Sean Payton wants Nik Bonitto to improve as a run defender. On Sunday night against the Packers, the speedy edge rusher seemed ready to answer the call.
In the second quarter Green Bay was positioned at its 11-yard line, and running back Emanuel Wilson received a handoff before getting stopped by Bonitto and defensive lineman Angelo Blackson for a 2-yard gain. On second down, Bonitto read the run play perfectly as he greeted running back Ellis Merriweather in the backfield for a 2-yard loss.
Bonitto is known for being a pure pass rusher and one of the fastest players in Denver’s outside linebacker rotation. As he gears up for his third season with the Broncos, Bonitto seeks to improve as a run defender and evolve into a complete defender.