Through Week 13, the Denver Broncos defense is ninth in yards allowed per game (315.7), sixth in rushing yards per game (94.7), and third in points allowed per game (18). While they have an enviable talent collection, linebacker Nik Bonitto is a significant reason for their success.
Bonito has elevated his game in the last two years after the Broncos selected him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Last year, he had 23 solo tackles, eight sacks, and a forced fumble. This season, he’s putting up some stats worth of Defensive Player of the Year consideration.
As NFL insider Jordan Schultz tweeted, Bonitto has 11 sacks (second in the NFL), 19 quarterback hits, and 13 tackles for losses. The linebacker from Oklahoma also has three passes defended, a forced fumble, and a 71-yard interception touchdown return. It’s the third-longest INT TD return by a Broncos linebacker and the longest since Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Gradishar’s pick-six in 1980.
Third-year #Broncos pass-rusher Nik Bonitto is a legitimate DPOY candidate:
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 3, 2024
* 19 QB hits
* 13 TFLs
* 11 sacks (2nd in NFL)
* 3 PD
* 1 FF
* 1 INT
* 1 TD (71-yard pick 6) pic.twitter.com/TWCn9RnamU
Bonitto has registered a sack in ten of their last 11 games. His best game came against the Atlanta Falcons, tallying seven tackles and two sacks. Two weeks later, he registered his first career pick-six, helping the Broncos improve to 8-5.
With four regular-season games left, Bonitto and the Broncos have a great chance of making the AFC playoffs. That result will end their postseason drought, which stretches back to the season after they won Super Bowl 50.
-Lance Fernandez