Denver, CO

After Broncos struggled to stop run in 2023, Vance Joseph changed his philosophy. Denver has benefited from it.

Published

1 year ago

November 1, 2024

After Broncos struggled to stop run in 2023, Vance Joseph changed his philosophy. Denver has benefited from it.

Vance Joseph wasn’t coaching on his terms and Denver’s run defense paid a price.

In his first season back in Denver, the Broncos defensive coordinator thought it was best to do things that were similar to what players did under the previous regime. Joseph’s plan, however, backfired. The Broncos gave up the third-most rushing yards in the league (137.1), the most yards per attempt (5.1) and 56 rushes for 10-plus yards, according to Next Gen Stats.

Their performance against the Dolphins — 726 total yards allowed, including 350 on the ground — left a stain that was hard to wipe away.

In the offseason, Joseph knew a philosophical change was needed. He wanted to steer away from shell coverages and instead encouraged his defensive linemen to play with more aggression. Through eight weeks, that shift has paid off.

Denver has been one of the best run defenses in the NFL, making Sunday’s matchup against the Ravens rushing attack, spearheaded by quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, highly anticipated.

“I truly think, in this day and age in the NFL, if you’re not playing on your terms, you’re losing,” Joseph told The Denver Post. “Last year, we (weren’t) doing that and it didn’t help our team win.”

The Bronco’s success has been more than just a change in mindset. They added reinforcements in the trenches to fit their new approach. They traded for former Jets defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers during the draft and signed run-stopper Malcolm Roach to a two-year deal. Meanwhile, outside linebacker Nik Bonitto spent the offseason improving as a run defender so he could be more than a pass-rush specialist.

Denver tailored the defense to fit the vision of its leader, and the results have been impressive. Through eight games, the Broncos have given up 106.4 rushing yards per game — seventh-best in the NFL — and four yards per carry.

The Broncos have held opponents under 100 rushing yards four times, with each of those efforts resulting in a victory. They had six games with fewer than 100 rushing yards allowed the entire 2023 season.

“We brought in some guys who play an attacking style, which I think, personally, a lot of top defenses play that way,” Allen told The Post. “It’s been a lot of fun. And when you stop the run, go get opportunities to rush the passer.”

Allen has been one of the league leaders in QB pressures (fifth with 38), but he has played the run well, too. He has 17 run stops, according to Pro Football Focus. Edge rusher Jonathon Cooper and inside linebacker Justin Strnad, who replaced Alex Singleton after his season-ending injury, have also played integral roles with 10 run stops apiece.

Now comes the real test for all of that progress: The Baltimore Ravens.

Over the years, Baltimore has had one of the best rushing attacks. Since 2018, the boys in black and purple finished first in rushing yards three times, and they are on track to do the same this year. Jackson has had a major hand in that, collecting 5,579 rushing yards in seven seasons.

“I don’t think anyone runs the ball as good as those guys because of Lamar,” Joseph said. “It’s like (former Falcons quarterback) Michael Vick back in the day…(those) offenses were always top five in rushing because he added 60 yards.”

Jackson has missed the last two days of practice due to a back/knee injury, but Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters in Baltimore that the 2-time MVP was resting on Wednesday. Joseph is planning on Jackson being available. “I think Lamar’s going to play. It’s midseason. Maybe he’s a little beat up. But he’s always answered the bell,” he said.

In the offseason, the Ravens basically added a jetpack to a rocket with the signing of Henry — a four-time Pro Bowler — to a two-year deal. In his ninth season in the NFL, Henry hasn’t lost a step. He has played on an MVP level, rushing for 946 yards and nine scores on 145 carries.

The former Titan has had four games of at least 100 yards rushing. The Broncos, however, have allowed a player to top 100 rushing yards in a game just once: Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker (103 yards) in the season-opener.

“It’s a testament to him,” Roach said of Henry’s longevity. “I’ve seen him train before in Dallas and it was a sight to see. There’s no surprise why he has so much success.”

Joseph said the Ravens have done a solid job executing “The Henry offense,” which is a steady diet of power runs, outside zone and toss plays. The numbers don’t lie: Henry has 77 carries for 632 yards and five touchdowns on outside zone runs, according to Next Gen Stats.

Stopping Henry or Jackson has been problematic over the years. It’s even trickier now that they share the same backfield. Jackson and Henry have a special ability to break loose for explosive runs. Jackson is first in the league with 20 rushing attempts for 10-plus yards. Henry is right behind him with 19.

The Ravens are an even greater challenge whenever they use read-option plays that make both Jackson and Henry a threat to run. The Broncos could assign a “spy” to cover Jackson specifically on each snap. Such a player would have to be able to put pressure on Jackson and not let him get settled in the pocket.

“The key part is having enough scheme to cover that extra gap because of (Jackson),” Joseph said. “So if you don’t have something to take away that extra gap, that’s the problem.”

Against Baltimore’s offense, it might take more than just stacking the box with eight-plus defenders. Numbers have shown that the Ravens have been effective in running against stacked boxes this season. On 79 run plays against stacked boxes, they have totaled 63.4 yards per game, according to Next Gen Stats. Henry has 377 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in those situations.

And if the Broncos put more defenders at the line of scrimmage, they could be vulnerable to giving up explosive plays in the passing game. Jackson is fifth in yards (2,099), second in touchdowns (17) and first in passer rating (115.4). Jackson has done a solid job at spreading the ball around. The Ravens have had nine different players catch a touchdown pass.

“Some (teams) fill the box, but that sets up a lot of opportunities with the passing game when you’re committed to stopping the run,” Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II said. “It allows the play (action) pass, (bootlegs), RPOs (and) all those things that feed off the run to have success in the passing game.”

On Sunday, an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. The Broncos defense has transformed into one of the best in the league, and they look forward to keeping that status against the Ravens.

“They’re the No. 1 ranked offense in the NFL, so it’ll definitely be a great challenge for us to see where (how) we match up against them,” outside linebacker Baron Browning said. “I think we’re all up for the challenge.”

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Originally Published: October 31, 2024 at 7:32 PM MDT

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Denver, CO

Every Opening and Closing This Week: Six Spots Debuted

Published

3 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Every Opening and Closing This Week: Six Spots Debuted

Paperboy has opened its first location outside of Texas.

Paperboy

Denver is a city that loves to brunch and now, one of Austin’s top daytime spots has opened a location in the West Highland neighborhood. Paperboy’s third outpost is its first outside of its home state of Texas. The concept, which founder Rynan Harms started in a food trailer, has taken over the former home of Rooted Craft American Kitchen (and FNG before that).

“We love this neighborhood because it’s still close to downtown but has its own unique and relaxed vibe,” says Robert Brown, Harms’ longtime business partner, who has lived in Denver for nearly a decade. “People know their neighbors, they show up to community events, they’re invested in this place in a way that feels increasingly rare. That sense of connection is something Paperboy has always tried to foster, and we’re honored to be a part of it here in Denver.”

The menu includes staples such as the chicken and biscuit drizzled with spicy honey; Texas Hash with roasted pork, sweet potato, onion, kale, poached egg and pecan mole; and the Paperboy Pancake, described as “a cake-forward cornmeal pancake that still manages to be impossibly fluffy.”

martini on a table in front of a bar — FiNO’s martini is made with pickled tomato water.

Also now open is FiNO, the restaurant inside the revamped All Inn Hotel on East Colfax. We enjoyed our first meal there; if you’re planning to visit, don’t miss the signature martini, the Medi Nachos and the caper-studded charred cabbage.

On East Sixth Avenue, the powerhouse duo behind the city’s best new barbecue restaurant, Riot BBQ, has debuted Chicken Riot in the former Truffle Cheese Shop space. Meanwhile, the former Whiskey Biscuit in Englewood is now the Barn, a neighborhood eatery from a pair of longtime hospitality pros, including former Brider chef Chase Devitt.

Taqueria Los Gallitos has expanded once again, adding an eighth location in the former Taco John’s near the shuttered Denver Merchandise Mart.

And just in time for the Rockies home opener on Friday, April 3, McGregor Square has opened its revamped food hall. The former Milepost Zero moniker is out. Now, the space is dubbed McGregor Square Food & Drink and includes six food stalls from local eateries: Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta, C Burger, G-Que BBQ, High Point Creamery, TaCo! and Tora Ramen.

There’s just one closure to report this week: Ballyhoo Table & Stage, which actually shuttered last month after an eviction notice was posted.

In other openings and closings news:

chicken club sandwich — A chicken club is one of the sandwiches on off at the Barn.

Here’s the complete list of restaurants and bars that opened and closed this week*:

Openings

The Barn South Broadway, 3299 South Broadway, Englewood
Chicken Riot, 2906 East Sixth Avenue
FiNO, 3015 East Colfax Avenue
McGregor Square Food & Drink, 1601 19th Street
Paperboy, 3940 West 32nd Avenue
Taqueria Los Gallitos, 5810 Logan Street

Closures

Ballyhoo Table & Stage, 3300 Tejon Street

*Or earlier and not previously reported.

Know of something we missed? Email cafe@westword.com.

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Denver, CO

Preview: Spirit Prepares for First Match Against Denver Summit FC, Another Record Crowd

Published

15 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Preview: Spirit Prepares for First Match Against Denver Summit FC, Another Record Crowd

Denver, Colo. (03/27/2026) – In front of another expected record-breaking crowd, the Washington Spirit is set to take on Denver Summit FC in the side’s inaugural home match at Empower Field at Mile High. With over 60,000 tickets already distributed, the match is poised to break the NWSL attendance record of 40,091 set last summer when the Spirit visited Bay FC at San Francisco’s Oracle Park. Kicking off at 2 p.m. EDT, the match will broadcast nationally on CBS.

The Spirit

Washington comes into this weekend’s fixture off a difficult 1-1 home draw with Utah Royals FC earlier this week. After scoring in the 18th minute, the Spirit nearly earned its first victory of 2026 but conceded an equalizer late and had to settle for a single point on the table. Washington’s goal was scored by midfielder Rebeca Bernal, the Mexican star’s first since transferring to the NWSL last year.

Saturday afternoon’s match will mark the first-ever meeting between the Spirit, one of the NWSL’s original clubs, and 2026 expansion side Denver Summit FC. Denver will be the 17th different opponent for Washington across its regular season history: the Spirit has played against 13 active clubs (all except expansion sides Denver and Boston) as well as defunct clubs the Boston Breakers, FC Kansas City and the Western New York Flash.

The Spirit has had success against expansion sides as of late, tallying 11 wins in 15 matches against NWSL clubs in their first season of competition since the start of the 2021 campaign. In 2024, the Spirit went a perfect 5-0-0 against Bay FC and Utah Royals FC, outscoring the teams 10-3 with a playoff win to boot. In 2022, Washington earned a 1-3-0 record against Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC and, in 2021, the eventual NWSL champions went an impressive 5-1-0 against Kansas City and Racing Louisville FC.

This weekend’s matchup at Empower Field at Mile High, home of the NFL’s Denver Broncos, is set to shatter the NWSL’s single match attendance record with over 60,000 tickets already distributed. The Spirit has also been the visiting team for two of the league’s previous three record-setting attendances: 34,130 fans at Seattle’s Lumen Field when the Spirit took on the Reign and 40,091 in the stands at San Francisco’s historic Oracle Park to watch Washington play Bay FC.

Washington is in good standing in several attacking categories through three matches despite two draws and a loss. The Spirit remains first in the league in rate of possession at nearly 62% and top three in both shots and shots on target with 49 and 17, respectively. With just three goals through three matches, look for the Spirit attack to continue getting attempts on frame this weekend.

Following Saturday’s match, the Spirit will hit the road again next weekend for an away match against Bay FC in San Jose on Sunday, April 5. Washington’s next home match will be on Friday, April 24 at 8 p.m. EDT when the side hosts the defending Shield winner Kansas City Current at Audi Field. Information on tickets can be found HERE.

The Opponent

Denver Summit FC opened its inaugural season with three straight away matches, collecting a win, a loss and a draw to carry four points into its home opener this weekend. Summit FC dropped its first match to Bay FC 1-2 before drawing Orlando 1-1 and beating Gotham 2-0.

Summit FC is led in scoring by star German forward Melissa Kössler who has three goals in three matches, scoring once in each contest. With a goal tomorrow, the forward would join Alex Morgan as just the second player in league history to score in each of her first four matches with a club. Look for the Spirit defending third to place an emphasis on limiting chances to Kössler on Saturday afternoon.

Denver has only allowed one goal across its last 240 minutes of action after giving up two in the first 30 minutes of the side’s opener. The strong recent form of Summit FC’s defending third against the Spirit attacking third’s ability to generate chance after chance will be a point to watch this weekend.

Three former Spirit players are currently on the Summit FC roster as midfielders Meg Boade and Jordan Baggett and defender Camryn Biegalski signed with the side ahead of this season. Baggett spent four years with the Spirit after being drafted by the side in 2019 while Biegalski signed with Washington in 2021 and played three seasons, both winning the 2021 NWSL Championship with the team. Boade spent the first half of the 2025 season in DC as a short-term injury replacement, even scoring a goal for the Spirit.

Following tomorrow’s match, Denver will travel to Seattle to face Reign FC on Saturday, April 4.

All-Time Series History

This weekend’s match will be the first-ever meeting between the Spirit and Denver Summit FC.

About The Washington Spirit

The Washington Spirit is the premier professional women’s soccer team based in Washington, D.C. and plays at Audi Field in Buzzard Point. The Spirit was founded on November 21, 2012 and is an inaugural member of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) the fastest growing sports league in the US. The club is home to some of the best players in the world who have won championships for both club and country. For more information about the Spirit, visit WashingtonSpirit.com and follow the club on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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Jazz List 8 Players on Injury Report vs. Nuggets

Published

1 day ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Jazz List 8 Players on Injury Report vs. Nuggets

The Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets are tipping off their second-to-last meeting of the 2025-26 season on Friday in the Mile High, where for the Jazz in particular, they’ll be dealing with several injuries headed into the matchup that’ll make them shorthanded once again.

Here’s what to expect on the injury front for both the Jazz and Nuggets on Friday night:

Utah Jazz Injury Report

OUT – Isaiah Collier (hamstring)

OUT – Keyonte George (hamstring)

OUT – Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee)

OUT – Walker Kessler (shoulder)

OUT – Lauri Markkanen (hip)

OUT – Jusuf Nurkic (nose)

PROBABLE – Kyle Filipowski (illness)

OUT – Blake Hinson (two-way)

It’s a lot of the same for the Jazz when looking back at some of their recent injury reports, but there’s also some good news to note as well.

Second-year big man Kyle Filipowski, specifically, is trending up to play in Denver after dealing with an illness against the Washington Wizards; an issue that kept him sidelined for one game and left the Jazz’s frontcourt notably shorthanded for what would be a double-digit loss.

During his post-All-Star stretch, Filipowski has been averaging 13.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, along with 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks through 11 games.

He’s slotted in primarily as the Jazz’s starting center since both Walker Kessler and Jusuf Nurkic have been out with season-ending injuries, and has shown some nice flashes throughout.

Mar 23, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz center Kyle Filipowski (22) controls the ball during the first quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images | Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

However, outside of getting Filipowski back in the mix, the Jazz will still be without second-year guard Isaiah Collier, who continues to deal with hamstring soreness, and will also continue to be down Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen with their extended absences.

It remains to be seen if any of the latter two will be able to return at some point this season, but now with less than 10 games to go on the calendar before the offseason officially hits, the chances of either Markkanen or George coming back keep getting slimmer and slimmer.

For the extent either remains out, expect to see a good chunk of Ace Bailey being the primary scoring option as he has through his recent slate of games, along with an expanded role for their two-way and 10-day players down the bench who have gotten more minutes in recent weeks.

Denver Nuggets Injury Report

OUT – David Roddy (two-way)

OUT – KJ Simpson (two-way)

As for the Nuggets, their injury slate remains clean. The only names out will be a pair of their two way signings in David Roddy and KJ Simpsons, while the rest of their roster is slated to be active.

It’s a major change from what the Nuggets have been used to all season when factoring in their several injuries to key players lasting multiple weeks.

Nikola Jokic, Cameron Johnson, Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon, and Peyton Watson have all missed significant time at one point or another this season, but against Utah, they’ll have all systems go as they roll into the game on a three-game win streak.

Tip-off between the Jazz and Nuggets lands at 7 p.m. MT in Ball Arena.

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