The Denver Broncos defense is hoping they can get off to a fast start this upcoming season and maintain that after an up-and-down 2024. For Baron Browning, he believes a second year in the same system has paid off for the core of the team.

Broncos pass rusher Baron Browning believes in team’s defense

Browning has a chip on his shoulder this upcoming season. He’s flashed potential consistently throughout his NFL career, but injuries have been the only obstacle getting in his way. Entering a contract year, Browning’s primary focus this offseason has been on keeping his body where it needs to be, aiming to play all 17 games this season.

“Taking care of my body, having a routine and doing what I need to do to be ready each week,” Browning said. “That’s my approach, and I think that will take care of me playing all 17 games.”

Browning looks significantly bigger, having added muscle mass this offseason, and he aims to showcase the power element of his pass rush arsenal. Despite adding muscle mass, his explosiveness is still intact which could prime him to have the best year of his career.

Coming into the offseason, Browning and various other Broncos defenders have talked about how much more comfortable they’ve felt with the defensive scheme since they made some widespread changes last year after the team’s Week 3 70-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

“We’re definitely comfortable with it,” Browning said. “For example, our first year in it, you’re just trying to make sure you have your job down. Then when you get another year in the system, you kind of understand where all the bits and pieces are at, or you might [know that you] have help on the inside or outside. Knowing not only your job, but what the people are doing and how we fit together in the scheme.”

He and Jonathon Cooper will start at edge rusher as the two former Ohio State Buckeyes hope to lead the team’s production in getting after the quarterback. Behind them, Nik Bonitto and rookie Jonah Elliss are next in line when they rotate in.

Bonitto took a massive step last season after his rookie year, and Elliss has looked the part of the player they drafted in the third round this season.

“Jonah has made a lot of strides,” Browning said. “He had a great camp, and I think he’s going to continue to get better as the season rolls [along]. I’m excited to see what he can do for us this fall.”

If the Broncos pass rush can stay healthy this upcoming season, they should produce at a higher rate than we’ve seen in the last handful of years, especially with the additions the team has made on the defensive line during the offseason.

They’ll get their first shot at Geno Smith on Sunday.