The Denver Broncos will be without a key member of their pass rush in Week 1. Jonathon Cooper is unavailable, as he was placed on the commissioner's exempt list. Due to a couple of arrests this summer surrounding domestic disputes, a further legal process will play out for Cooper.
He has become an impactful pressure creator on Denver's defense. As a result, his absence will greatly impact both his team and the Kansas City Chiefs during the Week 1 Monday Night Football matchup.
Quite frankly, it does not feel as though people are talking enough about Cooper being unavailable for this game. Sure, he is not the best player on the Broncos' defense. He has grown into a steady hand after being a former seventh-round pick, however.
Cooper's pass rush profile and what Denver will miss without him
What are the Broncos missing with Cooper out of the fold? For starters, his speed and get-off as a pass rusher will be sorely missed on the Denver front. His mix of bend, lateral quickness, and overall athleticism places opposing blockers in a bind. It can lead to offensive tackles lunging and getting off balance against him. Or you will see blockers be totally late to reach the landmark necessary to wall Cooper off.
Cooper is also a long player with arm length that can lead to feisty combat battles. He is able to convert his excellent speed to power in short areas. And with his relentless nature and motor, Cooper can help his defense by getting to the ball on a second effort if plays become elongated.
Which Broncos players will see more playing time?
Cooper's absence will lead to more snaps for Jonah Elliss opposite Nik Bonitto. Elliss is entering his third career season. He has amassed 23 pressures and 7.5 sacks in his first two campaigns. Elliss will likely receive the bulk of the snaps while Cooper is out.
Elsewhere, names like Que Robinson and Dondrea Tillman may receive more rotational snaps. Robinson played in only six games and recorded 0.5 sacks as a rookie last season. Tillman has nine sacks over the last two years to go along with 24 combined pressures.
Cooper's biggest outputs have come in the last three seasons. He has 27 sacks in that span. More notably, his pressure total is at 176 in the last three years, including the playoffs. It has probably been underrated how efficient Cooper is when it comes to pressure rate.
The Chiefs OT questions
The Chiefs will still have their hands full with this Denver defense. It is generally more appealing for this regime not to have to face speedier, bendier pass rushers like Cooper, though. Kansas City is already approaching things with more under-center looks in 2026. At least that is the anticipation.
Kansas City's emphasis on the ground game and utilizing Kenneth Walker III as a bell-cow running back could neutralize the Broncos' pass rush. But obviously, the offensive tackle situation is going to be an item to monitor regardless.
Josh Simmons is not expected to play in Week 1, according to head coach Andy Reid. Kahlil Benson and Jaylon Moore appear set to handle a ferocious Denver front seven. It will not be an easy task. But getting a chance to not face both Bonitto and Cooper off the edge is likely a bonus.
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