Jonah Elliss, welcome to the NFL. Welcome to the Denver Broncos.
Elliss has been a major bright spot on the Denver defense two weeks into the preseason, attacking quarterbacks and stopping runs.
In fact, he’s racked up a sack in each game, and has been able to set the edge with power and speed.
Jonah Elliss brings energy, passion, power to bolster Broncos edge
Denver has dominated for most of the preseason so far. They held on to beat the Indianapolis Colts 34-30 in Week 1. Then on Sunday, the Broncos blew out the Green Bay Packers 27-2.
Of note, the Packers didn’t play their starters, and the Colts only played theirs for a drive. So, let’s keep the wins in perspective.
Still, Elliss has been part of a different attitude around these Broncos.
“Yeah, for sure. I think we got a lot of positive energy in this locker room,” Jonah Elliss said on Sunday after the win. “I haven’t really heard anybody talk negatively here. Our culture and our camaraderie right now is on point, and I think we can keep this going. We’ll be a really good team.”
For Denver to be better than expected in 2024, the offense must be better at putting points on the board. But the defense has to be improved, too.
That starts up front with the linemen and EDGE guys.
Against the Colts, he created four pressures on only nine pass rushes, and tallied a sack.
Frankie Abbott shows off some of his best plays in these film review:
Jonah Elliss looked like he’ll be a year one contributor both as a pass rusher and as a run defender in the game against Indy. pic.twitter.com/P2f2lKateu
— Frankie Abbott (@FrankiesFilm) August 14, 2024
The first play Abbott reviewed shows Elliss’ pressure leading to an interception. He also crashes down and blows up two runs, while showing off his power in those highlights.
This week, he played even better. The rookie earned an 85.9 grade from Pro Football Focus, and his highlight was a strip-sack of Michael Pratt.
Sack fumble for Jonah Elliss. Rated him as a tier 2 NFL starter with definite top-20 upside at his position. 100th percentile 3-cone..
pic.twitter.com/S1iF79CA9s— Adam Carter (@SmartfootbalI) August 19, 2024
“Yeah, I like his energy,” Sean Payton said after Sunday’s win over the Packers. “He has a counter move. He’s someone that it’s not just one rush plan. [Elliss] plays with passion and again I’m encouraged with the rookie class…It’s good to see his progress.”
Elliss is no one-trick pony, he’s a speed rusher with multiple other moves. Like spins and the bull rush.
“People think I’m 230 pounds, but I’m actually around 250,” Elliss explained. “I feel like my speed to power is what catches people off guard. They think I’m just a speed rusher. It’s been pretty fun getting going like this.”
Where Elliss fits in Denver’s D
Currently, he’s the second-string Sam linebacker behind Jonathan Cooper. Cooper and Baron Browning are set to start on the EDGE for the Broncos, with Elliss and Nik Bonitto filling in when they need a breather.
Cooper is coming off a breakout season in which he totaled a career-high 8.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, an interception, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. He also had the third-most combined tackles on the defense last year with 72. On the other side, Browning started 2023 late due to a meniscus tear, but still finished with 4.5 sacks, while Bonitto racked up 8 sacks of his own.
So, Elliss might have to wait a while to get into games. When he does, he’ll have to focus on making limited snaps count. But, he’s already done that in the preseason and he’s quickly adjusted to the NFL.
“The game’s definitely starting to slow down a little bit,” Jonah Elliss said Sunday night. “The way we practice is very intense. When you go out and practice, it honestly slows down in the game. Huge shout out to the coaching staff for putting that tension on in practice. When we get to the game, it’s actually slower.”
Denver finishes their preseason this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals (2:30 p.m.). Then, they have a week off before the regular season gets underway on Sunday, Sept. 8 at Seattle.