Broncos' Zach Allen makes bold claim about breaking NFL sack record

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Denver Broncos defensive tackle Zach Allen told The Denver Post this week that the defense enters 2026 with clear intentions about where its sack total is headed, pointing to last season's franchise record as the foundation for what he expects to happen next.

"In this league you've kind of always got to keep on finding ways to get better and adjusting and all that," Allen said. "It also helps when you've got 'V.J.' dialing stuff up that helps us get one-on-ones. We've got a lot of good guys and that's going to create a lot of opportunities for people. We came close to the sack record last year and we fully expect to break it this year."

The Broncos recorded 68 sacks in 2025, their franchise record

The NFL record for sacks in a single season is 72, set by the 1984 Chicago Bears. Denver's 68 in 2025 came four shy of that mark, which the Bears set across 16 regular-season games. Denver now plays 17, giving them one additional contest to reach a number that eluded a defense that ranked first in the NFL in sacks and pressures through the entire 2025 campaign.

Zach Allen expects Broncos to break team record for sacks in 2026https://t.co/7BLg6NW8LC

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) July 12, 2026

Allen was among the driving forces behind the production. He posted 73 pressures, seven sacks, and a league-leading 47 quarterback hits, earning his first career first-team All-Pro selection.

Linebacker Nik Bonitto led the team with 14 sacks, a career high. Eight players recorded four or more sacks. The depth and distribution is what made the 2025 total possible and what gives Allen confidence the unit can sustain it.

The primary concern heading into 2026 is replacing the production of defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, who contributed 7.5 sacks before signing with the Tennessee Titans in free agency. Allen addressed the transition directly.

"Minus Onyedim, it's the same group that's been here basically the past two years. They've got the same coach," Allen said. He pointed to Sai'vion Jones and Malcolm Roach as contributors who were limited by depth but demonstrated their ability in practice.

Denver fell to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game in January, finishing one win short of the Super Bowl. The defense gave them every chance.

Whether the offense catches up in 2026 is the organization's larger question. Allen's declaration about the sack record suggests the defense's answer to that question is already determined.