The Denver Broncos' defense has seen a considerable decline in performance over the past few weeks, transitioning from one of the league's top units to a struggling group. Despite their ability to generate turnovers, the Broncos have allowed an average of 25.6 points per game in their last five outings, a stark contrast to the 16.6 points they permitted in the first 11 games of the season. A significant factor in this downturn has been injuries, particularly the absence of cornerback Riley Moss, who missed three games and struggled upon his return against the Cincinnati Bengals. This injury has forced the Broncos to reduce their effective man coverage from over 45% to just 30%.

In addition to injuries, the Broncos' safety and linebacker positions have been notably exploited by opposing teams. Safety Brandon Jones has been a solid acquisition, but his partner P.J. Locke has shown inconsistency, leading to defensive lapses. Similarly, the linebacker corps, even with Alex Singleton, has been underwhelming. Cody Barton and Justin Strnad have had moments of brilliance, but their overall inconsistency has been detrimental. The Broncos' defensive scheme, which once masked these deficiencies, has been increasingly exposed by opponents, as seen in recent games against the Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Chargers, and Cincinnati Bengals. Moving forward, it is imperative for general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton to prioritize upgrades at these critical positions during the offseason.