Riley Moss, the Denver Broncos' second-year cornerback, had a strong start to the season before suffering a knee injury in Week 12, during which the team's defensive performance faltered significantly. Upon his return in Week 17 against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals, Moss struggled initially but rebounded in the final game against the Kansas City Chiefs' backup squad. Despite fan concerns about his position, statistics show Moss ranked highly in coverage separation, indicating he has the potential to remain a top cornerback.

Moss, who was drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, concluded his season as the Broncos' third-leading tackler, underscoring his versatility despite the push from some fans to consider him for safety. Head coach Sean Payton has reassured that Moss's physical play and sticky coverage are valuable assets that should keep him at cornerback.

Budda Baker delivered an outstanding season for the Arizona Cardinals, finishing second in the NFL in tackles with an impressive 3.7 tackles over expected per game. This remarkable efficiency set a high standard for defensive backs, underscoring Baker's elite status in the league.

The New York Giants saw promising performances from rookie defensive backs Tyler Nubin and Andru Phillips, both of whom stood out in their respective tackle metrics, contributing significantly to their team's defensive efforts.

The Denver Broncos faced a disappointing defeat in their first playoff game since Super Bowl 50, suffering against the Buffalo Bills. Despite the lackluster performance, the Broncos had an impressive season overall and will benefit from the playoff experience. Quarterback Bo Nix had mixed results, showcasing both questionable decisions and impressive throws. The team struggled with their running back choices, leaving Javonte Williams underwhelming despite a decent yards-per-carry average.

Wide receivers Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims had contrasting performances, with Sutton emerging as a reliable target, while Mims and Devaughn Vele underperformed. On the offensive line, Garett Bolles stood out positively, contrasting with Mike McGlinchey's struggles. The defense saw some bright spots with Zach Allen's dominating performance, but overall, the unit struggled against a powerful Bills offense. Major adjustments will be necessary as the Broncos look to improve for next season.

Five NFL teams faced disappointing playoff exits this year, signaling urgent offseason needs for improvement. The Pittsburgh Steelers were notably challenged offensively, concluding the season with a dismal 0-4 run and only 14.3 points per game in their final stretch. They must address a lack of quarterback stability and enhance their offensive skill positions to threaten defenses more effectively.

The Los Angeles Chargers experienced a setback against the Texans, highlighting their ongoing rebuilding process. Key improvements are necessary on the interior offensive line to support their run-heavy philosophy as they look to develop their promising roster further.

Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos need to fortify their defensive line, particularly against the run, to complement their already strong pass defense. The Green Bay Packers require more playmakers on both offense and defense, as their recent performance exposed significant gaps in their ability to create mismatches. Lastly, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to rejuvenate a fading defense that has struggled with depth and consistency, particularly at linebacker and cornerback.

The Denver Broncos have secured their return to the postseason for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 in 2015, following a dramatic transformation of their defense. After a humiliating 70-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins in 2023 where they allowed a record-breaking 726 yards, the Broncos' defensive unit has since found its identity, ranking first in sacks and third in points allowed.

Head coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph have engineered this turnaround, instilling accountability and aggression. The defense, now led by Pro Bowl cornerback Pat Surtain II, will face the formidable Buffalo Bills in a wild-card playoff game, as they aim for a championship run reminiscent of their past glory.