The Broncos’ defense has earned a new name – Orange Uncrushables.

And because of the determined Denver defense, the Broncos have a pellucid path to the playoffs.

With or without a victory in Baltimore on Sunday the Broncos will finish the season 10-6 and reach the postseason for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50.

After being humbled, humiliated and horrified in the worst loss in franchise history, 70-20, in southern Florida 23 games ago in ‘23 the Broncos have permitted 20 or fewer points in 13 games and possess a 13-9 record.

During an early four-game span last season the Broncos’ defense was ignited by 161 points (40 per). Since then they have averaged allowing only 17 points a game (and 15 this year in eight games). And that summary includes a 42-point meltdown in Detroit.

Genuis Broncos defensive coach Joe Collier (1969-1988), who died May 4, would be so proud of these guys. His command objective was: “Hold opponents to 17 points’’. Those Denver defenders made a name for themselves. In 1976 I originally called them “Orange Crush’’.

From Crush to Uncrushable.

The dictionary meaning of uncrushable is “someone difficult to defeat and having an unshakeable belief in themselves.’’ The definition describes the Broncos’ defense led by Vance Joseph, who was fired as Broncos head coach on New Year’s Eve 2018 and was under fire in his return as defensive coordinator last season after the Dolphins Debacle. Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dream Defense ascended from the ashes.

Vance’s advanced, aggressive, attacking defense has limited adversaries over two seasons to 7 points twice, 9 three times, 10, 12, 13, 17 in two games, 18 and 19. Those efficient efforts are a 1977 Collier kind of defense or a Wade Phillips type of defense in 2015.

Now, if the Sean Payton offense can score 28, 33, 34 points the Broncos will be back to the postseason.

The Broncos are perhaps the NFL’s third-best defense, trending up, and challenging the Steelers, the Chargers and the Lions, depending on statistics, opinions and results.

The Broncos have a legitimate chance to beat the Ravens, whose annual stingy defense has become somewhat flawed – giving up an average of 26 points a game and almost 300 yards of passing (while limiting foes to 70 yards rushing).

Meanwhile, the Broncos’ defense includes six players who are performing at world-class, Pro Bowl levels.

Patrick Surtain II missed only his second game, because of concussion protocol, in four seasons. But he has returned and is considered, with credence, as the league’s No. 1 cornerback. He doesn’t own gaudy numbers because quarterbacks avoid him as they did Louis Wright decades ago and Champ Bailey years ago. His place alongside them in the Broncos Ring of Fame is assured.

Zach “Sack’’ Allen has come up huge at defensive end with 22 tackles and 4 sacks, and he would have a few more of both if it weren’t for the exceptional play of edge rushers Nik Bonitto and Jonathan Cooper. Bonitto, the Broncos’ first-round choice in 2022, created sacks in six straight games. Then, there’s Cooper, who was the Broncos’ second selection – in the seventh round! – in 2021. The Twin Terrors have combined for 11½ sacks, and each could elevate to Von Miller’s top season when he ended up with 18.5.

The “other’’ cornerback, Riley Moss – a latter-day Steve Foley – is second on the Broncos with 50 solo and assisted tackles, got his first interception and forced a fumble in his first season as a starter and only his second season as a professional.

However, the defensive MVP could be safety Brandon Jones, who was signed as a veteran free agent to replace Justin Simmons. Cleats have been filled with a Broncos-high 39 solo and 22 assisted tackles, a pick and a fumble found.

Inside linebackers Justin Strnad and Cody Barton have stepped in and up, and safety P.J. Locke and cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian have been steady. “Another’’ defensive end John Franklin-Myers has contributed three sacks, and experienced D.J. Jones is the massive man in the middle.

According to a recent report, the Broncos supposedly lead the league in eating “Uncrustables’’ sandwiches, although they deny the designation.

Yet, the Broncos’ defense definitely has become the new generation “Orange Uncrushables’’.