The Denver Broncos have one of the best defenses in the NFL, and they can thank the Arizona Cardinals for that.

The unit is led by defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who was released from his contract with the Cardinals in 2023. Broncos head coach Sean Payton then hired Joseph to run Denver's defense. It was a little rocky at first, but Joseph's defense has ranked among the NFL's best units since 2024.

One of the key pieces for the Broncos' defensive turnaround has been Zach Allen, who has totaled 127 quarterback hits and 25 sacks through 56 games in Denver. Allen followed Joseph to the Broncos in 2023 after the Cardinals opted to not re-sign him during NFL free agency.

Allen told the Denver Gazette's Chris Tomasson earlier this week that Arizona will always have a "special place" in his heart, but "I’m really glad to be a Denver Bronco right now.”

Denver's going into Sunday's game with a 4-2 record while Arizona enters the contest at 2-4. Joseph and Allen are key factors in the Broncos' success, and they acquired both after the Cardinals left them walk.