Denver Broncos: The Forgotten?
By Adam Malnati
June 9, 2015; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) during drills at mini camp activities at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos are a team in transition this season. The team is learning a new playbook on both sides of the ball. Gary Kubiak is installing a new offense. Wade Phillips is bringing a new defense to Broncos Country. The sense in Denver, and among fans, has been overwhelmingly positive. This fan is convinced that the Broncos will be better in 2015 because of the changes John Elway made in regards to the coaching staff.
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This does not seem to be the sentiment around the rest of the league. I was sitting at a bar at a Top Golf in Illinois last week when the discussion came up about fantasy football. Eventually, we got around to talking about the quarterback position. I was shocked to hear the guy I was talking to say he would not draft Peyton Manning as a top 10 quarterback. I consider this friend to be knowledgeable. I could not believe my ears.
We argued the rest of the evening. Mashing golf balls and going round and round about whether or not Peyton Manning was still a top 5 quarterback. Then it turned to Denver’s chances in the upcoming season. His contention was the Kansas City would win the AFC West. Immediately my respect for his football acumen declined, but I realized something – no one believes in this team.
This league has moved on from the Peyton Manning story. Denver is not a headline right now.
The league has moved away from Denver being considered a lock to win the Super Bowl. In some football circles, the Broncos are considered second best in their own division. Am I simply wearing my Bronco colored glasses? Can I not see what other fans are seeing around the league? Has the belief in Peyton Manning been damaged to the point of people giving up on this team? I hope so.
Looking at this league, it is clear who the favorites are; Seattle, Green Bay, Indianapolis, New England. With all of the offseason departures, the Broncos have slipped off the radar. The league does not see Denver as a threat. The general public believes that Manning et al. have fallen off the map. I suppose you could pick any of those teams listed to be your Super Bowl Champion, and that would be a good pick.
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The argument lasted the entire time we hit golf balls into the night sky. We talked about the changes on defense, and the success that Kubiak has had in the past. I presented arguments that must have sounded like the crazy ramblings of some crazed fan, who had no idea about the NFL, and I came to a strange realization. This league has moved on from the Peyton Manning story. Denver is not a headline right now. Good. Come February, the headline will look different. I like this league forgetting about my team. It will make things that much better when they are forced to remember them at the end.
Next: Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos Headed in Opposite Direction?