Broncos Led NFL With 68 Sacks but Finished Tied for 26th in Takeaways

The Denver Broncos recorded the NFL's highest total of 68 sacks in 2025 while ranking second in third-down defense at 33.8 percent and first in red zone efficiency at 42.6 percent. The unit also placed sixth in defensive EPA at 41.4, second in run defense by allowing 91.9 yards per game and seventh in pass defense by allowing 187.2 yards per game.

Despite those results and a 14-3 record, the Broncos finished tied for 26th in takeaways with 14.

Only the Dallas Cowboys with 7, the Washington Commanders with 5 and the New York Jets with 3 produced fewer. The Broncos recovered three fumbles all season, tied for the league low, and just two came from the defense. The team hit opposing quarterbacks 224 times, 42 more than any other club.

Edge rusher Nik Bonitto said the group made many plays on sacks and third downs yet the turnovers did not follow. "We always say they come in bunches, but the bunches didn't really come," Bonitto said. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph raised the topic with players when they reported for the offseason program in May.

Safety Talanoa Hufanga said the issue appeared at the top of the board during those meetings. Joseph told players to attack the ball on sacks rather than simply making the tackle. The postseason gave the Broncos a glimpse of what additional turnover production could produce.