Ol'ColdToes
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Broncos Season Preview: Super Bowl or Bust 2.0
Super Bowl or bust. The platitude defined expectations for the Bronco’s 2014 season. In the divisional round of the playoffs, the Broncos busted. Yes, Luck was to blame. But so was the regression in play from the future hall of famer, Peyton Manning. After the devastating 24-13 loss at home, only stunned silence filled the locker room.
Several months removed from the disappointment, the players are chattering, once more, regarding expectations for the upcoming season. Any guesses how veterans Emmanuel Sanders and Ryan Clady characterized expectations for 2015? Super Bowl or Bust, of course.
In 2015, Manning and the Broncos will give it another go. Last offseason Elway responded to a Super Bowl loss by signing FAs Demarcus Ware and TJ Ward. This offseason, change started at the top as Elway replaced John Fox with Gary Kubiak. The Kubes is expected to bring consistency and toughness to this seasons campaign. A zone blocking guru, Kubiak also brings an antiquated affinity for pounding the rock. And as training camp commences the burning question is whether the Broncos will run wild en route to a Championship, or, will they be tamed by season’s end once again?
Quarterbacks
Peyton Manning. Rumors of the legend’s demise are greatly exaggerated according to teammates and coaches. Manning will likely break Favre’s passing yards record by the midway mark of his 18th season. Thereafter, he’ll look to win another MVP en route to a Super Bowl victory.
Backup Brock Osweiller, the 6’7” understudy, has mainly sipped Gatorade on the sidelines the past three years. But during rare game appearances he has displayed poise and an ability to harness his powerful arm. Though the Bronco’s have established a promising succession plan in preparation for Manning’s retirement, insiders suggest GM Elway will listen to any trade offers for the potential star.
Backfield
Former UDFA C.J. Anderson emerged from a crowded position group with back-to-back 150+ yard performances in the second half of 2014. Entering 2015, Anderson has a firm hold on the starting job as of day one. Coach Kubes has complimented Anderson’s vision and ability to make decisive cuts in his zone-blocking scheme. An aging Manning should also appreciate Anderson’s reliable hands and ability to help pad the QB’s record passing stats.
Backup HB Montee Ball’s career, on other hand, is headed in the opposite direction. A second round pick in 2013, Ball has failed to flash during his two years in Denver. Rumor has it that Elway is shopping Ball around for a low round draft pick or o-lineman with upside.
The wildcard this season may be Ronnie Hillman. The 4.45-forty speedster has the ability to break the long run and turn the corner. With a new coaching staff in town, the change of pace back may demand more snaps as the season progresses.
Receivers
The Bronco’s boast a potent 1-2 punch at the WR position. Demaryius Thomas is a top five receiver in the NFL. Number 2, Emmanuel Sanders, can create separation with superb route running and pure speed. If the physically gifted Cody Latimer develops chemistry with Manning, look for this group to rival that of two seasons ago. Rounding out the group is Bennie Fowler, a sleeper who has turned heads already this offseason.
The biggest loss of the offseason may have been TE Julius Thomas who followed the money to Jacksonville. The Bronco’s will replace Thomas with a committee that includes vertical threat Virgil Green, savvy veteran Owen Daniels, reliable James Casey, and well-rounded rookie Jeff Heuerman.
O-Line
No position group has more unanswered questions heading into training camp. Pro Bowl left tackle Ryan Clady has been dealing with knee issues this offseason. As a result, tackle Ty Sambrailo and guard Ben Garland are slotted as first-time starters on the left side of the line. Kubiak brought along C Gino Gradowski and versatile Shelley Smith to help mentor young players, but neither has excelled as a starter. Ryan Clark, who returned as a FA this offseason, also possesses experience in the Kubiak scheme but cannot match the talent level of departing guard Orlando Franklin.
If the Broncos hope to compete in December and beyond they’ll have to stabilize the offensive line by aggressively pursuing trades for young, backup offensive linemen with starting potential. Or, a veteran free agent such as Evan Mathis could prove to be an ideal fit.
D-Line
After losing Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton to FA, the D-Line won’t boast quite the same heft. But the group remains solid nevertheless. End Derek Wolfe and Malik Jackson will be motivated to rack up sacks and stuffs during contract years. DT Sylvester Williams has started plenty of games for the Broncos over the past few seasons, but he may share time with stout, run-stuffing rookie Darius Kilgo.
Linebackers
Great defenses have studs who get after the quarterback. Denver boasts a deadly duo with Von Miller on the strong side and Demarcus Ware attacking from the weak side. Ware reunites with DC Wade Phillip, under whom Ware averaged over 15 sacks a season as an OLB with the Cowboys. If the veterans can impart some of their pass rushing wisdom to rookie Shane Ray, the Broncos will be forced to find creative ways to get the young playmaker on the field.
In the middle, Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall will punish receivers running drags across the field. When Trevathan went down last year, Marshall filled in admirably. This year the coaching staff will be able to get both on the field in the new base 3-4 scheme.
Secondary
Do the Bronco’s have the best secondary in the NFL? “Definitely” according to starting CB Aqib Talib. Talib, a pro bowler himself, watched teammate Chris Harris shutdown all challengers last year. Harris didn’t allow a single TD or play of over 25 yards on his way to grading out as Pro Footballl Focus’ top CB in 2014. If slot corner Bradley Roby continues to develop, expect the Broncos to lookdown receivers with tight man coverage while DC Wade Phillips brings the heat. On the backend, safety T.J. Ward looks to build off of a solid first campaign with the Broncos, while Darian Stewart looks to slide into the starting FS roll and outplay the contract he signed this offseason. Look for CB/S Omar Bolden to see game action in sub packages as well.