Questions directed at Broncos’ coach Vance Joseph on Tuesday were like gains from opposing running backs this season. Repeated, cutting deep and with no easy stops.

In summary: How does Denver — which allowed back-to-back career days for running backs Isaiah Crowell (Jets, 219) and Todd Gurley (Rams, 208) the past two weeks — fix its anemic rush defense starting Thursday night in Arizona? The resolution, against an underwhelming Cardinals offense, is simpler than you might expect.

“Guys have to want to tackle, that’s all I’m going to say about that,” Joseph said. “It’s a want-to thing. You can drill tackling all you want. If it’s you and I in an alley, (and) if I want to tackle you, I’m going to tackle you — that’s the bottom line.”

By Joseph’s logic the Broncos defenders have simply lost the war of will. And, Denver Post statistics back it up. . Through Week 6 the Broncos have missed 43 total tackles: Seahawks (six), Raiders (six), Ravens (three), Chiefs (nine), Jets (eight) and Rams (11). The tackling is getting progressively worse.

Denver held up well versus the rush through three games, allowing 3.2 yards per carry, but have since been gouged for big ground yardage after contact. Crowell hit on runs of 77, 54 and 36. Gurley went for 29, 24 and 21. Numbers that make self-reflection a necessity, especially after a fourth consecutive loss this past Sunday.

“Shoot, it’s a man decision you need to make: Do you want to make the tackle?” cornerback Chris Harris said. “Sometimes, they get they paid, too, and they’re going to break the tackle. But I think everybody out there is doing whatever they can to make the tackle. If you’re afraid of contact, you can’t be in the NFL. We don’t need anybody on our team like that.”

Inside linebackers have difficult rush-stuff assignments, especially rookies like Josey Jewell, who is getting used to the speed and explosiveness of NFL backs in space. Crowell and Gurley thrived with make-you-miss ability on the edges.

“If it’s an outside run, you have to stay in your gap as much as possible,” Jewell said. “If it’s for sure they’re not going to cut back, you get the heck outside and chase the ball and make the tackle.” Related Articles Broncos Briefs: Phillip Lindsay doubtful to play Sunday, but progressing from toe injury

After Broncos let him walk in free agency, Tampa Bay’s Shaquil Barrett returns to Denver as one of NFL’s best pass-rushers

The next opportunity in Jeff Driskel’s winding football journey: Starting at quarterback for Broncos

Broncos rookie wideout KJ Hamler, fully healed from hamstring injury, poised for NFL breakout

🔊 Broncos podcast: Previewing Denver’s must-win Week 3 home showdown against Tampa Bay

Some might argue a general “softening” of the game with rules prioritizing ball-carrier safety and a push for increased enforcement this season is partially to blame. Joseph disagrees. The Broncos employ a “rugby-tackle” prop daily, he said, that weighs 45 pounds to help simulate real situations. Joseph added much of the Broncos’ run stopping issues came in “dime” coverage, with six defensive backs on the field. But he wouldn’t elaborate whether there would be changes with that scheme on Thursday.

Against the Cardinals, at least on paper, Denver’s odds for a tackling renaissance rank high. Arizona rushes for a league-worst 64 yards per game with starting running back David Johnson carrying at just a 3.2-yard clip. The path toward redemption begins with that “want-to” attitude described by Joseph and later by edge rusher Von Miller. You’ve likely heard his viral commentary by now: “We’re going to kick their (butt).”

Perfect timing for a little defensive fire.

“No, I’m not irritated. I’m just confident,” Miller said. “I’m confident in myself, I’m confident in my teammates, most importantly, and that’s what we need. We’ll be ready to go.”