The Broncos defense limits offense in the second half of games

The Carolina Panthers scored two touchdowns against the Broncos defense on Sunday afternoon at Empower Field on their first and last possession of the game.

Between these two trips to the end zone?

Denver returned five punts and committed two turnovers en route to a 28-14 victory, giving the team a 5-3 record heading into the season’s halfway point.

It was the latest display of dominance by the Broncos’ defense, which is gaining a reputation for changing plays and finishing opponents in the second half of games.

Outside of Denver’s season-opening loss to the Seahawks, when it gave up 17 points over the final two quarters, the defense has allowed 31 points (4.4 per game) in the second half of seven other contests.

“We just know when to focus and make adjustments on the sideline,” outside linebacker Nik Bonitto said. “(Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph) is good at this type of thing.”

Denver’s defense was incredible after the break. Since Week 1, the Broncos have given up a total of six points in the third quarter and haven’t allowed a single touchdown. Only one opponent has scored in those frames in five of the last six games: a Los Angeles Chargers field goal in Week 6.

The Broncos had 20 sacks and 74 pressures in the second half. Their 13 sacks and 43 fourth-quarter pressures are the most in the league, according to Next Gen Stats.

On Sunday, Denver had two sacks and 12 pressures in the second half.

“It’s just something we talk about all week,” Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian said. “We want to stop the run first and then force them to pass. We have a pretty good secondary and the guys up front know the quarterback. We work together to get the bags. We keep receivers around long enough for them to get the bags.

Even in losses to the Steelers and Chargers, Denver’s defense remained solid in the second half. After Denver gave up 20 points and 246 yards in the second half in the first half, the Chargers recorded a field goal and 104 yards to end the game.

Turnovers were a key element of this success. The Broncos had four interceptions in the second half, including two against the Panthers. Surtain sacked quarterback Bryce Young with three minutes left in the third. Then, with Carolina threatening to score midway through the fourth period, nickel defenseman Ja’Quan McMillian turned to secure a pass intended for winger Jalen Coker near the goal line.