ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos' defensive line will look to embrace a different approach heading into the 2024 season.

Entering Year 2 under Head Coach Sean Payton and Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph, defensive tackle D.J. Jones is confident that the defensive line is prepared to improve upon last year's performance. The eighth-year player noted that stopping the run and embracing a more attack-oriented mindset will be essential to success this upcoming season.

"I think it's everything," Jones said Wednesday of defending the run. "If we can't stop the run, we can't win as a team. So, it's on us to stop the run. I think we've [made] a valiant effort in camp so far."

Denver newcomers John Franklin-Myers and Malcolm Roach have contributed to these efforts, and Jones believes the veteran players can play an important role in this new defensive approach.

"I'm loving who they brought in," Jones said of the two players. "… The scheme, the ability to attack, I think it gives us all a different perspective on the game."

Jones is familiar with this approach having played in a similar scheme in San Francisco, and he said attacking will both "[take] away the thinking" and open up opportunities for the Broncos' defensive line in 2024.

"I feel like it's the new norm," Jones said. "If you're not attacking, your D-line's waiting — and your linebackers have [to have] 180 tackles. Attacking is the way, I think."

Entering his eighth year in the league, Jones is still seeking steady improvement each time he steps on the field. In 2023, Jones recorded 46 tackles (30 solo), two sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. In the process, he became the first Broncos defensive tackle since at least 1994 to record at least three forced fumbles in a single season.

While he said he now has to pay closer attention to his recovery process and taking care of his body off the field, his desire to dominate on the field shows no signs of fading anytime soon.

"I'm just playing football at this point," he said. "I want to dominate every day [and] get better every day."

STARTERS SET TO PLAY IN PRESEASON GAMES

Head Coach Sean Payton believes preseason games will play an important role in the buildup to Week 1, and heplans to play his starters in these games.

"I think the preseason is important," Payton said. "… So we're going to play our starters in the preseason. I think it's important to build a callus."

Payton noted that he will weigh the reps of his starters and continuously evaluate progress throughout the three preseason games.

"I think it's important, [and] our guys know that," Payton said. "We played them last year."