They smile, when they hear the record. There is no surprise, no eyebrow-raising, at the mention of 72. The number drifts through the hallways in Dove Valley, and passes from phones to lips to ears, this Broncos defensive line knowing they can reach out and yank it down if they just yank down a few more opposing jerseys.
Star pass-rusher Nik Bonitto nodded Sunday night, tugging on a shirt in the Broncos’ locker room after another win and another step toward history.
“We’re trying to get that balance of getting there, and — being able to be smart at the same time,” Bonitto told The Denver Post.