The 2025 Denver Broncos defense is a force to be reckoned with, blending relentless pass-rushing prowess with unapologetic trash talk that keeps opponents on edge. Known for their quick wit as much as their lightning-fast sacks, the Broncos’ defensive stars aren’t shy about speaking their minds. This week, it’s defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers stirring the pot ahead of a showdown with the Dallas Cowboys, delivering a bold message with a grin that’s sure to rile up the opposition.
“You ask me, the Broncos are America’s team,” Franklin-Myers declared, as reported by DNVR’s Zac Stevens. The comment, a playful jab at the Cowboys’ long-standing nickname, reflects the fearless attitude of a player who backs up his words with bone-rattling hits. With three sacks already this season as an interior pass rusher, Franklin-Myers is a disruptive force who thrives on chaos and isn’t fazed by reputations or catchphrases.
Franklin-Myers’ aggressive style was on full display in last week’s game against the New York Giants, where he drew a roughing-the-passer penalty on rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. While head coach Sean Payton noted the need to clean up such plays after reviewing the tape, Franklin-Myers remained defiantly unapologetic. When asked how he’d handle a similar situation in the future, his response was as raw as his playing style.
“St, do it again and hope they don’t call it,” Franklin-Myers told reporters. “Honestly, I mean, never in my life or career, I’m gonna teach my son the same thing. Man, we play the game one way. I’m gonna play fast, and you know, I’m gonna go hit him. And if it’s a flag, you better believe it’s never on purpose. Never trying to harm anybody. But, man, I play the game one way, I want to play fast for my teammates—they deserve it. Fast, and my family deserves it. Then if I don’t do it, I’m doing myself a disservice. I’m doing everyone a disservice here. Man, it’s their job to throw the flag. It’s my job to play football. And they throw that motherf*er, I’m gonna get up and go hit him again the next play.”
This unfiltered mindset defines the Broncos’ defense—a unit that thrives on instinct and unrelenting intensity. Franklin-Myers’ comments echo the bravado of his teammates, like edge rushers Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto, who rattled the Giants’ fanbase last week before a late comeback win spared New York’s blushes. The Broncos’ defense doesn’t just play to win; they play to dominate, often teetering on the edge of recklessness.
While this aggressive approach makes the Broncos a nightmare for opposing offenses, it comes at a cost. The team currently leads the NFL in penalty yards, a statistic that could prove costly over a grueling 17-game season. The issue came to a head last week when linebacker Dre Greenlaw’s frustration with referee Brad Allen boiled over, earning him a one-game suspension for the upcoming Cowboys matchup. Greenlaw’s absence will test the Broncos’ depth, but the team’s fiery spirit remains undeterred.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph acknowledges the need for discipline without sacrificing the unit’s edge. “The penalties, we have to correct them,” Joseph said on Thursday. “If they’re calling them, we have to correct them.” It’s a delicate balance—unleashing the full force of this alpha defense while keeping penalties in check. The Broncos’ penchant for pushing the envelope often sees them flying dangerously close to the sun, and it’s up to the coaching staff to ensure their aggression doesn’t burn them.
As the Broncos prepare to face the Cowboys, Franklin-Myers’ words and relentless style serve as a chilling warning to Dallas’ offensive line. This is a defense that doesn’t back down, doesn’t apologize, and doesn’t slow down. With players like Franklin-Myers leading the charge, the Cowboys can expect a physical, in-your-face battle that tests their resolve.
The buildup to this game is electric, fueled by the Broncos’ brash confidence and their opponents’ storied reputation. Denver’s defense is ready to let it all hang out, penalties be damned. For the Cowboys, the message is clear: brace for impact, because Franklin-Myers and the Broncos are coming, and they’re not holding back.