Friday Faceoff: What’s been the biggest surprise of the Broncos’ season?

Paul Klee, sports editor

Answer: Ja’Quan McMillian

He’s generously listed at 5-foot-10, but Denver’s unlikeliest standout is a huge reason why.

Why the Broncos reversed course, from 1-5 to 5-5. Why the defense has forced 12 turnovers in three games. Why Sunday’s home game against the Browns carries actual playoff implications.

My question: Why did Ja’Quan McMillion go undrafted? Well, probably because he’s generously listed at 5-foot-10. So credit the Broncos scouting department, which has a long and storied history of finding diamonds in the rough that don’t make the cut on draft day.

Chris Harris Jr. Rod Smith. Gene Mingo. Lionel Taylor. C.J. Anderson. Don’t forget Rich Karlis!

Undrafted Broncos hold a special place in the heart of Broncos Country. Now, there’s another.

Want to feel old? The Broncos’ newest standout on defense was born this century. Only 23, McMillian has a nose for the ball you just can’t teach. Twenty-two interceptions in high school. Twelve more in college. And last week “J-Mac” became the first Bronco since 2015 Von Miller to recover a fumble in consecutive games.

Well done, sir.

When the media muggles surround his locker, teammates serenade their guy, “Yeah, J-Mac!”

When the defense rips away another turnover, you can bet No. 29 had something to do with it.

“He’s playing at a really high level,” team captain Justin Simmons said Wednesday.

When the Broncos finally, mercifully return to the playoffs, McMillian will be one reason why.

Chris Schmaedeke, digital sports editor

Answer: Vance Joseph

McMillian is a strong pick by Mr. Klee. The cornerback has been an important part of the defensive turnaround in Denver.

But his defensive coordinator is a better choice — the much-maligned Vance Joseph.

Joseph, who was the Broncos head coach 2017-18, seemed like a strange hire by coach Sean Payton. And after a four-game stretch where Joseph’s group gave up 35 points to the Commanders, 70 to the Dolphins, 28 to the Bears and 31 to the Jets, it seemed like Joseph may have been headed to the unemployment line.

Payton stuck his choice as defensive coordinator, and it was paid off for the Broncos. The defensive turnaround by Joseph has been the biggest surprise of the season.

Since that terrible four games, the Broncos have not given up more than 22 points. Denver has played Kansas City twice and Buffalo during that stretch.

While Payton surely has the final say, Joseph had a role in putting cornerback Fabian Moreau and McMillan into the starting lineup. The Broncos also decided to go younger at pass rusher by moving on from Frank Clark and Randy Gregory. Denver has forced 12 turnovers the past three weeks.

Joseph will always be a lightning rod for Broncos’ fans, and the beginning of this season didn’t help his cause. But with the team now sitting at 5-5 and having a chance to get into the playoff hunt, Joseph deserves his flowers. The Broncos are nowhere without this defense.