The Denver Broncos defense came up big this past Sunday against Kirk Cousins and an explosive Atlanta Falcons offense that had a multitude of weapons to go to. Defensively, the Broncos found a way to limit the explosive plays on the ground from Bijan Robinson and through the air against Darnell Mooney, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. What did the All-22 film review show us?
Denver Broncos Film Room vs. Atlanta Falcons: Denver’s defense is playing on another level right now
Coming into Sunday’s game, the Atlanta Falcons were a top-five unit in terms of net yards per game, averaging nearly 375.1 yards per game. On film, they were well-balanced because of their ability to run the ball effectively with Bijan Robinson, as well as Kirk Cousins being able to rely on Drake London and Darnell Mooney for explosive plays.
Denver’s defense did a great job against a variety of the formations the Falcons threw at them. There were times when the Atlanta offense lined up in empty, trips to one side, quads to one side, motion, and different stack looks that had tight splits from the receiving core, so much of Denver’s defensive focus had to be on presnap communication. The Broncos ran a variety of zone, match, and man coverage looks to counteract some of the Falcons’ offensive designs, specifically on third down where they held them to 4-of-13.
Nik Bonitto continued his tear this season, sacking Cousins once in the fourth quarter and Michael Penix Jr., bringing his total to nine sacks on the season, which ties him for 2nd in the NFL. Jonah Elliss had one sack off of the edge and Malcolm Roach beat a double team block in the first half on Cousins, while the backend coverage from the secondary held up.
Right now, the Broncos defense is humming. In the first half, Denver’s defense held the Falcons to two field goals and one punt. The Falcons second-half possessions saw them go punt, interception, punt, punt, punt, and end of game.
Check out the full film review up above.