Denver Broncos Offseason Already Filled with Highs and Lows
By Adam Malnati
May 27, 2015; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) and quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) warm up before the start of organized team activities at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos offseason has already produced some great highlights, and some pretty terrible lowlights. The 2015 season has all the promise of another Super Bowl run, but the bumps in the road began popping up like a Whack-a-Mole machine. John Elway set to crushing the moles as they peeked their heads up, but there is a long way to go before the Broncos can cash in their tickets at the prize counter.
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With OTA’s starting, and the injury bug hitting hard and fast, Denver fans are sure to get a little nervous about a team that ended 2014 on a down note, with injuries and desire coming into question for some. That’s perfectly natural, and the nerves are justified. Don’t be fooled though, this Broncos team still has a better shot than most at creating an elusive magical season.
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Everything began rolling immediately following the Broncos loss to Indianapolis in the playoffs. John Fox was on his way out the door before the season even ended, and his exit put Peyton Manning’s return in jeopardy. Elway went out and got Gary Kubiak, and Manning liked what he saw so he came back. Disaster averted? Manning coming back was good news to say the least, and most people see this offensive marriage as a positive change in Denver.
The Clady injury has immediate impact, but it happened early enough that the Broncos will be able to adjust. It should not be a season killer.
The Broncos made exactly zero splashes in free agency. After a few seasons of winning the offseason with big free agent signings, it was clear that Elway and his staff believed they had the major pieces in place to have the best team in the AFC. The talent is there to get to the Super Bowl. The Broncos let guys walk who no longer fit the scheme (see Julius Thomas), and this team looks poised to be the Patriots main competition in 2015.
The draft appears to be a success, as the Broncos were essentially able to dump Manny Ramirez on Detroit for the chance to draft Shane Ray. The Broncos got a top five talent for a horrible lineman. If the draft had ended right there, Denver could have called it a win. Denver went about filling needs and adding talent. With some of the recent injuries, the Broncos are going to need that young talent.
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Of course, the injuries are tough to take. It started with Jeff Heuerman, and has continued with Ryan Clady. The Clady injury has immediate impact, but it happened early enough that the Broncos will be able to adjust. It should not be a season killer. With Clady sidelined, a youth movement could be necessary, but this coaching staff has the ability to turn talent into skill. Something Fox and his staff could never do.
The Demaryius Thomas situation will work itself out. No need for concern there. The Broncos did the right thing excusing Antonio Smith from OTAs while he is being investigated for child abuse. That may hurt a little, but this team is ready to move forward without him if need be. Look for this Broncos team to be great this season. Get excited Broncos Country!
Next: Could Ryan Clady Injury Give Way to Mass Youth Movement?