Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Do the Denver Broncos have a title run in the tank?

Trading Tim Tebow and picking up Peyton Manning were great franchise moves by John Elway & Co.


     For a team that won 11 straight to end the season, the Denver Broncos sure didn't look like the dominant team in the playoffs. Their defense let them down horribly and the offense relied on 2 special teams TDs just to keep the game close with Baltimore. Overall, it provided just a glimpse of what Peyton Manning and the Broncos are capable of while he is at the helm. And there is no reason to believe that they won't be right back in the thick of things next year, possibly hosting another playoff game. I don't believe Denver will go 13-3 again this year but they should still win the lowly AFC West Division.

Von Miller will have another big season barring injury
    So what does Denver have to improve on in order to be a more complete team than they were in 2012? I mean, the offense finished 6th overall in passing and 2nd in scoring. They even beat the Ravens during the regular season in a 34-17 rout. The Broncos outrushed the Super Bowl champs 163-56 and the defense came though with a great performance. Although the secondary gave up 2 td's(which would be exposed in the playoffs), they also got a pick 6 when Chris Harris took a Joe Flacco pass 98 yard for a TD. The Broncos D picked up 3 sacks and it seemed as if they were going to be the Super Bowl favorites afterwards.  Then, Knowshon Moreno got nicked up and Denver's RB woes eventually led to their demise. During the season Willis McGahee ran the rock with authority and averaged 4.4 yards a carry before getting injured. Moreno picked up the slack by rushing for 115 against the Ravens but he then caught the injury bug, too.


    A group of healthy, talented RBs and upgrades in the secondary are obviously that the Broncos have to improve on. After losing Elvis Dumervil to the Ravens a couple of days ago, I still expect the pass rush to be potent. Not because Elvis is gone, but because I believe Denver will address this issue by signing Dwight Freeney or another veteran DE free agent. Overall I expect Peyton Manning to lead his team to an 11-5 record as long as he stays healthy. He has a great receiving core and the offense will only be more dangerous for opponents in year two. Mike McCoy may be gone but the sheriff is still in town, and it doesn't matter what offense you give him to run. Should Denver not make it to the AFC Championship this year, it would be a terrible disappointment for the franchise. The window is closing fast because Peyton Manning isn't going to get younger anytime soon...

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