The National Football League features two standout defenses this season: the Denver Broncos and the Houston Texans. Both teams have proven their mettle through the first 12 weeks of play, showcasing exceptional talent and performance on the field.
Recent Showdowns and Fan Reactions
On a recent Thursday night, the Texans delivered a dominant defensive performance against reigning MVP Josh Allen. They recorded eight sacks and intercepted him twice, leading NFL Insider Ian Rapoport to declare Houston the best defense in the league. This sparked a fierce debate among fans, particularly those of the Broncos, who believe their team holds that title after beating the Texans earlier this season.
Defense Rankings and Statistics
When evaluating the two defenses, several key statistics stand out:
- Total Defense: Broncos rank third (274.4 yards per game) while Texans are first (264.3 yards per game).
- Pass Defense: Broncos fifth (185.8 yards per game), Texans third (172.1 yards per game).
- Run Defense: Broncos fourth (88.5 yards per game), Texans fourth (92.2 yards per game).
- Scoring Defense: Broncos third (17.5 points per game), Texans first (16.5 points per game).
- Turnovers: Texans have forced 19 turnovers compared to the Broncos’ nine.
- Sacks: Broncos lead the league with 49 sacks, while Texans are third with 33.
Key Players
Individual performances further illustrate the strength of each defense:
- Texans:
- Danielle Hunter – 11 sacks
- Will Anderson Jr. – 10.5 sacks
- Derek Stingley Jr. – elite cornerback
- Broncos:
- Nik Bonitto – 9.5 sacks
- Jonathon Cooper – 7.5 sacks
- Pat Surtain II – top-ranked cornerback
Defensive Schemes and Strength of Schedule
The Broncos employ the fifth-most man coverage in the league, while the Texans utilize the sixth-most zone coverage. Additionally, the strength of schedule reflects different challenges faced by each team:
- Broncos: 21st hardest strength of schedule.
- Texans: 15th hardest strength of schedule.
Head-to-Head Comparison
In their previous meeting, the Broncos triumphed 18-15. Houston struggled significantly on third downs and managed only 3.7 yards per play. Despite winning the turnover battle, the Broncos’ defense proved more effective throughout the game.
The ongoing debate about which team possesses the best defense may persist, but one fact remains clear: both the Denver Broncos and the Houston Texans are among the elite units in the NFL, showcasing different styles and strategies on their path to dominance.
