Following his two-sack performance against the Atlanta Falcons last week, Denver Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto is now tied for second in the NFL with nine sacks this season.
Only Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson (11.5) has more sacks than Bonitto through 11 games. Bonitto has already topped his previous career high of eight sacks in a season (2023).
Following a 38-6 win over the Falcons, Broncos coach Sean Payton attributed Bonitto’s rise to the pass rusher getting more snaps after putting on more weight.
“I would No. 1, guess that his snap count is higher,” Payton said. “So I’d say more opportunity. He’s stronger, and so with those additional opportunities, I think he’s done a great job of taking advantage of it to his credit. He’s a handful. Especially he’s one of those guys that bends well. It’s really helped us not only on third down, but on the earlier downs.”
Nik Bonitto again. pic.twitter.com/WWCEiW7bnL
— Frankie Abbott (@FrankiesFilm) November 18, 2024
Denver’s defense held Atlanta’s offense to just two field goals on Sunday.
“It means a lot and we obviously take a lot of pride in that,” Bonitto said of not allowing a touchdown. “Credit to the coaching staff and the guys that I am rushing with.”
Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins was sacked three times and the Broncos’ defense now ranks first in the NFL with 39 sacks this fall.
“Just knowing the type of scheme [that] they like to run, knowing the type of guys we have in our room and the d-line room, we knew we could get after them,” Bonitto said.
Up next for Bonitto and Co. is a showdown with the Las Vegas Raiders. Gardner Minshew has been sacked 26 times in nine games this fall.
