Consistency Key in Vance Joseph’s Pursuit of a Dominant Defense

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos enter the 2025 NFL season with a clear objective on defense: consistency. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, now entering his third season back with the team, believes that eliminating lapses in performance will be the key to transforming last year’s strong showing into a truly dominant campaign. In 2023, the Broncos’ defense was among the league’s worst, ranking twenty-seventh in points allowed and twenty-ninth in total yards allowed. Advanced metrics also placed them near the bottom in nearly every meaningful category. The struggles marred what was supposed to be a promising reunion between Joseph and the franchise. However, 2024 brought a remarkable turnaround. Denver climbed to third in points allowed and seventh in total yards allowed, while also finishing first in the NFL with sixty-three sacks. Cornerback Patrick Surtain II earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, and the run defense improved significantly. Still, inconsistency plagued the team late in the season as injuries mounted, preventing them from stringing together complete performances. Joseph knows that to take the next step, his defense must sustain its high level of play over an entire season. “I think the next step is avoiding the awkward big plays, the awkward series. If you’re going to be a top defense in this league, just consistency, building depth to do that and over a long season is important for us,” Joseph said after practice.

“I’d say every defense’s goal is to always be consistent, and if you’re going to be dominant, that’s every down, every game, every quarter. That’s our goal.”

Continuity could give the Broncos an advantage this year, as most of last season’s defensive coaches and starters return. The team also made key offseason additions, including first-round pick Jahdae Barron from Texas and third-round defensive lineman Saivion Jones from LSU. Both rookies have the potential to contribute, though Joseph is counting most heavily on proven veterans to stabilize the unit. Denver made one of the offseason’s biggest splashes by signing linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga away from the San Francisco 49ers. Both are known for their speed, playmaking ability, and relentless energy. “They’ve made their mark because of how hard they play. It’s been really fun to add two guys who are used to playing at a fast pace,” Joseph said. “They both are playmakers, and they both love to play. They’re great in meetings, they’re great team guys, so it’s been two perfect additions for us.”

Whether the Broncos can reach the NFL’s defensive summit in 2025 remains to be seen. Last year’s leap forward shows that dramatic improvement is possible, and the pieces are in place for another big step. If Denver can find the consistency Joseph desires, they could transform from an opportunistic defense into a dominant one.