Tag: Vance Joseph

Do the Broncos have any future head coaches on Sean Payton’s staff?

Vance Joseph is the most likely candidate among Broncos coaches to draw head coach interest this offseason.

The best NFL teams often lose members of their coaching staff during the offseason. It’s a good problem to have.

For the Denver Broncos, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is the most obvious and most likely candidate to draw head coach interest this offseason. Someday in the future, quarterbacks coach Davis Webb might also get looks as a potential head coach candidate.

Sean Payton’s coaching tree includes Dan Campbell, Doug Marrone and Dennis Allen. Are there any coaches on his current staff who could become head coaches in the future?

“It’s an interesting league,” Payton said in June. “We went through — you hear the term that it is a copycat league. There is success with let’s say a young Sean McVay, then there is a couple of years where I am getting calls from GMs asking about not only candidates on my staff, but other candidates. It was always, ‘We are interested in an offensive play-caller.’ So I would say, ‘So you are not interested in the next Bill Belichick?’ I think this past year, we saw a number of defensive coaches. We’ve seen special teams coaches with John Harbaugh, who I worked with in Philly. We’ve seen offensive line coaches. There is a little cycle to that.

“Ultimately, you are looking for and projecting who can lead. Sometimes, I think it is a little like the quarterback position. You may have a talented prospect that maybe ends up in the wrong place. In three years, he is back in the coordinator’s role and who knows if he ended up in another place. I’ve shared that story with you and the late [former Saints owner] Mr. [Tom] Benson coming to me those early years and saying, ‘Hey, we have all of these coaches getting interviews for head jobs. I said, ‘Mr. B, we need to worry if no one is interviewing them.’ I love seeing what Dan Campbell is doing, I love seeing Dennis Allen now, Doug Marrone and a number of these guys that I have worked with. I want that for them. It’s hard to predict though.” 

Payton wasn’t willing to give any predictions earlier this year, but Joseph seems likely to get interviews this offseason. Joseph, of course, previously served as Denver’s head coach from 2017-2018. We’ll see if other teams come calling in the offseason.

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Broncos defense continues to dominate ahead of ‘MNF’ clash

Going into MNF, the Broncos rank third in total yards allowed (296.0), second in points allowed (16.8) per game and first in sacks (44).

Going into a Monday Night Football showdown with the Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has his unite playing at an elite level.

The Broncos rank third in total yards allowed (296.0), eighth in passing yards allowed (199.8), sixth in rushing yards allowed (96.2) and second in points allowed (16.8) per game this season. Denver’s 15 takeaways rank 10th and their 44 sacks rank first in the league.

“It’s obviously a really good defense,” Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey told reporters on Friday. “Vance does a great job with those guys. They’re aggressive, not only in style of play, but also individuals on their team. They’ve got a lot of guys who can rush the passer. When you look at it, it’s not just one guy, it’s multiple guys, both on the outside and inside. And then Vance does a great job getting him in position to do that and creating matchups, creating opportunities for those guys. Whether it’s the front variations, whether it’s the different pressure variations and things like that.

“And then obviously, I think that pass rush allows those outside guys to be extremely effective as well. And obviously they got one of the best corners in the league out there. They’re talented around him as well in the secondary. So, it’s a great challenge. It’s a very good challenge for us. And you’ve got to be on your point. You got to be on top of your stuff. You got to be able to get in and out of the huddle quickly to give yourself time at the line of scrimmage and do those types of things to make sure that you’re maximizing your opportunities.”

Monday’s game will be nationally televised on ESPN. Playing at home, the Broncos are considered favorites in Week 13.

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Phillip Lindsay has an interesting take on Sean Payton’s Broncos

Phillip Lindsay fired off a strange tweet about Sean Payton and Vance Joseph during the Broncos’ game against the Raiders.

The Denver Broncos are 7-5 and currently on pace to make the NFL playoffs. Consequently, coach Sean Payton is getting shouts as a Coach of the Year candidate, but not everybody’s buying into the hype.

Former Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay fired off an interesting take on Twitter/X that seemingly suggested defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, not Payton, should get credit for the team’s success in 2024.

“Like I said we don’t talk about VJ and that Defense enough!!” Lindsay tweeted on Sunday. “Success runs through the Denver Broncos defense Sean tried to make it about HIM!! He got bailed out thank you Defense.”

It’s a curious take from Lindsay because (a) Joseph and the defense have been praised this season and (b) Payton hired Joseph and stuck with him through last season’s initial struggles. It doesn’t have to be an either/or scenario — Payton and Joseph have both helped the Broncos have success.

Lindsay walked back his take a little bit by later tweeting, “I don’t hate Sean but I don’t have to agree on all his decisions.” He also said the coach is doing a “great job” in a follow-up tweet on Monday.

It seems that Lindsay’s beef with Payton relates to the coach’s utilization of the running backs and some timeout and game management on Sunday.

Payton explained during his Monday conference call with reporters that the Raiders set up their defense to take away Denver’s rushing attack.

“Yesterday was going to be a tough day for any of the backs,” Payton said. “It was just a heavy blitz, heavy run-front plan by the Raiders. So quickly we had to adjust.”

Lindsay, 30, played for the Broncos from 2018-2020. He now works for 104.3 The Fan.

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Twitter reacts to Broncos’ 29-19 win over Raiders

The Denver Broncos Twitterscape erupted after a 29-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Denver Broncos swept their AFC West nemesis Las Vegas Raiders with a 29-19 win on Sunday.

Here’s a sampling of how Twitter/X reacted to the big win.


The Broncos will look to continue the magic in a Monday Night Football matchup against the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 3rd.

Bill Belichick, Pat McAfee chime in on Bo Nix and Broncos’ stingy defense

“This is a good, solid defense,” Bill Belichick said of the Broncos’ squad.

The sports world was set buzzing following the Denver Broncos‘ 28-14 win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 8, including former NFL punter Pat McAfee and ex-coach Bill Belichick.

“Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos seemingly got it going. Do you believe in Sean Payton and what he’s got going in Denver?” McAfee asked Belichick on Monday’s edition of the Pat McAfee Show. 

“Well yeah,” said the usually muted Belichick. “One of the best things they’re doing in Denver is their defense. They’re really good on defense and I think that (defensive coordinator Vance) Joseph has done a great job there. They have a nice pressure scheme, their front’s playing very well, they got Surtain back, and if they don’t turn the ball over, they’re going to be in every game.”

The Broncos limited the Panthers to 284 yards of total offense, which was as many yards as Denver rookie quarterback Bo Nix had passing alone. The Broncos’ stingy defense also hasn’t allowed more than 25 points since the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.

“This is a good, solid defense; they play pretty well they communicate well and they don’t give up a lot of points,” said Belichick.

Belichick also gave love to the Broncos’ rookie signal caller. “As (Bo) Nix is getting a little bit more confident and a little more consistency and familiarity with Coach Payton’s system, they’re doing a good job,” said Belichick. “As I said at the beginning of the year, they won’t be enough to catch the (Kansas City) Chiefs this year, but it certainly looks like they’re gaining in the division.”

You can watch their breakdown of the game below — the Broncos’ segment begins at 1:47:40.

The Broncos look to build on their 5-3 record with a big game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

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Broncos DC Vance Joseph had a perfect response to head coach rumors

“Being mentioned is cool, but right now my mind’s not there,” Broncos DC Vance Joseph said of being named on head coach candidate lists.

The Denver Broncos‘ defense has been one of the best in the NFL this fall, which has led to rumblings that defensive coordinator Vance Joseph could be a top head coach candidate following the season.

Joseph, 52, previously served as Denver’s head coach 2017-2018. The Broncos went 11-21 during that time and Joseph was fired, but he was working with a roster full of deficiencies, including not having a franchise quarterback.

With such a strong defensive scheme, Joseph could perhaps have a better run as a head coach if he lands in the right situation.

After practice on Thursday, Joseph was asked for his thoughts about being mentioned among head coach candidates this season. Joseph had a perfect response.

“I don’t have a thought about it right now because, thank God this league has seasons, right?” Joseph said. “You know, we have an offseason, you have a draft season — right now it’s play and win season. So for me, my entire focus is this [upcoming] football game and winning games and coaching right now. That stuff takes care of itself down the road.

“There’s a season for that stuff, but right now, for me, it doesn’t even have a place for me. I’m so busy right now. My mind’s on this team, a young defense who’s playing good football, they keep improving each week, to get ahead of the adversity before it strikes, that’s my focus. But obviously, being mentioned is cool, but right now my mind’s not there.”

https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1849550307161686274

Joseph’s focused on the task at hand. He’ll turn his attention to any potential head coach interviews after the season ends.

If the Broncos do end up losing Joseph, they have an excellent in-house candidate to replace him in defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator Jim Leonhard, a former college coach who had drawn interest from NFL teams as a DC candidate before landing in Denver this offseason.

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Chris Harris gives his take on Vance Joseph’s punishing defense

“He’s always been aggressive,” Chris Harris said of Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. “We blitzed a lot when he coached me.”

Former Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris recently appeared on the Up and Adams show after the Broncos defeated the New Orleans Saints, and he had high praise for defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s unit.

When host Kay Adams asked Harris if he thought that Joseph had changed his philosophies or defense since Harris was with the team, Harris said, “I don’t think he’s changed, I just think he’s getting better with his playcalling. He’s got a great d-line, with Zach Allen leading the way and he’s got guys just making plays,”

The cornerback continued: “A lot of times, it’s not — the players make the coaches. And guys just make the plays, right? You can call the same defense every time and if guys don’t make the plays, it’s going to make the coach look bad. Right now, they’re making him look good they’re getting a lot of pressure, I don’t think he’s evolved, because he’s always been aggressive. We blitzed a lot when he coached me, so I see him doing the exact same thing.”

Adams also asked Harris who should be getting more love on the defensive side of the ball. “Riley Moss,” Harris said without hesitation. “I think he’s playing great. He started a little shaky, you know, but this is kind of his rookie year. He’s improving every week.”

You can watch the entire interview with Adams and Harris below.

 

The Broncos will host the Carolina Panthers in Week 8 on Oct. 27.

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Everyone loved Malcolm Roach dropping into coverage on ‘TNF’

“I always like to talk trash with the DBs and tell them I’m a real DB at heart,” Malcolm Roach said after the Broncos’ win on ‘TNF.’

In the third quarter of a Thursday Night Football game against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph called a play that had defensive tackle Malcolm Roach drop back into coverage.

Hilariously, it worked.

“Malcolm Roach nearly had an INT in coverage 15 yards down the field LOL,” Zac Stevens of DNVR wrote on social media.

Ryan McFadden of the Denver Post said the play “might be the highlight of the night.”

“I can’t stop laughing at VJ truly going [expletive] it mode and throwing Malcolm Roach into coverage and it worked,” a fan said on Twitter/X. “He really became a defensive madman after the Dolphins massacre.”

Check it out:

https://twitter.com/BrandonPerna/status/1847142168797794521

Everyone had similar reactions: “Malcolm Roach in coverage😭.”

Another fan wrote: “MALCOLM ROACH FOR PREZ.”

Everyone loved his celebration:

https://twitter.com/LTB_Muse/status/1847108027112927300

Even the Broncos’ official account chimed in with a meme:

“Malcolm Roach cele has me cryin,” one fan wrote. Added another fan: “Bro pulled the strap 😭.”

It looked like a play straight out of a video game.

“Me when I play madden and college football 25 🤣,” a fan commented. “gotten so many picks with linemen.”

Roach was asked about his celebration after the game.

“Yeah, it’s a little joke,” Roach explained. “We’ve been — I always like to talk trash with the DBs and tell them I’m a real DB at heart. So when I got the opportunity and made the play with the PBU, you know I just had to give them something. And I was over there by the sideline.”

https://twitter.com/Scotty_G6/status/1847133902659285140

Roach was officially credited with a pass breakup, giving him this stat line in a 33-10 victory: one tackle, one PBU. That’ll do.

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Twitter reacts to Broncos’ big win over Saints (how about Vance Joseph’s defense!)

Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is getting much-deserved praise following the team’s dominant win over the Saints on ‘TNF.’

The Denver Broncos dominated the New Orleans Saints in a 33-10 win on Thursday Night Football in Week 7.

Led by defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, Denver’s defense ended the night with six sacks, two fumble recoveries and a touchdown. Here’s a sampling of how Twitter/X reacted to the big win for the Broncos.

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https://twitter.com/NFLonPrime/status/1847115454428434693

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https://twitter.com/dtturner11/status/1847104637872361633

https://twitter.com/JamesPalmerTV/status/1847106241723535556

https://twitter.com/JourdanRodrigue/status/1847105780773728691

https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1847116469747728511

https://twitter.com/SpielbergerBrad/status/1847102050183651711

https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/1847111726279413848

https://twitter.com/CameronWolfe/status/1847110613924737417

https://twitter.com/Hullshow/status/1847097808882479438

https://twitter.com/Robby_NFL/status/1847100153666126106

https://twitter.com/LTB_Muse/status/1847106238930473182

https://twitter.com/ByJonHeath/status/1847106712014102539

https://twitter.com/lindsaybebout/status/1847099111050273206

https://twitter.com/SayreBedinger/status/1847110975905829211

https://twitter.com/colincowherd/status/1847107580034011415

https://twitter.com/ChrisHarrisJr/status/1847091264090493263

https://twitter.com/OFranklin74/status/1847106746139238868

https://twitter.com/VicLombardi/status/1847109142047346993

https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/1847110704588878192

https://twitter.com/MikeDeCicco/status/1847116903699173633

https://twitter.com/philmilani/status/1847111040955253148

https://twitter.com/byesline/status/1847115461906846024

https://twitter.com/MileHighMims/status/1847115609567645960

https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/1847115998727434372

Up next for Denver is a mini-bye this weekend followed by their next game in Week 8, a home game against the Carolina Panthers (1-5) at Empower Field at Mile High on Oct. 27.

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Broncos DC Vance Joseph a ‘steady, fundamentally sound coach’

“I love Vance [Joseph],” Broncos OC Joe Lombardi said last week. “He’s one of my all-time favorites.”

The Denver Broncos‘ defense has had quite a turnaround since giving up 70 points to the Miami Dolphins in Week 3 last season.

Through five games this season, Denver has allowed 73 points and the defense ranks second in points allowed per game (14.6), third in total yards (271.2), third in sacks (19) and seventh in interceptions (five).

So, what led to the turnaround on defense?

“Vance has done a great job, he and his staff,” coach Sean Payton said earlier this week. “[It’s] hard to point to one thing relative to personnel because obviously there have been a number of personnel changes. I think we’ve gotten stronger in the front, and then I would say we’re better in the secondary. I would say that in a lot of areas.

“We’re getting really good play obviously from [Pat] Surtain and then [Riley] Moss on the other side. We’re getting good safety play, we’re stronger in the front. I think there’s probably anytime you have a turnaround maybe that we’ve seen to date, there’s probably a number of factors.”

Joseph deserves much of the credit for the defense’s success, and offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi has been full of praise for his counterpart.

“I love Vance,” Lombardi said last week. “He’s one of my all-time favorites. He’s another guy that doesn’t get caught up in the short term. After the Miami game last year, there was no panic in Vance. He knows what he’s doing. He’s been around.

“Certainly, whenever we’re not having success, we look at things and try to make adjustments. He’s just a steady, fundamentally sound coach. I never had any questions if this is where he was going to get the defense. He’s the best.”

Joseph and Co. will look to keep the momentum going when they host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

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