Denver Broncos Have Core Set To Head Into 2013 On A Strong Note
By Editorial Staff
Von Miller (58) celebrates after sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (not pictured) during the overtime period of the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. The Ravens won 38-35 in double overtime. (Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports)
By Vincent Salaz
After last week’s heartbreaking loss to the Baltimore Ravens in double OT, there are many of us still mourning the sudden end to a magical Bronco season.
For a few bitter hours I watched the San Francisco 49ers stomp on the Green Bay Packers like I had hoped the Broncos would the Ravens. I had trouble falling asleep that night, concerned with all of the issues that we would need to address this offseason. When I woke up the next morning, I pricked my finger just to check: My blood still ran orange and blue. With renewed life, I donned my battle worn Von Miller jersey and started thinking about the things that we didn’t need to change instead.
We’ve got 2 of the youngest, most talented receivers in the NFL (Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker), who combined for a total of 2,498 yards and 23 TD’s.
We’ve got arguably the best pass rushing tandem in the league (Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil), who combined for a total of 122 tackles, 29.5 sacks and 12 forced fumbles.
We’ve got an offensive line that allowed the second fewest sacks in the league, protecting our prized possession, The Sheriff himself: Peyton Manning. Our MVP candidate, record setting, future hall of fame quarterback who led the league in total QBR, was second in passer rating and led the Broncos to a top 5 ranked offense in his first season with the team.
Who practices everyday across from the 3rd best pass defense in the league led by our pro bowl, future hall of fame, defensive legend: Champ Bailey?
This team is loaded with talent and anyone would be hard pressed to find any glaring holes on either side of this football team.
Looking forward to this year’s 2013 draft there are a few positions that we could definitely use some depth at, most notably on the defensive line. An interior pass rusher like Sharrif Floyd from Florida would serve the team well to take some of the attention off of our all star outside duo.
The game against Baltimore did show that our safety position could use some help. There are some interesting prospects there, the first of which being the possibility of moving Bailey back to safety and taking a corner like Johnthan Banks out of Mississippi State to fill that void in the draft. Champ has expressed that he doesn’t want to move back to the safety position and why should he? He’s been a shutdown corner in this league since he came into it back in 1999. He’s also getting old. He plays at a high level in this league, but the game against Baltimore was very clear evidence that younger, quicker players can outrun Champ. He’s still got plenty of gas in the tank, but potentially moving him into a position where he can better benefit the team should be an option worth considering.
The possibilities moving forward are wide open for this talented Denver team. I for one can’t wait to see how things shake down nor can I wait to see exactly what kind of powerhouse team Denver can be in 2013
United in Orange!
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