Denver Broncos: Expectations for WR room in 2021 season

Predicting Production

Now that we have the seven players identified, what would be considered sufficient production?

In 2020, 57.09% of the Denver Broncos plays were called pass plays. Looking into some history of the current offensive coordinator, he has become more smitten on the passing game as of late.

Shurmur served as the Head Coach and play-caller of the New York Giants in 2018 & 2019. During that span, the New York Giants finished fifth in 2018 with 64.02% of their plays being called pass plays and 3rd in 2019 with 64.23%.

Keep in mind this was with a shaky Daniel Jones and an unproven Drew Lock. Will we see an extent of the pass on first, run on second, and throw on third approach, or could this offense be a  balanced attack like Shurmur ran in Minnsteoa?

My personal prediction is that this offense will float around the 62% pass rate and 38% rush attack philosophy. Shurmur has every single tool he needs to build a house of excellence in Denver.

In 2020, the Denver Broncos has 1,076 offensive snaps. That number could increase/decrease either way, but I expect we could see it push 1,100 in 2021.

What could production for the Denver Broncos’ Wide Receiver room look like in 2021?

Courtland Sutton

In a bounce-back year, I expect to see Courtland Sutton come out strong.

Early in his career, Sutton played with Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, but he has never had a Robin while he’s been Batman. Sutton hadn’t quite established himself yet when Thomas and Sanders were around.

Having Courtland Sutton and an actual trio of weapons around him will make his talents stand out like a sore thumb. Players like Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler, and an improved Noah Fant will take teams away from zeroing in on Sutton.

First-year GM George Paton seen up close with Courtland Sutton is capable of, even with double coverage. Other than a battle with Darius Slay, the only other defensive back I’ve seen beat Sutton in a 50/50 ball was Tyrann Mathieu.

In 2021, I expect Sutton to reach 1,200+ yards, wouldn’t say anything surpassing 1,400, and 10 touchdowns. This could be the first year Sutton experiences solid quarterback play in Bridgewater, or the potential of an above quarterback in Lock if he meets his potential.

With his fellow wide receivers attracting coverage, the thought of having to man up Courtland Sutton on the outside should put fear in coaches’ minds. Broncos Country remembers Sutton MOSS’ing Denzel Ward.

Sutton also gets voted to the Pro Bowl in 2021.