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... Like I know what I am talking about ;)
So now that I've had some time to sit and process the Broncos season, I thought I would share my thoughts on the past year and on what to expect (& want) from the future.
Overall, it would be difficult to not call this season a success. Personally, I thought we would be lucky to go 4-12... Instead, we went 8-8, made the playoffs, and won a playoff game... The Broncos went as far as the Saints, Texans, and Packers, and farther than the Steelers, Bengals, Falcons, and Lions... Looking back to that 1-4 start, who would have thought eh?
I hope the Broncos realize now that this raises the bar for next year, with the potential of both coordinators coaching others teams. Hope this also motivates the off season training to be intense.
Let's review each segment of the team, hand out some cheers and jeers, and see what else comes up, shall we?
Offense - All we heard about most of the year was Tim Tebow. Tim Tebow's a winner. Tim Tebow can't be a quarterback in this league. Tim Tebow this, Tim Tebow that... I'll talk more about Tebow later, but instead, I thought I would comment on other parts of this group. Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker finally came to play, the Offense Line has gotten better (wouldn't know it from that Patriots playoff game, but still), we had a run game, and we didn't turn the ball over as much as it seemed at time. These are all great STEPS and the team must keep working on it.
Offense MVP - Has to be Willis McGahee. This "washed up" running back came to play and he took advantage of the opportunity when Knowshon Marino was hurt - either at the beginning of the season with a hamstring issue or when he was added to the Injured Reserve (IR) later in the season. McGahee isn't perfect, and has to work like the rest of the team to improve, but it appears he has some "gas left in the tank" that he's willing to burn for the team. Honorable Mentions - Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Tim Tebow
Offense LVP - Eddie Royal. Remember when he was going to be the future of the franchise? That was 3 years ago... since then? NOTHING much. He had some great catches, and some great hustle, but he hasn't done much to step up as a playmaker. He's third on the depth chart, where he should be, but he's the veteran starter now that Brandon Lloyd and Jabar Gaffney are gone and should be leading the youngsters, vs. the other way around. His special teams play will keep him on the team, but he really needs to step up his game if he wants to be a success.
Other Mentions - Ryan Clady, Julius Thomas, Orlando Franklin
X Factor - ... Tebow. His offseason is what will make or break this team. He had a good year, but he really needs to depend on himself and not the defense or the opponent to succeed. Now, I think Tim has the work ethic to really improve, and I think a lot of people forget that a) he didn't have any kind of offseason or training camp last year due to the lockout and b) He wasn't trained to the starter at the beginning of training camp... He doesn't get either excuse this year, plus he gets training from hall of fame quarterback John Elway, so he HAS to perform... his career (and possibly others), his team, and everything depends on it.
Defense - What a different a year makes huh? This team came to play and did a decent job making key plays when they had too, especially at the beginning of the year. I would like to see more turnovers and initial tackles made from this group next year...
Defense MVP - HAS to be our buddy Von Miller. Yes, he was drafted 2nd and everyone had high hopes, but guess who didn't disappoint? He should be defensive rookie of the year. He had 11.5 sacks in the regular season, but really, he should have had more. The injury to his thumb/hand didn't do him any favors... BIG expectations next year. Honorable Mentions - Elvis Dumervil, Champ Bailey, Brodrick Bunkley
Defense LVP - ... Andre Goodman. The receiver he was covering was always making plays. I realize he had some important interceptions throughout the year, but they were more luck than anything (Mark Sanchez through the ball right to him, as did Chris Ponder). Most the time, he couldn't keep up with his man and, after all the effort the defense put forth, the team either was scored on or at least "moved that chains." He's had a couple bad years, and I think it's obvious why Miami let him go...
X factor - Robert Ayers. You heard his name mentions with tackles and sacks the more the season went on... This is because he's a 4-3 defensive back and is actually doing what he was drafted to do... If he keeps improving, the line can really get better and stop the run/pressure & sack the QB... I have the faith, but it's a wild shot for sure.
Special Teams - Prater can kick... period. Sign him and hold on as long as you can.
Britton Colquitt is pretty good too... Our returns could be better... maybe Royal should only return kicks...
Coaching - Again, what a difference a year makes huh? I like John Fox, and I think he got better as the year went on. Now that he's established with the organization and the players, it's time to not be as conservative... having Tebow improve will allow that. Fox has the talent, now it's time to use it to the full potential (this isn't a high school football team after all). I'm hoping the coordinator positions will be staffed with the same coordinators as last year, or at least someone on the same level, as that could really affect the game. But with a team solidifying, the playbook can grow and be better than ever.So the draft - The Broncos need to focus on the defense more than anything. I believe Bailey should be switching to safety, which means we need a good cornerback (especially if Goodman leaves like I think he should), maybe a safety (though I like Carter more and more and maybe, just MAYBE, Moore can improve), and then defensive lineman (I like the linebackers, though we could always improve).
As for free agency, we need a QB to back up Tebow, a veteran for sure, especially since Tebow is still a youngster and could still use some mentoring. A running back in an option, though I think Lance Ball and Jeremiah Johnson deserve a shot as well. I'm not a coach, so I'm not going to dissect what else the team needs.
There are my year end thoughts on this SUCCESSFUL Broncos team... very excited for what the future holds and I hope the organization can really build on this past seasons accomplishments...
Thanks for reading! Comments (and other feedback) are always appreciated!
