​Last year, the Broncos were on pace to shatter the NFL single-season sacks record for much of the season before ultimately falling just short as the year wound down. This season, however, they’re optimistic about chasing and surpassing that elusive mark. That optimism comes from Broncos defensive lineman Zach Allen, who believes defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s schemes will provide plentiful opportunities for all of the Broncos’ pass rushers to pressure the quarterback.
“In this league, you’ve always got to keep finding ways to improve, to adjust, and to evolve,” Allen said, as quoted by the Denver Post. “Having V.J. dialing up plans that create one-on-one situations for our guys makes a big difference. We’ve got a lot of talented players on this defense, and that depth is what’s going to generate a lot of chances to make plays. We came up just short of the sack record last year, and we’re fully confident we’ll surpass it this season.”
The NFL’s all-time single-team season sack record is 72, a mark set by the 1984 Chicago Bears. The Broncos accumulated 68 sacks last year, a figure that left them within striking distance of the record but short of the historic threshold. With the current coaching staff’s emphasis on pressure schemes and one-on-one matchups, Allen believes the math adds up in their favor to add several more sacks to their total in the forthcoming campaign.
Allen highlights the strategic advantage created by a defense that can consistently generate isolated opportunities for edge rushers and interior linemen alike. He points out that when the scheme is tailored to isolate pass-catchers and disrupt the timing of plays, the entire unit benefits, allowing players to win individually and collectively. The Broncos’ depth along the defensive front is a key asset in this approach, as it means more bodies ready to capitalize on mismatches and quarterback slips, increasing the likelihood of accumulating a higher sack total.
From a tactical standpoint, the Broncos’ plan is to maintain relentless pressure and to diversify their rush packages, keeping opposing offenses guessing. Allen emphasizes that consistent pressure, even when not resulting in a sack, can contribute to hurried throws, incomplete passes, and forced inaccuracies, all of which indirectly support a higher sack tally over the course of the season. He also notes that the defensive line’s chemistry and familiarity with Joseph’s schemes are crucial, as precise execution in coverage behind the rush can reduce hot reads and protect the quarterback long enough to create more sacks.
Expectations within the locker room are high. The Broncos have built a narrative around chasing the record, basing their optimism on last year’s near-miss and the belief that, with efficient design, personnel, and execution, they can cross that threshold in 2024. The leadership from Joseph, combined with the playmaking ability across the front, provides a compelling blueprint for a defense that believes it can dominate opposing offenses and significantly boost its sack totals.
If the plan comes together, the Broncos would not only push the team toward the top of the league in sacks but also reestablish a sense of defensive identity. A successful surge in sack numbers would do more than fill a stat sheet; it would impact field position, shift momentum in crucial games, and set the tone for a defense that aims to be feared by opponents week in and week out. Allen’s confidence serves as a rallying point for a unit poised to redefine its ceiling, leaning on a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging playmakers who can convert pressure into production.
As the season unfolds, the Broncos’ pass rush will be watched closely by analysts and fans who remember the high-water mark set by the 1984 Bears. If they can achieve a five-sack improvement or more, surpassing last year’s 68 and reaching or exceeding the 72-sack plateau, it would mark a historic achievement for a defense that believes its current framework is built for sustained, ferocious pressure. The combination of V.J.’s scheming, the talent across the defensive line, and the team’s overall push to capitalize on every opportunity could very well turn the 2024 season into a landmark year for the Broncos’ pass rush.