Broncos Notebook: Denver’s defense focuses on building momentum, maintaining standard of play ahead of Week 2
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Throughout training camp and preseason, the Broncos emphasized the importance of having a quicker start on defense in 2024.
And during the first half of Week 1, that fast start seemed to be on full display as the unit recorded an interception and two safeties all before the end of the first 30 minutes.
As the team now prepares for Week 2, Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph said it will be important for the defense to continue to build momentum in what he believes will be a tough and physical matchup with the Steelers.
“It’s going to be a dark, tough game on Sunday,” Joseph said Thursday. “It’s not going to be fancy. It’s going to be the tough team who’s going to win.”
In order to get that win, several players said it will be essential for Denver’s defense to remain more consistent throughout the game. After making some key plays early on during last week’s matchup, Seattle scored 17 unanswered points beginning in the third quarter and the team felt the momentum shift. Cornerback Riley Moss said he believes Denver could have come out for the second half with “a little bit more fire,” and the team will now focus on bringing that fire and energy to every play in Week 2.
Along with bringing this consistent energy, successfully defending the run could also play a key role in this week’s battle. Joseph said “Pittsburgh’s formula to win” will be running the football, and the Broncos will need to be ready to respond.
Although Joseph said stopping the run is “always a must,” outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper noted that it has been even more of a point of emphasis throughout practice this week. Steelers quarterback Justin Fields, who is currently expected to start, averages the second most rush yards per game by a quarterback in NFL history, while running back Najee Harris has the most touches of any player over the last four seasons
