One word describes the Broncos so far in training camp: Swagger

Swagger. Ask for one word to describe the Broncos thus far in training camp and that’s it. At every turn, Denver boasts an attitude.

Their second-year quarterback has it, Bo Nix carries himself like a seasoned vet. He knows he can play. Everyone around him does too. And having that at the most-important position in sports changes everything.

That translates to the rest of the offense. Courtland Sutton has a big new contract and looks like a star. JK Dobbins brings some much-needed juice at running back. And Evan Engram has transformed the tight end room, bringing a playmaking ability at that position that has been lacking for year.

But it’s the other side of the ball that really brings the swagger. On defense, the Broncos are good. Really good. And they aren’t shy about letting everyone know.

Denver’s defense is chirpy. They have an edge to them. They walk the fine line. And that’s a good thing.

They fly around. They’ll hit. And they are looking to do damage.

They led the NFL in sacks last year with 63. Don’t be surprised if the are tops in the league at forcing turnovers this season; they play with a style and pace that lends itself to taking away the football.

That’s why the Broncos have legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. They have a defense that can get them there. They’ll keep them in every game. They’ll carry them in others.

Pat Surtain, the NFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, is the biggest name in the group. But he’s not the only star.

Nik Bonitto is an elite edge rusher, coming off a season where he posted 13.5 sacks. Zach Allen is one of the best interior defensive linemen in the game, which is why the Broncos rewarded him with a $102 million contract extension over the weekend.

But they were all here last year. This version of the Broncos defense is different because of the newcomers.

Talanoa Hufanga is a playmaker at safety. He has a nose for the football and is all over the field.

He’s not the straw that stirs the drink, however. That’s his former 49ers teammate, Dre Greenlaw.

A true sideline-to-sideline middle linebacker, he brings a skill set to the field that hasn’t been seen in Denver since Danny Trevathon left after Super Bowl 50. He also brings a mindset.

In 2019, San Francisco came to the Mile High City for joint practices against the Broncos. From the jump, it was evident which team had swagger.

The Niners were loud. They were fast. They were good. And they were talkers.

They had an energy that was well beyond what Denver brought. It was impossible not to notice, right from the jump.

They kicked the Broncos butt all over the field. One team went to the Super Bowl that year. The other finished 7-9.

Greenlaw brings that same mindset to Denver. He gives the Broncos an attitude that is intimidating. It’s also game-changing, something that’s been missing in these parts for almost a decade.

The Broncos defense is a bunch of bad you-know-whats. They’re scary, in a good way.

But the swagger doesn’t end with the players. It extends off the field, as well.

Sean Payton has it. Denver’s head coach can be prickly at times, but he’s certainly up to the task of running a football team. He’s a winner. He knows it. And he carries himself like everyone else should know it.

He’s backed by the league’s richest owners. Greg Penner and company shell out big contracts like they are $5 bills. Walmart money makes that possible.

They’re also erecting a $175 million new training center, a fact that’s visible at every moment during camp. No expenses are spared around Broncos Park powered by Common Spirit. The organization can foot the bill.

Add it all up and it’s an exciting time in Broncos Country. From the owner to the head coach, from the QB to the middle linebacker, Denver has things dialed in.

That’s why they have swagger. And lots of it.

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