Denver Broncos: Bold Predictions for 2014 NFL Season
By Erik Lambert
Nov 24, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
It’s Super Bowl or bust for the Denver Broncos this 2014 NFL season. Here are some bold predictions to mull over along the way.
Peyton Manning throws 50 touchdowns for second-straight season
It took six years for Peyton Manning to claim the single-season record for passing touchdown back in 2004 but he only had a chance to hold it for three years before it was snatched away by Tom Brady. It then took Manning another six years to get it back At age 37 he threw for 55 touchdown passes in 2013. That is a record that could stand for a long time. So what is left for Manning to accomplish? How about becoming the only quarterback to throw for 50 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons? Thanks to some off-season moves and improving protection, that is exactly what he’ll do.
Von Miller and Demarcus Ware each have at least 12 sacks
There is nothing a great pass rusher loves more than playing with a lead. Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney built Pro Bowl careers playing with Manning as their quarterback and 2014 promises the same for the new dynamic duo in town with Von Miller and now Demarcus Ware. The Denver Broncos figure to play with a lead often during the season, compelling teams to throw the football in order to keep up. That should allow Miller and Ware ample chances to rack up the sacks. Based on the improvements in the secondary, expect both of them to have productive seasons, even upwards of at least 12 sacks apiece.
Bradley Roby has more interceptions than Aqib Talib
Aqib Talib was probably the steal of free agency. Slated to eventually re-sign with New England, the Denver Broncos brass pulled off a stunner, bringing the Pro Bowl corner to Mile High. If that weren’t enough, the team got another stroke of good luck when highly talented cornerback Bradley Roby fell to them in the first round of the NFL draft. Given the presence of Talib on one side and with Roby as a favorite to start on the other side it stands to reason teams are going to attack the rookie early and often. That will lead to some big plays for them, but also frequent chances for Roby to make plays of his own. Don’t be surprised if the Ohio State standout ends up with more interceptions by the end of the season than Talib.