Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper has been named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week following an impressive performance against the New York Jets last weekend. In the match held in London, Cooper contributed significantly to the Broncos’ defensive efforts, recording two of the team’s nine sacks.
This recognition marks a consecutive week in which a Broncos pass-rusher has received this honor. Nik Bonitto, another outside linebacker for the team, was awarded the title in Week 5 after a standout performance in which he secured 2.5 sacks against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Both Cooper and Bonitto have emerged as pivotal players for the Broncos this season, showcasing their skills on the field. Bonitto has garnered considerable attention as an early favorite for the Defensive Player of the Year award, leading the NFL with eight sacks and 34 pressures, according to data from Next Gen Stats.
Despite Bonitto’s accolades, Cooper is also experiencing a career-best season. His two sacks against the Jets increased his season total to 4.5, placing him tied for eighth in the NFL. Additionally, his 26 pressures rank him seventh in the league.
Cooper’s performance was particularly notable, as he recorded seven pressures during the game against the Jets, a remarkable achievement considering he rushed the passer only 18 times. His pressure rate for the season currently stands at 19.3%, a significant improvement from his previous career-high of 13.6% achieved in 2023.
The duo of Cooper and Bonitto has proven effective, combining for a total of 60 quarterback pressures over six games. This statistic puts them ahead of other notable pairs in the league, including Aidan Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad from the Detroit Lions, who have managed 52 pressures.
As the Broncos look ahead to their upcoming matches, the performance of players like Cooper and Bonitto will be crucial in determining the team’s success this season.
