Denver Broncos Core Four is No More
By Adam Malnati
At the beginning of the Denver Broncos 2014 season, there was a feeling of excitement around the most talented receiving group in the NFL. The Broncos had put together a foursome of talented receivers that became known to some as the Core Four. They were the envy of the league.
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When the Broncos brought in Emmanuelle Sanders, and put him alongside Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, and Wes Welker, there was a feeling of inevitability. The ball was inevitably going to end up with one of those four, in the end zone. Imagine the giddy sensation that Peyton Manning must have had dropping back with those options at his disposal.
The 2014 season did not remain so joyful in Denver. The hot start cooled, and injury reared its ugly head. Manning’s productivity dipped, and inevitability disappeared. Make no mistake, the Broncos still had better weapons than most teams in the league, but the feeling of things being, “So easy!” as Julius Thomas put it against the New York Jets, was gone.
Sanders and DT will carry the load just fine, and this opens the door for guys like Cody Latimer and Virgil Green.
Now we sit on the cusp of the destruction of that talented group, and it is strange to see how the mighty have fallen. The Core Four will be No More in a very Dr. Seusslike fashion.
Wes Welker’s head is in a tizzy, he often feels very dizzy, while Peyton is much too busy to find him with the ball. Julius is out for money, which the Broncos do not think is funny, so the Core Four will certainly have to fall.
Welker will likely be on the market for other teams, but has had more concussion issues in recent years than should be allowed. It might be better for him to step away from the game, as his health may be affected to the point of permanent damage if he continues to play. Seeing him leave is not a happy moment, but Bronco fans can move on.
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Julius Thomas has caught the wrath of Broncos Country recently. Football fans are a forgiving bunch, but not when it comes to heart. Personally, if Julius is looking at this as a short-term venture, he is entitled to that, but not in Orange and Blue. He has every right to leave, and should. Once you lose the respect of teammates, it is hard to get that back.
Sanders and DT will carry the load just fine, and this opens the door for guys like Cody Latimer and Virgil Green. Both players deserve a chance to prove themselves. Perhaps what Broncos Country is seeing now is the beginning of a new Core Four.
Perhaps I misspoke about the Core, and they will play some more, but with a couple different pieces. And when the ball is in the air Sanders and DT will still be there, and Virgil and Cody’s chance increases. The Core Four will remain, just with a couple different names, and still with results that pleases.
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) and tight end Virgil Green (85) against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports