed three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. Those takeaways ended up being the difference in a 41-32 win.

“I saw three turnovers in key parts of the game,” quarterback Bo Nix said after the game. “Not only are turnovers hard to get, but to return it for touchdowns, that’s even harder. The fact that they did it twice, it was crazy. It was kind of nice. I was over there sitting. The bench has the heaters over there, and I don’t even have to move. So it’s pretty nice for the offense when they bail us out like that.

“It was a complete team win. We made our plays. [We] have a lot to grow from. And then they made their plays. They have a lot to grow from. It’s good to have a bye week this week, and then we’re going to come back and grow from it.”

Denver now ranks eighth with 18 takeaways this season and first with 47 sacks. Individually, pass rusher Nik Bonitto ranks second in the league with 11 sacks, only a half-sack behind Trey Hendrickson (11.5).

After the bye, the Broncos will face an Indianapolis Colts offense that ranks 23rd in total yards (311.5) and 22nd in points (20.5) per game. Indy quarterback Anthony Richardson has averaged one interception and just over one sack per game in the nine contests he has started this fall, so Denver’s defense will look to build on its takeaways and sack totals in Week 15.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]