June 9, 2015; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) warms up before the start of mini camp activities at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
We’re a month away from Denver Broncos training camp here in 2015, and there are still plenty of questions that need to get answered. General Manager John Elway has assembled another top flight roster to compete in the AFC, and it will be exciting to see them in person and on display come late July/early August when the pads go on.
But before that time comes, there are some ‘burning’ questions that I have as it pertains to the Broncos’ roster and season forthcoming.
1. Is this a roster capable of winning a Super Bowl?
This is a very simple question that you have to either answer with a yes or a no, but before I do, let’s take an objective look at the roster.
Offensively, the Broncos have questions along the offensive line (which we’ll get to in a minute) including starting a rookie at the left tackle spot. It’s not a written rule to have a veteran left tackle to win the Super Bowl, but your offensive line has to be in sync and able to communicate adequately to win in this league down the stretch. That was a huge problem for the Broncos last year, as they were changing their offensive line unit all the time and putting guys in places they were not best suited to succeed.
Talent wise, I think this is one of the most talented offensive rosters in the league, obviously led by Peyton Manning and Demaryius Thomas along with breakout players Emmanuel Sanders and C.J. Anderson. The Broncos also made a great addition in Owen Daniels, and I think Cody Latimer is bound for a big season. Defensively, this might be the best unit the Broncos have put together in the Super Bowl era.
That includes the Orange Crush days, and I apologize to the historians who might disagree.
Not only is this defense top five caliber, it might be up there with Seattle among the best in the entire league. The defensive backfield itself is growing into an elite unit that is rivaled only by Seattle, in my opinion, though there are probably some out there who are close. The pass rush and group of linebackers — if fully healthy — is going to be elite. The defensive line needs only a breakout year from Sylvester Williams (perhaps easier said than done) to be an elite unit under the guidance of d-line coach Bill Kollar.
The Broncos also have some great options and combinations with their special teams units.
My answer to this question is ‘yes’ the Broncos have a championship caliber roster.
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