Evaluating the Denver Broncos offensive expectations

The boys of fall return as gone is the preseason for the Denver Broncos and here comes the regular season filled with offensive expectations.

Expectations can be hard to achieve, but if there’s proper execution everything will fall into place.

It starts with the quarterback position.

The Denver Broncos dipped their toes back into the veteran quarterback waters this offseason to acquire Joe Flacco from Baltimore. The first part of the plan to have a successful season is protecting Flacco.

The offensive line has been one of the most frustrating units the last few seasons, but under Mike Munchak, they are headed in the right direction. The preseason did show an unfortunate depth issue, but that can work itself out throughout the season. It will take a lot of trust and patience from Broncos Country to let Munchak work his magic.

If Flacco remains upright with a clean pocket, it will allow him to take advantage of a plethora of targets on the offense.

With Emmanuel Sanders expected to be full speed for the regular season, there’s a chance Flacco/Sanders can replicate chemistry that we saw from Manning/Sanders. Another weapon in the Broncos’ arsenal is Courtland Sutton. Sutton’s potential is through the roof, but he still must work on route running and catching the ball consistently. If Sutton can fix these areas, then there’s no telling the potential he will reach. One aspect that’s sure to stay is his underrated speed. Both Sutton and Sanders could be magical to watch with Flacco at the helm.

One area that Flacco excels at is finding his safety net. The Denver Broncos potentially have two players reliable enough on third down to help move the chains. This does not rule out Sanders and Sutton, but second-year player DaeSean Hamilton and 2019 first-round draft pick Noah Fant are near the top of the list in this regard.

Hamilton is a true slot receiver whose skillset reminds somewhat of Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen, Patriots receiver Julian Edelman, Rams receiver Cooper Kupp and many others.

Meanwhile, Fant is almost a George Kittle clone. Attending the University of Iowa, run blocking is a non-negotiable trait. Both Kittle and Fant do this exceptionally well. Kittle and Fant are gazelles after the catch as well. At least on paper, Fant and Hamilton should be an attraction for Flacco on third down.

Lastly, Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman are a true one-two punch capable of becoming the lightning and thunder running back stable for Denver. Lindsay and Freeman surprised a lot of people with their different but highly effective styles. Freeman is a faster bowling ball like CJ Anderson. The vision from Freeman is criticized by some but is beautiful to watch when it happens. If Freeman does not sustain his foot injury last year, there is a good possibility Denver has two 1,000-yard running backs.

Then there’s Lindsay. Lindsay has the swagger of Chris Harris Jr. and talent of a top-flight back. Denver really lucked out with finding Lindsay and having Lindsay choose them. He is a ferocious back for his size and fast as the Flash himself, Barry Allen. Lindsay surprised a lot of people with his capabilities to run between the tackles. Scouts thought someone that size would not take that punishment. However, Lindsay embraces the pounding like every carry is his last.

The newest signing of Theo Riddick will be out for half the season, but can eventually transform the Denver offense. Denver had been missing this type of player for their offense and they now have him. Riddick will miss eight games early in the season, but his impact should be seen during the year. He is one of the NFL’s best receiving threats as a back.

Both he and Chris Thompson are excellent in this area. Riddick has shown the fortitude to be a solid pass blocker that will see potential during third downs. As a check-down or another option during Flacco’s progression, it does not get better than Lindsay and Riddick.

All of these positives still stem from the very beginning of this article. If the offensive line can win in the trenches everything is headed to a successful story. This starts with cutting penalties out of the equation. Garett Bolles is a gifted, athletic tackle capable of being top-10 at his position. Bolles has quick feet and right frame, but when he gets beat the hand placement forces him to commit holding penalties. The other factor is health and miscues.

Ronald Leary has dealt with numerous injuries and cannot seem to stay on the field for the full season. Connor McGovern has the strength and mobility to be a great center. But if he can’t fix the snap issues right now Denver may see turnovers rise.

The last big thing to a successful season for the offense is committing turnovers. Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay did not fumble the football all year as a rookie. That’s a tall task to see if they can continue it this year, but the carrying of the football is paramount.

Flacco does not need to throw for 4,000 yards with 40 touchdowns, but he must manage the offense. A steady season that limits the turnovers to a minimum and not flipping field position has been the big issue in the past. Keep the turnovers small and convert in the red zone. That’s how the offense can successful.

Nothing is sunshine and rainbows. There will be bumps and bruises during the season. Adversity will come. The mark of a good team is overcoming every test to win football games. If all these things happen, then they will be where they have been last few seasons.