The Denver Broncos are confronting a critical challenge as the NFL playoffs approach, particularly regarding their turnover differential. Head coach Sean Payton has emphasized the importance of improving this aspect, noting that only one team in the past 25 years has won a Super Bowl with a negative turnover differential in the postseason. This warning comes after a promising start to the season, where the Broncos’ defense demonstrated significant strength but has since struggled to generate turnovers.
In their season opener against the Tennessee Titans on September 7, 2025, the Broncos showcased a formidable defense. The team held the Titans to just 133 total yards and forced two fumbles, with rookie Jahdae Barron recovering one late in the game to secure a 20-12 victory. This strong defensive performance set high expectations, but as the season progressed, the turnovers began to dwindle.
With the playoffs looming, Payton expressed concern during Monday’s team meeting, highlighting that the Broncos’ current trajectory may not be sufficient for postseason success. “That’s something we have to improve on,” he stated, directing particular attention to the defense, which has been effective in pressuring quarterbacks but has struggled to capitalize on those opportunities.
The question looms: why has a defense that appears solid on paper failed to produce turnovers? Talanoa Hufanga, a key player in the defensive lineup, provided insight into this dilemma. “I’ve got to catch the ball,” said the safety, addressing his own missed interception opportunities throughout the season. Despite being in position to make impactful plays, Hufanga has yet to record an interception, a statistic that is indicative of the team’s broader struggles in this area.
The analysis reveals that the Broncos have played a primarily man-to-man coverage scheme, which can limit interception opportunities. This strategic choice may reduce the number of players in zone coverage who could potentially disrupt passes. In contrast, teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, which have a more balanced approach, have benefitted from an increased number of interceptions.
Moreover, the Broncos’ fumble recovery numbers are strikingly low. Since the opening game, the team has forced only four fumbles over the course of 15 games, highlighting a significant drop in defensive production. Despite leading the league in quarterback hits with 156 and setting a franchise record with 64 sacks, the correlation between these statistics and forced fumbles is not evident.
Payton remains focused on improving the team’s turnover performance. He acknowledged that while sack numbers are not the sole focus, the ability to force turnovers is crucial. Inside linebacker Justin Strnad emphasized the need for the team to create more opportunities for turnovers, stating, “It’s on us to just make it more of a point of emphasis.”
The current situation raises the question of whether the Broncos should adjust their defensive strategy to prioritize turnover generation. Vance Joseph, the defensive coordinator, firmly believes that the team should maintain its current approach. “How we play is aggressive… It’s worked,” he stated, emphasizing that the team’s focus should remain on playing fundamentally sound football rather than chasing turnovers at the expense of their overall performance.
As the playoffs draw nearer, the Broncos must find a way to balance their strong defensive capabilities with the need to increase their turnover production. The upcoming playoff games will test whether they can adapt and overcome this challenge. The team’s ability to secure turnovers could be a deciding factor in their pursuit of a championship.
With the pressure mounting, the Broncos approach the postseason with the hope that their defense can evolve and produce the critical turnovers necessary for a successful playoff run. The quest for improvements in this area is not just about numbers; it’s about securing victories when it matters most.
