Predominantly Orange
FanSided

Jordan Norwood: the Denver Broncos’ Secret Weapon?

By Kyle Sumner McKinnon

facebooktwitterreddit

Coming off of a torn ACL, could journeyman wideout Jordan Norwood unlock the Denver Broncos offensive potential?

A once promising season took a turn for the worst last year for Jordan Norwood. A torn ACL in the preseason crushed what could’ve been a career year for him.

It was the same old song and dance for the veteran wideout/return specialist: struggle, overcome, somewhat succeed. Rinse, repeat.

After having an impressive training camp and an eye-opening preseason in 2014, Norwood was a virtual lock to make the roster. There was even talk of him getting in on some first-team offensive action.

In fact, that’s exactly what happened, as he actually caught a pass from quarterback Peyton Manning in their Week Two preseason matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

More from Predominantly Orange

Not bad for a guy competing with Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Wes Welker, and Cody Latimer for playing time.

It obviously all came to a sad end for Norwood, but luckily for the Broncos, he’s back again this offseason yearning to make an impact anywhere he can.

Norwood is slowly gaining back his confidence, and seems to have completely recovered from his season-ending injury.

"“I think I’ve been doing well,” Norwood said in an interview with the team. “I mean, I’ve been having to prove some things to myself, really, just as far as being able to play on my knee and everything. Just getting some confidence back. So it’s been going well.”"

So, what does a journeyman wideout coming off of a torn ACL bring to the table? Plenty.

First and foremost, his ability to return kicks and punts can’t be undersold here. The Broncos have really struggled in that aspect of the game for a few years now and need someone of Norwood’s caliber.

He’s reliable, consistent, and is capable of making people miss once he gets the ball in his hands. Norwood is also lightening quick and is fast enough to take it to the house on any given play.

These heavily coveted skills carry over into his role as a wide receiver. As mentioned earlier, Norwood showed real flashes as a wideout last preseason.

May 28, 2013; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receivers Wes Welker (83) and Isaiah Burse (19) and Nathan Palmer (13) and Greg Wilson (15) and Bennie Fowler (16) and Jordan Norwood (11) during organized team activities at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Up until that point in 2014, Norwood hadn’t displayed much in the way of being a big time playmaker. He’s battled through injuries and has never been able to gain any sort of traction in his seven-year career.

In stints with the Cleveland Browns (twice), Philadelphia Eagles, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Norwood has only amassed a total of 36 catches, 405 receiving yards, and one lone touchdown reception.

If he returns to full strength, the veteran can really give the Broncos a boost in multiple ways.

"“I mean, I feel like it’s a new season,” Norwood said. “New coaching staff and a new opportunity to prove yourself and be a part of the team.”"

He has the chance to seal up a glaring hole on special teams for the Broncos, while capably rounding out what might be the best receiving corps in the League. Norwood certainly still has his work cut out for him, but healthy competition never hurt anyone.

Expect him to make a strong push to be a part of the 53-man roster as a key contributor once training camp begins at the end of July.

More from Predominantly Orange

Home/Broncos News