The Denver Broncos‘ defense is playing at a historic pace this season.
Vance Joseph’s unit ranks third in points allowed per game this fall (15.0). That’s currently the 20th-best average this century and better than the team’s elite 2005 defense that allowed 16.1 points per game.
Additionally, Denver’s squad ranks third in total yards allowed per game (282.6) and second in sacks (30). Despite the impressive numbers, Broncos coach Sean Payton wasn’t impressed after the team’s 28-14 win over the Carolina Panthers last week.
“I wish we would’ve finished better,” Payton said after the Panthers game. “I said this, it’s not a good offense we played. It’s just the truth. So we expected that, and we’re going to see a lot better teams.”
Payton’s right.
On deck is a huge matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, who rank first in total yards (452.1) and second in points per game (30.3) in 2024. It will be a strength vs. strength showdown in Week 9.
CBS Sports pointed out earlier this week that the Broncos have allowed the fewest yards per play (4.4) this season while the Ravens have gained the most yards per play (7.1) in 2024.
The irresistible force meets the immovable object pic.twitter.com/wxnQk12iHR
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) October 29, 2024
Something’s got to give.
Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (TV broadcast map). Playing on the road, Denver is considered a big underdog in Week 9.