Broncos coach Vic Fangio is aware of his defense’s statistical standing: Top-10 in the NFL in 11 categories.

The Broncos are fourth in fewest yards (309.7 per game) and passing yards (202.1) allowed, seventh on third down (34.2%) and ninth in fewest points (18.9).

But the Broncos will return from their bye weekend with a 3-6 record, leaving Fangio wanting more.

“I believe we just need to cover a little bit better at times in one-on-one situations,” he said. “I’d like to see a little bit more pass rush. Those are some of the things.”

Here is a look back at some of those things and a look forward at the Broncos’ defense:

What’s working

S Justin Simmons/S Kareem Jackson: Arguably the Broncos’ two best players on defense this year. Simmons, whose new contract price goes up every week, appears to be a great fit for Fangio’s scheme and is tied for the team lead with 53 tackles. Jackson is fourth with 40 tackles and has five pass break-ups. Simmons has played all 601 snaps.

Red zone: In the Broncos’ first three games, teams combined to score six touchdowns in seven opportunities. Since then — four touchdowns in 20 opportunities, an eye-popping level of production. The touchdown rate allowed of 37% was second-best in the league (San Francisco, 31.3%) entering the weekend.



DE Derek Wolfe: He has made a strong case to sign a third contract with the Broncos and finish his career with one team. Wolfe leads the defensive line in playing time (390 snaps) and sacks (five) and is second in tackles (27).

What’s not working

Consistent pass-rush pressure: The Broncos’ 19 sacks entered Week 10 tied for 23rd in the NFL and behind last year’s pace (44, tied for eighth-most). Twelve of their sacks came in two games — five against Jacksonville and seven against Tennessee. The Broncos have been shut out in four games (three losses). The defense has 71 “disruptions” — 19 sacks, 20 knockdowns and 32 pressures.

Takeaways: The Broncos’ seven takeaways (five interceptions/two fumble recoveries) entered the weekend tied for 27th, ahead of Cincinnati (six) and Atlanta/Miami (four apiece). Six of the takeaways came in two games — three apiece at the Chargers and vs. Tennessee (both wins).

End-of-game defense: Most of the criticism of the Broncos’ offense is warranted. But don’t forget that it handed the defense late leads against Chicago (31 seconds remaining), Jacksonville (1:32) and Indianapolis (1:48) and lost all three games on field goals. Maybe stopping Cleveland on fourth down last week will propel the Broncos to become better finishers.

Surprise players

ILB Alexander Johnson: He appears to be the real deal. Despite not playing a defensive snap in the first four games, Johnson’s 41 tackles are third on the Broncos. He has four games of at least eight tackles. His first two missed tackles were against Cleveland.

CB Davontae Harris: Deemed not good enough to make Cincinnati’s team (0-8) out of training camp, Harris got his chance to play because of Isaac Yiadom’s ineffectiveness and injuries to Bryce Callahan and De’Vante Bausby. Harris has played 301 snaps, making 19 tackles and two pass break-ups. He battles in coverage, but has missed one tackle in four consecutive games.

NT Mike Purcell: A 17-snap outing in Week 1 was followed by three consecutive healthy scratches. But put in the starting lineup against the Chargers in Week 5, which allowed Shelby Harris to move to defensive end, Purcell has been a run-stopping force. Purcell has 9 1/2 run “stuffs” (gain of one or fewer yards), including five tackles for lost yardage.

OLB Malik Reed: One of training camp’s standouts was a rotation player until Bradley Chubb tore his ACL in Week 4. Despite being listed at 235 pounds, Reed has shown toughness defending the run to go with a pass-rushing burst (6 1/2 “disruptions,” including one sack).

Remaining questions

Can OLB Von Miller reach double-digit sacks? In seven previous full seasons, Miller had at least 10 sacks. But he has four with seven games remaining, and the absence of Bradley Chubb will allow teams to focus more on Miller. He has played 89.7% of the snaps (539 of 601), a big increase from last year (78%). We say he has a three-sack game to help him get to double-digits.

Will any defensive starter sign an in-season contract extension? Safety Justin Simmons decided before Week 1, semi-mutually with the Broncos, to table contract talks. His production — 53 tackles, two interceptions and seven other pass break-ups — should force general manager John Elway to lock Simmons up before the season ends.

Will CB Bryce Callahan play in a game? Signed to a three-year, $21 million contract in March, the Broncos knew Callahan would miss the offseason because of foot surgery. But the injury flared up during practice July 27 and he hasn’t practiced fully or played since. Listed as being out 4-6 weeks, Callahan is entering Week 7 of his recovery. It would be a surprise if he plays this year.

Is CB Chris Harris playing his final seven games with the Broncos? Six months ago, we would have said, “Absolutely, 100 percent.” But the tide may have turned lately, chiefly in Harris’ favor. The Broncos don’t have the cornerback depth to let Harris walk. This is a team that must keep the few blue-chip players they have so the expectation is they find a way to re-sign Harris.

Numbers of note

23.6%: The Broncos’ rate of rushing at least five players — 81 of 343. Their high rate was 38.2% against Kansas City (13 of 34) and the low was 5.6% at the Los Angeles Chargers (three of 54).

71: Total “disruptions” charted for the Broncos this year — 19 sacks, 20 knockdowns and 32 pressures.

60: Missed tackles by the Broncos in nine games — high of 15 in loss to Jacksonville and low of 1 against the Chargers. Safety Kareem Jackson leads the team with eight missed tackles.

1: Touchdowns allowed in man coverage by Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (by Kansas City’s Tyreek Hill in Week 7).

149.3/74.2: Rushing yards allowed by the Broncos in the first four games and last five games, respectively.