It’s been a while since the Denver Broncos have had a double-digit sack producer off the edge in the Mile High City. Just 11 weeks through the season, Denver’s approaching their first season with an edge rusher nearing that feat for the first time since 2018.
Denver Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto is close to ending six-year drought
The last time the Denver Broncos had an outside edge rusher hit double-digit sacks, both Bradley Chubb and Von Miller were on the team. Since 2018, Denver’s been trying to find a pass rusher who can become that potential clinching producer at the end of games, and they’ve found him.
Nik Bonitto burst onto the scene last year for the Broncos and has continued to evolve, becoming a borderline superstar rusher in the making here in 2024. Through 11 weeks of action, Bonitto is tied for 2nd in the NFL in sacks this season with nine on the year, trailing Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson, who leads the rest of the league with 11.5.
In Sunday’s game against the Falcons, Bonitto came up with two sacks, one on Kirk Cousins and the other on Michael Penix Jr, late in the fourth quarter, bringing his total up to nine. If he’s able to come up with one sack next Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, he’ll be the first Broncos player to amass double-digit sacks since Miller and Chubb did six years ago.
He’s had more opportunity this season to get after the quarterback after stepping into the starting lineup after Week 2.
“I would say No. 1, and I’m guessing… We played 11,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton said of Bonitto. “I would No. 1, guess that his snap count is higher. So I’d say more opportunity. He’s stronger, and so with those additional opportunities, I think he’s done a great job of taking advantage of it to his credit. He’s a handful. Especially he’s one of those guys that bends well. It’s really helped us not only on third down, but on the earlier downs.”
Not only will 10+ sacks help set a new standard for the Broncos’ pass rush going forward, but it also answers their question on whether or not their edge depth is good enough — SPOILER ALERT — it is.
