Don’t forget about D.J. Jones. Edge rushers Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, and defensive lineman Zach Allen have received plenty of praise for helping Denver record a franchise-record 63 sacks this season. But Allen wanted to make sure Denver’s nose tackle got his flowers for his impact as a run defender and early down menace. “The only reason why we can pass rush is because he keeps shutting down on first and second down,” Allen said after he was named second-team All-Pro by The Associated Press. “D.J. has been huge for us.” In 2024, the Broncos finished third in rushing yards allowed (96.4), and Jones had a strong hand in Denver’s improvement in that area after struggling in 2023. Jones, who has been a Bronco for three seasons and will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, had 40 run tackles and 12 run stuffs (tackles resulting in no gain or a loss), according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats. But Jones can also rush the passer. He collected a sack and 14 pressures during the regular season, including four in less than three seconds. “He does some really special stuff,” Allen said. “He’s been one of my favorite teammates. Great energy guy.” Broncos right guard Quinn Meinerz credited the defensive line, including Jones, for helping him become first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career. That group pushed Meinerz each day at training camp, and that translated into the regular season. “D.J. is impossible to move in the run game,” Meinerz said. “There are so many layers to our defense that made training camp difficult every single day.” Pick your poison: Bills quarterback Josh Allen loves spreading the ball around to his pass-catchers, which will be one of many challenges the Broncos face in Buffalo on Sunday. The Bills had 12 players record a touchdown reception, and nine with at least 250 yards. Despite losing star wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who was traded to Houston in the offseason, Broncos safety P.J. Locke said Buffalo’s offense has been more dangerous without him. “Most of the time, you know where the ball is going, but that’s not the case at all (against Buffalo),” Locke told The Denver Post. “It makes it a little bit tougher, and that’s why (Allen) is dynamic.” Related Articles Denver Broncos | Broncos don’t mind underdog moniker Sunday vs. Bills: “We’ve been overlooked all year” Denver Broncos | From Bo Nix to a defensive overhaul, Broncos’ surge to postseason powered by transformative offseason Denver Broncos | Five Broncos selected to 2024 AP NFL All-Pro team Denver Broncos | Keeler: Broncos’ Bo Nix is ready for playoff battles with Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes in brutal AFC. “He’s built for this moment” Denver Broncos | Broncos starting QBs since Peyton Manning, 2025 edition: Where are they now? Broncos fairly healthy going into Buffalo: Denver is a healthy unit going into Buffalo. Everybody on the active roster is good to go except for rookie offensive tackle Frank Crum (illness). Cornerback Damarri Mathis (back) was a full participant on Friday after missing Thursday’s practice. Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.