The Denver Broncos are grappling with a significant turnover issue as they head into the playoffs. Despite a strong start to the season, head coach Sean Payton has raised concerns over the team’s ability to generate turnovers, a critical factor for success in postseason play. During a team meeting, he highlighted that only one team in the last 25 years has won a Super Bowl with a negative turnover differential.
In their season opener against the Tennessee Titans, the Broncos showcased a formidable defense. They forced a late fumble, sealing a 20-12 victory, and limited the Titans to just 133 yards and seven first downs. However, as the season progressed, the turnover opportunities for the Broncos began to dwindle.
Payton’s alarm over the situation comes as the playoffs loom. He pointed out that the Broncos’ defense, while effective in many areas, has not been capitalizing on critical turnover chances. This raises the question: how can a defense that has dominated in various aspects fail to produce takeaways?
Many players, including safety Talanoa Hufanga, attribute the problem to missed opportunities. Hufanga noted, “I’ve got to catch the ball. Once I catch the ball, it’s going to start raining.” Despite being in positions to intercept passes multiple times this season, he has yet to record a single interception. Other defenders, like rookie Jahdae Barron and linebacker Alex Singleton, have also experienced similar frustrations with dropped interceptions.
While the Broncos have excelled in pressuring quarterbacks, leading the league with 64 sacks, their ability to force fumbles has been surprisingly low. In the 15 games since their season opener, they have generated only four fumbles, recovering none. This is particularly perplexing given that they are among the top teams in quarterback hits.
Payton has indicated that while the Broncos are not focused solely on sack numbers, the lack of takeaways is a concern that needs addressing. “We’re not interested in the sack numbers,” he stated, emphasizing the need for more turnovers as the team prepares for the playoffs.
The Broncos’ approach to defense, heavily reliant on man coverage, may also be limiting their chances for interceptions. Payton noted that teams employing more zone coverage tend to have better turnover rates, as they create opportunities for defenders to read the quarterback’s intentions more effectively.
Historically, postseason success has correlated with positive turnover differentials. The 2015 Broncos won the Super Bowl with a plus-four turnover margin, while the 2009 New Orleans Saints, coached by Payton, achieved a plus-seven turnover differential during their championship run.
As the Broncos prepare for the playoffs, the focus has shifted to enhancing their turnover production without sacrificing their defensive integrity. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph reiterated the importance of maintaining effective play: “We have to focus on playing the right way. That’s the first thing.”
Players understand that the stakes are high. Justin Strnad, a linebacker for the Broncos, expressed optimism about the potential for improvement. “Turnovers come in bunches,” he said. “We’ve definitely got to be able to force more turnovers.”
The Broncos’ defense has shown it can be dominant. As they approach the playoffs, finding ways to convert pressure into turnovers could be the key to advancing further in the postseason. The message is clear: the time to capitalize on opportunities is now, as every turnover could prove decisive in the quest for the championship.
