Denver Broncos Set to Start 2015 – Questions Still Linger

The Denver Broncos were in shambles at the end of the 2014 season. Strange to say about a team that was the AFC West champion and had earned a first round bye in the playoffs. However, the culmination of that season was an embarrassing loss at home, a busted old quarterback, and a coaching staff that had one and a half feet out the door before the final whistle.

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With Gary Kubiak as the new head coach, and Wade Philips taking over as the defensive coordinator, there were going to be big changes in Broncos Country. New schemes on both sides of the ball. Big changes on a coaching staff for a team that has dominated the division. For the first time since before Manning signed in Denver, there was uncertainty in Denver.

The offseason was spent building a new coaching staff, and then waiting on Peyton Manning to make a decision about a return to the NFL. The draft saw Denver make what could turn into the best pick for value in Shane Ray. Demaryius Thomas filled up the thoughts of fans, with questions. Would he get paid, should he get paid? Finally, John Elway made the deal happen. Focus could shift to the offensive line. The questions seemed to never end.

Unlike college football, there are no cupcakes front loading the Broncos’ schedule.

Now we stand at the precipice of 2015, looking down into the uncertainty, ready to jump into the regular season. Most of the offseason questions have been answered. However, even with the questions answered there is a moment of pause. A curious twinge of doubt. Will the parachute open? Or, will this be a swan dive into 2016 and the end of an era for Bronco fans?

Unlike college football, there are no cupcakes front loading the Broncos’ schedule. Time is short for an offensive line that has not looked stellar during the preseason. The addition of Evan Mathis should help to improve that, but no one has seen him take a real snap in an orange uniform. Still more questions.

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Even with the questions, the Broncos are the obvious favorite to win the AFC West. The defense  is miles ahead of every other facet of the game, which means the offense and special teams can rely on them to lead the way until everything is running on all cylinders. We are a week away from Christmas. The presents are under the tree, and I can’t sleep at night. Do you hear it? No, not sleigh bells, or hooves on the roof. No. That is the sound of Thunder. It is almost time for kickoff. Get ready Broncos Country, 2015 is looking bright.

Next: Denver Broncos 53-man roster prediction: Final projections

Sep 3, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) before the preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports