Broncos Still Super Bowl Contenders

The Denver Broncos begin their title defense on September 8th. With the media having little faith in their chances, we look to what could make them successful in their path to repeating.

If you take the pulse of the mainstream sports media concerning your Denver Broncos, you might come down off that Super Bowl high you’ve been riding since that amazing February night. I am here to tell you why you should have some optimism for the 2016 Broncos getting to Houston.

Defense.  No secret here.  Yes, we are all holding our collective breaths at the moment hoping that the vaunted “Vontract” will be signed.  Reports are mixed at the moment, but all the speculation is just that, until the ink is dry (and all faxes have been confirmed at NFL offices of course).  Either way the Broncos still have a top defense with or without Von Miller.  Obviously his presence adds another dimension to the pass rush, but as deep as they are at all three levels, the Broncos D would still be a top notch force.

Of course Von not being in orange and blue would be a huge blow to the Denver D.  I’m just trying to be realistically optimistic, you know hope for the best, prepare for the worst?  One man does not make a defense.  We don’t need to worry about that though in my opinion.  I believe Von is a Bronco for life.

If Von indeed sits, and Miller Time is over in Denver, the pass rush should still be formidable with young bucks Shaquil Barrett and Shane Ray coming off the edge at times with a still effective Demarcus Ware.  “Wolfe man” Derek Wolfe has been another proven pass rusher, from inside or outside.

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Ball control.  This season you will see a true Gary Kubiak offense.  Emphasis on the run, eat clock, and opportunistic in the pass game.  Denver has many great offensive weapons, including what could be a great addition in 2nd year TE Jeff Heuerman, who had his rookie season ended before it started due to an ACL injury.  The running back position has been solidified, and be ready to see shades of Howard Griffith with a fullback getting a ton of snaps.  Add to that a bolstered offensive line, look for a much more efficient Broncos offensive attack in 2016.

I believe the starting quarterback job is truly up for grabs in camp.  Sanchez and Siemian are the favorites, but don’t be surprised to see 1st round pick Paxton Lynch make a push.  My opinion is that either of the three could be successful in the Kubiak system.  Not too much is asked aside from limit mistakes and be efficient.  I love the size and athleticism of Lynch, and if not this year, I’d say be excited for #12 in the future.

Finally, the reason I think the Broncos can be back in the big game is the culture.  Yes, the old winning culture statement, I said it.  While sometimes overused and cliche, the winning culture is real, and the Denver Broncos really have it, especially since John Elway re-entered the building. In addition, the Broncos have seemed to have built a truly cohesive locker room, which seems to have importance for a championship team.

Hey, if you have nothing else to hang your hat on, I ask you a question; have the Broncos ever won a Super Bowl that didn’t include John Elway and Gary Kubiak?  There you have it Broncos Country. Let me know what you think in the comments below.