The Denver Broncos’ grand Peyton Manning Experiment worked. It took four seasons. Along the way Broncos Country was treated to some of Manning’s finest work, as he broke records, and won his way into the hearts of fans around the country. Sure, there were some disappointments, but when the confetti fell on Super Bowl 50, it was the culmination of a journey to the top.
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Never mind that Manning was not the focal point of the 2015 Denver Broncos. He earned the right to be carried off into the sunset. Just like John Elway, Manning was only able to accomplish this final feat because of the team around him, and what an unbelievable team it was. That defense deserves the comparisons to some of the greats.
But now we have to move on. I hate it. We live in a world where our Denver Broncos are world champions. Every night before you go to sleep you can smile in the knowledge that no other team in the NFL is better than yours. So why do I have to start worrying about next year? Why is it so important to know what Peyton is going to do? Is it really important that we analyze the free agency market?
Uncertainty at the quarterback position makes every team nervous. However, John Elway has proven he can build a champion.
I want to bask a little longer. I took some time off, and just enjoyed the victory. I guess that time has to come to a close sooner or later. Now is as good a time as any. The Denver Broncos have more questions than answers for next season, a rarity among Super Bowl champions. With the Peyton Manning experiment over, does the Brock Osweiler era begin? How can John Elway keep the defense he assembled together? Will the 2015 Broncos defense suffer the same fate as the ’85 Bears, or the 2000 Ravens? One and done?
Some of the moves are obvious. Parting ways with Manning is the only logical play. Paying Von Miller is a no brainer. Maintaining the core of one of the greatest defenses of all time is a priority. The greatest quarterback in the history of the NFL just assembled one of the greatest defenses in the history of the NFL. Elway gets it. He knows that he can only win more championships is to trust in his defense, and allow his head coach to make this team his own.
Horseshoe Heroes
The 2016 season is scary. Uncertainty at the quarterback position makes every team nervous. However, John Elway has proven he can build a champion. Wade Phillips is still in Denver. Gary Kubiak is a Super Bowl winning head coach, who will get to implement an offense that will finally complement a great defense.
Trust the system. When people comment on the success of Elway as a GM, just point to what he was able to do following the Josh McDaniels debacle. The turnaround was quick, and adding Manning sure helped, but it wasn’t Peyton who won the Super Bowl, and the guy who did is going to suit up in orange and blue for a long time.
Next: Broncos Offseason: Free Agency Staff Round Table
