Sean Payton talked so the Broncos defense could run its mouth.
Payton is the leader of a team he believes can win a Super Bowl. But he doesn’t even lead the most important unit.
The challenge facing a Broncos team that has not won a playoff game in a decade becomes clear when highlights of Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow flicker on the TV screen.
Payton’s boasting already has some in Broncos Country wincing, believing it is too much, too soon.
Meanwhile, Vance Joseph is embracing the expectations, not interested in chilling his players’ bravado.
“If you are only talking about it and not doing it, that’s the only time it’s a problem,” Joseph told The Denver Post last week.
Joseph holds the key to the Broncos exceeding expectations this season. And there is no reason to doubt him.
Did you see last year’s startling transformation? It’s a wonder Joseph doesn’t have an endorsement with Ozempic.
The NFL has rarely seen anything like this. A defense that allowed 70 points in the third week of the 2023 season is now expected to be among the league’s best in 2025. The players are the reason. But Joseph is why it is happening.
He has created an environment that allows his defenders to flourish. All personalities are welcome. He isn’t trying to change anyone. The message: Be yourself, but play for others.
It is working. This group is doing whatever it takes to make this season special.
“I see the buy-in, not with assignments, but with effort. Anytime I ask them to do anything, they do it. I need more effort to the ball, I need more of this and that, and they do it. I talk to them, and they listen,” Joseph said. “We have no problem with that. We have great trust in the room.”
The players invest in Joseph because he did not abandon them. When the Broncos stunk against the Dolphins in 2023, Joseph blamed himself, refusing the temptation to rent an RV and throw six or so deserving players underneath the tires.
His belief in them has them believing in each other. When the Broncos play, don’t watch the field, watch the sideline. That, folks, is buy-in.
“I see it because they cheer for each other. When the young guys make a play, the veterans cheer. If they sub out, and their backup makes a play, they cheer,” Joseph said. “Everyone understands that, to get what we want, it has to go through the room. It’s all collective. This group was the best at that last year. Hopefully, this year continues that trend. Our best players are our best leaders. Pat (Surtain II), (Jonathon) Coop (Cooper), they are selfless guys. It’s a selfless group.”
Defensive tackle Malcolm Roach says simply, “VJ gets us.” And it helps that he has created a players-first scheme that he refers to as “controlled chaos.” This group conjures memories of the 2015 championship defense because of the way they get after the quarterback. They delivered a franchise-record 63 snacks in 2024.
Joseph, like his mentor Wade Phillips, is known for bringing the heat. He ranked fourth in blitz rate last season. Bodies flying around creates volatility. But with another year in this scheme, Joseph expects more consistency. Fewer “awkward plays.” Better control of the middle of the field with the addition of sideline-to-sideline linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga.
“We talk about being smart bullies all the time. But, we are not just going to talk, we are going to play a smart brand of football. It’s the assignment, it’s the alignment, it’s the playing together. Those things are being addressed every single day,” Joseph said.
“So you see the wow play style we have. It’s an illusion. It is controlled chaos. We are playing with discipline, with intention. It may look like a certain way, but it is purpose-driven.”
The Broncos are relentless, and they are becoming increasingly positionless. Zach Allen can line up anywhere up front. Cooper is capable of holding the edge against the run and rushing upfield. Nik Bonitto can drop quarterbacks and drop back in coverage. Rookie defensive back Jahdae Barron has lined up inside and outside, and he has the size to pull off a safety blitz.
And there’s you know who. Opposing offenses Can’t Stand Pat. Surtain is the reigning defensive player of the year, and the secondary’s versatility frees Joseph to let the league’s top cornerback follow No. 1 receivers.
“It’s our job to find work for Pat. They are trying to avoid him. I have to push the ball toward Pat. That’s scheme, and when you have good players, you can do it,” said Joseph, whose growth makes him a strong candidate to become a head coach again after failing with the Broncos seven years ago.
“It’s always players first, scheme second. I always say that. Having Pat is awesome. He wants the challenge of shutting his side down. He knows he can do that.”
You see where this is going, right?
Sean Payton opened his mouth. Now, Vance Joseph is ready to back it up.
“I have that (confidence). I want to be great, also,” Joseph said. “I know what it takes, and if we can continue to work hard, prepare, and be intelligent, it’s going to work out.”
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