The Denver Broncos are preparing for a crucial 2025 season, energized by a renewed defensive strength highlighted by the addition of linebacker Dre Greenlaw. The team acknowledges it must maintain the gritty mindset that transformed them from underdogs into one of the league’s most competitive squads. Safety Brandon Jones emphasized the importance of preserving this drive despite the increasing hype surrounding the Broncos’ prospects in the coming year.
“I think we’re handling it really well,”
Jones said.
“I will say, we’re still a young team. I think that just kind of brings that juice and energy and kind of that overall dog mentality that we all have. We never want to get comfortable; [you] never can get comfortable in this league. So I think we’re just going to keep striving for greatness and continue to do what we can do.”
—Brandon Jones, Broncos Safety
Focus on Consistency and Leadership from Coaching Staff
Offensive tackle Garett Bolles highlighted the necessity for the Broncos to start their games with greater intensity while expressing strong confidence in the coaching staff’s leadership. Head coach Sean Payton’s approach, which includes preparing the team for high-pressure situations, has garnered particular praise for instilling a resilient team culture.
“I think we’ve just got to stay calm and composed and just focus on the game and attack each opponent the same way, the way we study, the way that we game-plan, the way that we do things,”
Bolles said about maintaining focus throughout the season.
“We have a hell of a coaching staff here. We really do. One of the best in the NFL for a reason. Coach Payton, I love him dearly. … Just his coaching experience, his mindset [and] his culture that he builds is so special.”
—Garett Bolles, Broncos Offensive Tackle
Bolles also described Payton’s emphasis on readiness during critical moments of games:
“I think when we get in those moments when it’s crunch time and you’ve got to score [or] you’ve got to make a stop, I don’t think we’re afraid because he puts us in situations in practice to make us feel uncomfortable so that when we get in those moments, we can win those close games,”
Bolles said.
“Those are the games you have to win in this league. … I think it’s just all about the culture we have here and the players we have here and the mindset that we have here.”
—Garett Bolles, Broncos Offensive Tackle
Expert Insights on Broncos Defensive Strategy and Player Additions
ESPN analyst Jeff Legwold spoke with Sean Payton about the team’s focus on building a strong defense to support their young quarterback.
“We’re trying to put together the best team we can. And I hear what’s said and I understand the questions, but there are a lot of ways to help a young quarterback — any quarterback. … A good defense helps a quarterback.”
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph echoed this sentiment, emphasizing ongoing improvement beyond last year’s performance. He specifically praised the offseason acquisitions of safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw as vital to strengthening the Broncos’ defensive core.
“We had a great defense, [but] that was last year. My entire offseason [thought] is that’s over, let’s keep improving. Last year counts, but it doesn’t matter moving forward, we added some more pieces, we keep improving … the challenges are ahead.”
—Vance Joseph, Broncos Defensive Coordinator
“It’s always great to add Pro Bowl-type of players. I think both guys bring an attitude of being on great defenses. Both guys bring experience of being in big games and being on dominant defenses. That’s practice, that’s meetings, that’s every day. … To add those kind of guys have been tremendous for us.”
—Vance Joseph, Broncos Defensive Coordinator
New addition Talanoa Hufanga shared his enthusiasm for joining the Broncos’ defense, which he regards as exceptional.
“This defense is incredible. You look from top to bottom, it’s just players. So for me, I just wanted to humbly come in, earn their respect and join a crew that already did really well last year, for sure.”
—Talanoa Hufanga, Broncos Safety
Payton also praised the first-round selection of cornerback Jahdae Barron, emphasizing the rarity and importance of such defensive talent in the draft.
“These are premium positions, and this type of player [Barron] is less available than so many other positions. It’s harder to find these traits and what he does than at other positions, not only in the draft. So he provides great flexibility if you want to play a third-down snap and put Surtain on a certain receiver, travel [Barron] to one, travel [cornerback] Riley [Moss], there’s a lot of flexibility. It’s real difficult if you’re light there.”
Raiders Coach Highlights Promising Rookie Running Back Ashton Jeanty
While focusing on the Broncos’ defensive resurgence, attention also falls on the Las Vegas Raiders’ rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. Head coach Pete Carroll commended Jeanty’s serious approach and ability to handle the pressures of being the team’s featured back.
“He caught the ball well, understood stuff, took everything seriously [and] gave terrific effort throughout,”
Carroll said.
“We made a big deal of him — ‘Everybody’s watching you’ — and he embraced the thought of it. And so, it’s going to be exciting to see what happens.”
—Pete Carroll, Raiders Head Coach
Veteran running back Raheem Mostert also expressed admiration for Jeanty’s explosiveness and playmaking ability.
“The biggest thing that impressed me the most was that he was able to break and take it another 60 yards,”
Mostert noted.
“That’s something that’s not necessarily going on out there in the world right now.”
—Raheem Mostert, Raiders Running Back
Carroll’s method of giving rookies substantial playing reps in offseason sessions, including wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. and cornerback Darien Porter, reflects a strategy aimed at developing depth and competitiveness.
“This is what I’ve done with rookies for a long time,”
Carroll said.
“It just depends on how well you orchestrate what you ask them to do. And if they can find success, that helps our depth and helps us stay competitive.”
—Pete Carroll, Raiders Head Coach
Looking Ahead to a High-Stakes 2025 NFL Season
As the Broncos prepare for 2025, the integration of experienced players like Dre Greenlaw into their defense marks a turning point that could accelerate their rise within the league. The team’s emphasis on a relentless mindset, combined with strategic coaching and valuable player acquisitions, positions Denver as a serious contender. The coaching staff’s focus on cultivating a culture of resilience and readiness suggests the Broncos aim to transform growing potential into consistent on-field success.
With young talent continuing to develop and new additions strengthening key positions, the Broncos anticipate that their defense will play a pivotal role in supporting the offense and improving overall team performance. Meanwhile, other teams like the Raiders are fostering promising rookies who could influence league dynamics in the months ahead. The 2025 season promises to be one defined by the emergence of new stars and strategic battles across the <a href=”https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Dre Greenlaw?
A. Former 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who now plays for the Denver Broncos, recently hurt his leg badly, according to several sources speaking to NBC Sports Bay Area. Sources said he injured his quadriceps while exercising. This injury might cause him to miss part of the 2025 NFL season.
Q. What happened with Dre Greenlaw?
A. Dre Greenlaw, a former 49ers linebacker currently with the Denver Broncos, recently hurt his leg badly, according to NBC Sports Bay Area sources. They reported that Greenlaw tore his quadriceps during a workout.
Q. What happens to Dre Greenlaw?
A. Greenlaw left the game and missed the rest of it as the 49ers were defeated 25–22 in overtime. The following morning, it was announced that Greenlaw had torn his Achilles tendon.