We asked Sky Sport’s Richard Graves what his thoughts of the Broncos up and coming season. Here is his view on 2015:
“If Peyton Manning stays healthy, I don’t think it’s beyond the realms of possibility that this team goes 13-3 with the 3 losses coming at Detroit, home to the Packers and then at Pittsburgh. Games at the Colts, Chargers & the Chiefs are all potential banana skins though. Either way Denver finishes 10-6 at worst this year.
Pros:
Peyton Manning – what he maybe beginning to lose physically, he more than makes up for with his ability to read a game and a defense
Denver’s running game! This showed itself last year and will take some heat off Manning
Denver’s Defense – Ware, Von Miller, Harris, Talib, TJ Ward are all star names but this unit has been improved since last year. 20 sacks in pre-season highlights that
Demaryius Thomas – Signing him to a big money deal was huge for this team. His stats warranted it and he’ll once again be the receiving threat opponents focus on shutting down
Gary Kubiak – He forged a team to be feared in Houston but when the time came to step up, injuries and some inexplicable individual errors cost the team its run at a championship and Kubiak his job.
In Denver he inherits a more talented roster with natural leaders on the field who’ve won big games. He’ll install the game plan, this group of players will execute it.
Cons:
Peyton Manning – This strength could also be Denver’s weakness. Without doubt his best years are behind him. Was the Manning we saw in the final games of last season due to injury or is it a sign of things to come?
Receiving Core – Demaryius Thomas is one the best receivers in the league but in just over 12 months Decker, Thomas and Welker have all gone. Can Sanders, Daniels and co fill that void?
Expectation – Denver have been in a “win now mode” for the last 3 seasons and haven’t got the job done – that’s one of the reasons John Fox is now at the Bears! The pressure is on this roster to do it this season. Can they get over that mental barrier and go all the way??
Coaching – It’s a new team on the sidelines with a new philosophy. Given the expectation surrounding this franchise, how much of a gamble is it putting a HC in place who’s never led a franchise to post season success? I actually think Gary Kubiak will do well but there’ll be no honeymoon period in Denver if things don’t go well from the start.
Salary Cap – GM John Elway has made a number of Free Agent splashes in the last 3 years in a bid to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Denver. Sooner or later that’s going to be felt on the salary cap. At that point tough decisions will have to be made regarding the roster and that could come as soon as 2016!”
Denver Broncos UK would like to thank Richard for his time. You can follow Richard on Twitter @RichardGraves1.