The Lead

Alex Singleton can feel the difference.

For the first time since the 2021 season, the Broncos' defense returns the same play-caller and same defensive system.

On the field, Singleton believes that continuity is already paying dividends.

"It's incredible," Singleton said Tuesday. "This is my first time in five years [in the same system]. The first two years I was in Philly [with the Eagles] was the only time I had the same defense two years in a row. It is night and day. How comfortable I feel every day out here coming in, it's not [comparable]. When it's a new scheme, you're still learning from square one."

Singleton said a year ago, the Broncos were still learning how to mesh the systems of former defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and current Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph. Though the defense struggled initially, the unit was able to turn things around to fuel a midseason five-game winning streak via a slew of takeaways.

"What we did early last year, obviously the Raider game we could have won that," Singleton said. "The Commanders game, we should've shut them out [or] it should've been a 35-10 game or whatever. And then what happened after that [in Miami]. We win those two [or three], we're in the playoffs. There's no question, with how the rest of the season went."

Singleton said the defense knows it must start faster in 2024, particularly with the uncertainty at the quarterback position.

"We know that we've got to start hot," Singleton said. "Whoever is going to play quarterback is going to be a younger guy in the system, so we know what we need to do, and we have to prepare. We have been preparing like that and [have to] come into the rest of the summer knowing that and get ready to win football games. We're going to be better."

As outside linebacker Baron Browning put it, the Broncos simply need to return to the defensive standard that has been present for much of the franchise's history.

"I think that's what Denver's known for, is having a great defense," Browning said. "… We've got to keep that mentality, and I don't see that changing. Great teams have a great defense, and great defense wins championships. That's our goal, and that's our mission here."

As the offseason comes to a close, Singleton believes he sees the foundation in place to find more success.

"I think we're flying around at a pace better than we did at any point last year because guys are comfortable," Singleton said. "Eighty percent of our guys have been in this system now [for] two years. Those other 20 percent just play at that level. It's been faster, and I think it's just going to continue to get faster and a lot more comfortable. It's been really nice."