Broncos vs. Colts Playoff Preview: Not Just Peyton This Time

3. Emmanuel Sanders

The Broncos have plenty of guys that you could label as “difference makers” especially on the offensive side of the ball. What they didn’t have last year that they now have is explosiveness, toughness, and game breaking speed all in one small package.

Emmanuel Sanders does not drop passes. Emmanuel Sanders does not seem to ever really get hurt, despite taking huge hits. He makes tough catches look easy. He beats press coverage, he finds holes in zone defense, and he can beat you short, intermediate, or deep. He’s not big, but he’s physical.

Oct 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Essentially, what the Broncos needed last year to beat the Seahawks (if that were even a possibility in the first place) was someone to beat their ridiculously effective press coverage, and Sanders can do it.

And he did.

Sanders and the Broncos pulled off an improbable comeback in Seattle early this season that ended up with a defensive breakdown in overtime but the fact remains — Sanders is the real deal and he’s going to be a huge reason why the Broncos make a Super Bowl run this season.

With his speed and swag, you can expect the game will be significantly different for the Broncos this time around.