Top action photos on defense from Weeks 1-13 | The best before the bye
As the Broncos rest during the bye week, look back on the first 13 weeks of the season with our favorite action photos of the defense from team photographers.
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonah Elliss (52) works against Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Charles Cross (67) during the Broncos' Week 1 game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington on September 8, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive end Zach Allen (99) tackles Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) in the end zone for the Denver Broncos' second safety during the Broncos' Week 1 game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington on September 8, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the Broncos' Week 1 game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington on September 8, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) chases Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during the Broncos' Week 2 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on September 15, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton (49) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) as his beaded bracelet breaks into pieces during the Broncos' Week 2 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on September 15, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke (6) breaks up a pass to Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during the Broncos' Week 2 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on September 15, 2024. (Photo by Rachel O'Driscoll / Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos safety Brandon Jones (22) makes an interception during the Broncos' Week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on September 22, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety Devon Key (26) tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the Broncos' Week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on September 22, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers (98) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the Broncos' Week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on September 22, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Cody Barton (55) leaps into the air as he pressures Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the Broncos' Week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on September 22, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive end Zach Allen (99) joins in as linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the Broncos' Week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on September 22, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad (40) sacks New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) on the first play during the Broncos' Week 4 game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on September 29, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety Brandon Jones (22) forces a fumble on New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) during the Broncos' Week 4 game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on September 29, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) hands the ball off to running back Breece Hall (20) in their own end zone during the Broncos' Week 4 game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on September 29, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) during the Broncos' Week 4 game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on September 29, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) sacks New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) as linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) and defensive end Zach Allen (99) provide help during the Broncos' Week 4 game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on September 29, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) hits New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) during the Broncos' Week 4 game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on September 29, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke (6) sacks New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) on fourth down during the Broncos' Week 4 game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on September 29, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) runs with the ball after making an interception during the Broncos' Week 5 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 6, 2024. (Photo by Rachel O'Driscoll / Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) intercepts a pass and returns it for 100 yards and a touchdown during the Broncos' Week 5 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 6, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
A general view of the game during the Broncos' Week 5 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 6, 2024. (Photo by Rachel O'Driscoll / Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad (40) makes a tackle during the Broncos' Week 5 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 6, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) closes in on Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) during the Broncos' Week 5 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 6, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (21) intercepts a pass meant for Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the Broncos' Week 5 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 6, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Aidan O'Connell #12 of the Las Vegas Raiders throws a pass against Ja'Quan McMillian #29 of the Denver Broncos during the Broncos' Week 5 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 6, 2024. Photo by Andrew Wevers / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) makes an interception during the Broncos' Week 5 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 6, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos defense lines up during the Broncos' Week 5 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 6, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety Brandon Jones (22) makes a tackle on Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) during the Broncos' Week 6 game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 13, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian (29) pressures Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) as he throws during the Broncos' Week 6 game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 13, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) chases a loose ball after a strip sack on Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the Broncos' Week 6 game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 13, 2024. (Photo by Rachel O'Driscoll / Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers (98) tackles Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the Broncos' Week 6 game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 13, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Cody Barton (55) forces New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) to fumble during the Broncos' Week 7 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 17, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers (98) sacks New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) during the Broncos' Week 7 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 17, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian (29) forces New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) to fumble during the Broncos' Week 7 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 17, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Cody Barton (55) returns an fumble recovery for a touchdown during the Broncos' Week 7 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 17, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive end Zach Allen (99) pressures Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the Broncos' Week 8 game against the Carolina Panthers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 27, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Kwon Alexander (12) and linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) combine on a tackle during the Broncos' Week 8 game against the Carolina Panthers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 27, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) tackles Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (6) during the Broncos' Week 8 game against the Carolina Panthers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 27, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the Broncos' Week 8 game against the Carolina Panthers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 27, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) runs with the ball after an interception during the Broncos' Week 8 game against the Carolina Panthers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 27, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the Broncos' Week 8 game against the Carolina Panthers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 27, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonah Elliss (52) pressures Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the Broncos' Week 8 game against the Carolina Panthers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on October 27, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian (29), linebacker Cody Barton (55), cornerback Riley Moss (21) and safety Brandon Jones (22) gang tackle Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) during the Broncos' Week 9 game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on November 3, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive end Zach Allen (99) rushes the passer during the Broncos' Week 10 game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on November 10, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian (29) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (29) during the Broncos' Week 10 game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on November 10, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the Broncos' Week 10 game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on November 10, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad (40) pressures Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the Broncos' Week 10 game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on November 10, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) attempts to get past an Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman during the Broncos' Week 11 game against the Atlanta Falcons at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on November 17, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) tackles Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III (34) with just one arm during the Broncos' Week 11 game against the Atlanta Falcons at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on November 17, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety Devon Key (26) and cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian (29) tackle Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) during the Broncos' Week 11 game against the Atlanta Falcons at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on November 17, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) jumps off the line during the Broncos' Week 11 game against the Atlanta Falcons at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on November 17, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) tackles Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) during the Broncos' Week 11 game against the Atlanta Falcons at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on November 17, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive tackle Malcolm Roach (97) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) during the Broncos' Week 11 game against the Atlanta Falcons at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on November 17, 2024. Photo by Nicole Pennetta / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian (29) tackles Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III (34) during the Broncos' Week 11 game against the Atlanta Falcons at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on November 17, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Cody Barton (55) intercepts a pass during the Broncos' Week 11 game against the Atlanta Falcons at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on November 17, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonah Elliss (52) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) during the Broncos' Week 11 game against the Atlanta Falcons at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on November 17, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) during the Broncos' Week 11 game against the Atlanta Falcons at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on November 17, 2024. Photo by Rachel O'Driscoll / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (21) breaks up a pass during the Broncos' Week 12 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 24, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) pressures Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) during the Broncos' Week 12 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 24, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety Brandon Jones (22) runs with the ball after an interception during the Broncos' Week 12 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 24, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Cody Barton (55) pressures Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) during the Broncos' Week 12 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 24, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety Devon Key (26) makes a tackle during the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 2, 2024. Photo by Nicole Pennetta / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Cody Barton (55) leaps as Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) throws a pass during the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 2, 2024. Photo by Rachel O'Driscoll / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Dondrea Tillman (92) tackles Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) during the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 2, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety Brandon Jones (22) tries to bring down Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 2, 2024. Photo by Nicole Pennetta / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian (29) breaks up a pass during the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 2, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) pressures Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 2, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) runs with the ball after an interception for a touchdown during the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 2, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Cody Barton (55) tackles Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) during the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 2, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive end Zach Allen (99) tackles Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (34) during the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 2, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones (93) tackles Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (34) during the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 2, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Dondrea Tillman (92), safety Devon Key (26) and cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) help bring down Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 2, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) and linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) sack Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 2, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) deflects as pass as he pressures Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 2, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 2, 2024. Photo by Rachel O'Driscoll / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian (29) returns an interception for a touchdown during the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 2, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian (29) of the Denver Broncos intercepts a pass for a touchdown during the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 2, 2024. Photo by Andrew Wevers / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Cody Barton (55) runs with the ball after making an interception during the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on December 2, 2024. Photo by Rachel O'Driscoll / Denver Broncos
