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Broncos defender makes stunning 72-Sack prediction that has the NFL on notice
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- Broncos defender makes stunning 72-Sack prediction that has the NFL on notice
Broncos defender makes stunning 72-Sack prediction that has the NFL on notice originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Denver Broncos aren't satisfied with having the NFL's most dominant pass rush last season they're aiming to make history in 2026.
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After leading the league with 68 sacks in 2025, veteran defensive tackle D.J. Jones believes the Broncos have everything they need to surpass one of the NFL's most legendary records.
"We can break it. We can break the record," Jones said Wednesday when asked about Denver's sack goals for the upcoming season. "What is that, 72? We can break it."
The record Jones is chasing belongs to the iconic 1984 Chicago Bears , who registered 72 sacks in just a 16-game season. With today's NFL schedule featuring 17 games, the Broncos will have one extra opportunity to eclipse the mark.
The Broncos aren't just chasing wins
Denver's 68 sacks last season tied for the fifth-most in league history, trailing only the 1984 Bears (72), the 1989 Minnesota Vikings (71), the 2022 Philadelphia Eagles (70), and the 1987 Bears (70).
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Jones isn't the only Bronco confident that history is within reach.
Earlier this offseason, standout pass rusher Zach Allen boldly predicted that Denver "fully expect[s] to break it" in 2026, showing the confidence that has become a defining characteristic of the Broncos' defense.
The optimism isn't without reason.
Denver returns the core of the unit that terrorized opposing quarterbacks last season. Nik Bonitto headlines the group after recording 14 sacks, while Allen added seven, Jonathon Cooper contributed eight, and Malcolm Roach chipped in four. Defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike also emerged as a valuable contributor with 3.5 sacks.
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The Broncos will have to replace the production of John Franklin-Myers , who signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency, but Jones believes the current roster has more than enough talent to fill the void.
"We got what it takes," Jones said . "We've tasted it. Now, it's time to cook the meal, eat it and take a break."
Jones continued his colorful analogy by expressing complete confidence in Denver's championship-caliber defense.
"We're about to eat again. It's time. We got the numbers, we got the men, we got the will power… it's up to us."
If the Broncos' defense performs anywhere close to its lofty expectations, NFL quarterbacks could be in for another long season—and the record book may soon need updating.
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