Vance Joseph of the Broncos? Robert Livingston of Colorado?

Renck: The 1970s had the Crush, 2015 boasted the Rush and in 2024 the Broncos feature the Orange Crutch defense. The Broncos are averaging 15.5 points per game. They win, twice in a row on Sunday, because Vance Joseph’s defense is offensive, managing 19 sacks in four games. It’s strange to talk about the Broncos stifling opponents a year after being the worst in the league through the first month, but it’s well deserved. But what about the CU Buffs? Robert Livingston emerges as a legitimate defensive boss. He makes more adjustments in a series than his predecessor did for all of last season. So, Sean, who do you think is the better and sexier defensive coordinator right now: Joseph or Livingston?

Keeler: VJ builds a beast. The Broncos came out Sunday night ranked third among NFL defenses in points allowed per game (13.8), second in total yards allowed (256.5) and fourth in opposing passing yards per game (146). When the names change and the numbers improve, it’s a tip of the hat to the coordinator. That being said, I would still give Livingston the nod. For what? I have some stats, but this is the big one: In about a season, the Buffs went from 117th, according to BCFToys.com, in points allowed per drive against FBS foes (2.78) in 2023 to 34th (1.70) in five games in 2024. The last time CU had a defense ranked in the top 40 nationally in scoring efficiency? 2016. That Autumn went well, didn’t it?

Renck: CU stopping anyone after last season is a surprise. So we’re all recalibrating. The Buffs are good defensively and improving. They discovered the linebacker personnel and anchored perfectly inside. But just because you held Central Florida, the No. 1 rushing team, to 177 yards, 198 below their average, doesn’t mean what VJ’s Broncos did in sloppy MetLife Stadium. They left Aaron Rodgers troubled, confused and bruised, sacking him five times, including twice in the fourth quarter. And they had no margin for error in achieving it.

Keeler: I can’t argue with the Broncos learning to do more with less. But let’s also give Mother Nature a little help for last Sunday’s mud. And speaking of sizing, thanks to Sean Payton for realizing early on that Week 4 was going to be a rock fight in the rain and adjusting his game plan accordingly. (Punt to win!) To remember last fall, this one is returned. But like the mass turnovers of 2023, is this kind of pace sustainable over a 17-game marathon?

Renck: Today, Livingston deserves praise. I can’t help but see the parallels between Livingston and Joseph. Both learned their trade as defensive backs coaches for the Cincinnati Bengals. Both get along well with players while creating accountability. Livingston is starting to stand out. Joseph is already there. His defense bounced back last season and fueled a five-game winning streak with 16 outs. And with improved personnel along the defensive line, Joseph has transformed this group from interesting to threatening. “They’ve done a great job this offseason scouting the VJ guys and, on top of that, we’re all playing with a chip on our shoulder,” safety PJ Locke said. Joseph deserves not only praise, but also a second chance as an NFL head coach.