Sportsnet is breaking down everything you need to know about each of the 32 teams—including why you should or shouldn’t be rooting for them this season—in the month leading up to NFL kickoff. Today, the Denver Broncos.
Last year’s record: 12-4
Head coach: John Fox Gary Kubiak
Core players: Peyton Manning (QB), Von Miller (LB), Demaryius Thomas (WR), DeMarcus Ware (DE), C.J. Anderson (RB)
2015 is about… Super Bowl or bust. Literally. Time is running out on the Broncos’ shot at championship glory during the Peyton Manning era—which began with questions about Manning’s health and age and diminishing ability and, three mostly magical years later, features the same questions being asked more urgently. After seasons of 13-3, 13-3 and 12-4, with last year’s run ending in a fairly convincing loss, on their own turf no less, to Manning’s former team—a game in which Manning did little to dispel late-season worries about his fading arm strength—the desperation in Denver is now palpable.
But they lost… Julius Thomas (TE), one of Manning’s favourite red zone targets last season; Orlando Franklin (OL), who helped shore up what was at times a shaky offensive line; John Fox (head coach), who coached the team to four straight playoff berths, but couldn’t ever seem to figure out the biggest games.
Yeah, but they got… Gary Kubiak (head coach), a veteran boss who has made clear his intentions are to get the Broncos to the playoffs healthy and intact; Owen Daniels (TE), who will attempt to help fill Julius Thomas’ absence at a fraction of the price; Darian Stewart (S), an under-the-radar acquisition that should strengthen one of the team’s few areas of defensive weakness; Shane Ray (LB), who was considered a daring choice at No. 23 overall in the draft, but could provide another dominant pass rusher.
Defining 2014 highlight: If you’re wondering about the added dimension a running game can give the Broncos, look no further than a fourth-and-one play in the AFC Divisional Playoff. That’s a pretty tough way to get one yard.
Which leads us to the biggest change in the Broncos’ attack this year…
Growing from within: The story down the stretch last season was the emergence of C.J. Anderson (RB, murdering Colts in the above video) from a crowded backfield. With Manning hobbled by what was later revealed as a torn quad muscle, Denver had no choice but to pound the football in the second half of the season, and Anderson delivered. Easily beating out Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman, Anderson averaged 4.72 yards per carry on roughly 20 runs per game with 10 touchdowns over Denver’s final eight contests.
Sure, the threat of Manning’s passes probably opened some holes for him, but Anderson’s quick-feet/tough-on-tacklers style shows well on film and has likely made the feature back role his to lose in 2015. If the Broncos’ offence can be more balanced this season, Manning and his receivers stand a better chance of making it to January with fresh arms and legs.
Why this team? Lots of reasons. Because it might be your last chance to watch a quarterback who could be the greatest the NFL has ever seen. Because we haven’t really even mentioned Demaryius Thomas yet, and he’s in the conversation for best receiver in football. Because Emmanuel Sanders is one of the league’s quickest pass-catchers, and can both stretch fields and run some mean slot routes. Because Denver’s defence features two monstrous pass rushers in Ware and Miller (and potentially a third in Ray), a lockdown cornerback in Aqib Talib and a linebacker corps that can play effectively against both the run and the pass —- and may be even more aggressively determined this season under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. Because, basically, the Broncos have exciting players at almost every position.
Why not? Well, unfair as it might sound, because they haven’t done it yet. Two years ago the Broncos were flattened in the Super Bowl. Last year they lost their first playoff game, at home, to an inferior team because Manning was outplayed by Andrew Luck, his Indianapolis replacement. It’s possible to look at the 2015 Broncos and see one of the better teams in football, because that’s what they are — but it’s also very easy to see them as a team clawing to seize a moment that’s rapidly scrambling to evade their pursuit — the sort of scrambling their 39-year-old quarterback is no longer able to do. And if he has to even try, they’re in trouble, because Denver’s offensive line got worse in the offseason — how much worse, it remains to be seen.
Perfect for fans of… Underdogs. No, really — hear us out. The Broncos are the best team you could possibly root for while still playing the always fun oh-you-don’t-think-we-can-do-it-huh? card, which is great for fans. They’ve fired their coach, their quarterback is old, they have blown up in big games before, and their new coach is not exactly known for his steely composure in those situations. You’ll get a team that makes the playoffs, and then you’ll get to root for them to prove the doubters wrong. An underdog roster littered with future Hall of Famers? Yes, please.
How much hope? 7.5/10. The AFC is still the weaker conference, but the Broncos have shown that they can’t be considered safe in any playoff matchup, so it’s a dice roll in January.
Will you be mocked for front-running? You probably will be, but nowhere near as much as you once would have been. Mostly you will probably be mocked for claiming Peyton can win when it counts.
A Meme To Remember: Well, basically take that Nationwide jingle and substitute lyrics that reference Manning’s playoff struggles and you’ve got yourself a few cheap RTs. It’s basic, but it works.
