Predicting Broncos' 3 Big Defensive Stat Leaders in 2023

Despite the coordinator changes, the Denver Broncos’ defense has kept the team afloat post-Superbowl 50. The Broncos still have a wealth of talent on the defense, and they remain hungry and determined to uphold the standard set over the past eight years.

Some players will stand out regarding statistical output, whether it be tackles, sacks, or interceptions. Here are the three Broncos that will lead in those categories in 2023.

Sacks: Baron Browning | OLB

Denver lost two of its top sack leaders from last year, trading Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins, who had 5.5 sacks, and letting Dre’Mont Jones walk in free agency to Seattle with his 6.5 sacks. While the two didn’t have eye-popping numbers, the sack production must be replaced.

Enter Browning, who was next on the list with five sacks in 14 games, starting in eight. Between the Chubb trade and Randy Gregory's knee injury, Browning was thrust into a starting role last year. Browning has shown flashes of being a star pass rusher with his explosiveness and burst off the edge.

Injuries have hindered Browning's development the past few years, but with the Broncos hiring a new strength and conditioning coach, that may be a thing of the past. He has the potential to be great, and this will be the year he takes it to the next level.

Prediction: Browning finishes the 2023 season as Denver's lead sack artist with nine sacks.

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Interceptions: Justin Simmons | FS

No need to make a bold prediction when there is one consistent Bronco above all year in and year out, and that’s Simmons. Simmons has led Denver in interceptions in the past five seasons, snagging 23 in that span and 27 since being drafted in 2016.

In 2022, Simmons shared the interception title with fellow safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick, C.J. Gardner Johnson, and cornerback Tariq Woolen, with six.

Simmons only played 12 games due to an injured thigh last year. Had he played the entire season, he may have had the throne all to himself.

Prediction: Simmons continues to pick off opposing quarterbacks and reaches a new personal record with eight interceptions.

READ: Predicting Broncos' 3 Big Offensive Stat Leaders in 2023

Tackles: Alex Singleton | ILB

Initially brought in to shore up Denvers’ special teams unit, Singleton ended up starting 12 games in the Orange and Blue last year. He led Denver in 2022 with 101 solo and 163 combined tackles. He finished fifth overall for tackles in the entire NFL.

Whichever wideout catches the ball over the middle or running back pushes through the defensive line, you can bet that Singleton is already closing in to make the tackle. After a stellar campaign last year, he will have the opportunity to start for the Broncos.

Singleton's volume of tackles last season was impressive, but it’s hard to see him consistently producing 160-plus tackles every season.

Prediction: Singleton leads the Broncos with 130-plus tackles.

The Broncos have playmakers on this defense and must carry the torch of those who set the standard for the past eight years. These three men will no doubt make a significant impact on Denver this year.

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