The Denver Broncos defeated the Green Bay Packers in Week 15. But the win didn’t come without a casualty. Safety Brandon Jones was placed on injured reserve on Monday after the game with a pectoral injury. He’ll miss the Broncos’ next four games. That said, the Broncos’ defense won’t miss a beat. Here’s why.
What Broncos’ Defense Will Look Like Without Brandon Jones
Enter P.J. Locke. In 15 games last season, he played on 1,000 defensive snaps (96%). Locke totaled 74 total tackles, three tackles for loss, a QB Hit, a sack, two passes defensed, and a forced fumble. But with the signing of Talanoa Hufanga, No. 4 in PFSN’s Safety Impact Score, in the 2025 offseason, Locke was relegated to subpackages (big nickel and big dime). In 13 games this season, he has totaled six tackles and two passes defensed.
So, what’s the takeaway? The Broncos’ defense has three starting-caliber safeties on its roster, with Locke in a contract year and a three-game audition on tap. In 14 games (13 starts), Jones played on 871 defensive snaps (93%). He has totaled 78 total tackles, two QB Hits, half a sack, a fumble recovery, seven passes defensed, and an interception as well.
Jones’ numbers this season, though, are only slightly better than Locke’s 2024 season as the starting strong safety. With the Hufanga signing, Jones, No. 9 in PFSN’s Safety Impact Score, moved to strong safety, coincidentally, this season. Hufanga, meanwhile, has played on 920 defensive snaps (98%) this season. He totals 97 total tackles, six tackles for loss, three QB Hits, two sacks, a forced fumble, and 10 passes defensed.
Opportunity meets preparation as Locke closes out the regular season in the starting lineup. Fellow safety Devon Key, though, will mix in on subpackages (big nickel and big dime). Whereas Hufanga and Jones form the best safety duo in the league, look for a little fall off with Locke alongside the former. Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, meanwhile, won’t have to change up the defensive calls with Locke, though.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton thought Locke played well in Week 15, saying, “[He played] Good. I thought real well, real well. He [Safety P.J. Locke] has played a lot of football.”
