Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto’s increased pass-rush production stems from improvement as run defender: “He’s gotten stronger”

Nik Bonitto is closing in on a major milestone.

On Sunday against the Raiders, Denver’s third-year edge rusher will need just one sack to become the first Bronco to record double-digit sacks in a single season since Von Miller and Bradley Chubb both did it in 2018. At nine sacks total, Bonitto’s tied for second-most in the league.

Head coach Sean Payton said part of the reason Bonitto has had an uptick in his numbers is because he is playing more snaps. Last season, Bonitto would come in on third-down situations to create pressure. Due to his growth as a run defender, Bonitto has had more chances to attack the quarterback.

“He’s gotten stronger,” defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said. “He’s never been a bad run defender…But he has developed the strength and mindset to be an edge setter.”

In 2023, the Broncos gave up 5.7 rushing yards per play when Bonitto was on the field and 4.4 when he was on the sideline, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats. Those numbers have rapidly improved in 2024. Denver has given up 3.8 yards per rush when Bonitto is on the field. He also has 18 run tackles.

Bonitto’s improvement in stopping the run has gone hand-in-hand with his impressive pass-rush numbers. He has 35 pressures and a pressure rate of 15.4% — 12th-best in the league with a minimum of 200 pass rushes, according to Next Gen Stats.

“Overall, stopping the run and playing with the lead, he’s getting more opportunities (to rush the passer),” Joseph said. “He’s always been a good rusher but the opportunities were limited in the past. He has gotten better in all phases.”

Another accolade for Nix: The awards keep on coming for Bo Nix.

The Broncos starting quarterback was named the NFL’s Rookie of the Week for the second straight time. His latest accolade comes a day after he was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week, following his 307-yard and four-touchdown performance in the 38-6 win over the Falcons.

Nix is the first Bronco since Tim Tebow in 2010 to earn multiple Rookie of the Week honors in the same season, and the first since former Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno in 2009 to earn the award in back-to-back weeks.