Denver Broncos: The Man With Most to Prove Isn’t a QB
By Erik Lambert
The Denver Broncos have undergone some remarkable changes in the wake of their Super Bowl victory last year, and much of it their own doing.
It looked like a team ready to win multiple championships. Then Peyton Manning and Gary Kubiak both retired within the space of a year. Suddenly two of the four men who made the Super Bowl win possible are gone, leaving little in their wake but questions. Who is going to fill their big shoes at quarterback and head coach?
Thus far the answer to either is unknown. Trevor Siemian played fairly well last season but word is the Broncos are hoping former 1st round pick Paxton Lynch ascends this year. New head coach Vance Joseph comes with a glowing reputation from Miami but is a total novice when it come to his new position. One would think either of those men would qualify as the Bronco with the most to prove.
As it turns out, not according to ESPN. Their insider Jeff Legwold believes nobody fits that mold better than outside linebacker Shane Ray.
"“(Shane) Ray has flashed his enormous potential — a three-sack game in 2016 to go with eight sacks for the season in limited duty — but now he’s being asked to sit at the grown-ups table. John Elway and Vance Joseph’s plan for the Broncos to remain great on defense as the team retools its offense yet again hinges on Ray’s ability to replace DeMarcus Ware and be the “other” player opposing offenses have to worry about. If Ray performs as the Broncos hope, he should make impact plays and give Von Miller the pass-rushing sidekick the defense needs.”"
Pass rush pursuit
Indeed the entire success of that great Broncos defense centered on their pass rush, led by Miller and Ware. With Ware stepping away, it falls squarely on the shoulders of Ray. Is he ready? It sure seems like it. His progression has been on the steady upswing the past two years. He had four sacks as a rookie and then produced eight last season. It feels like this is his chance for a breakout with more playing time than ever before.
Sure the quarterbacks will take center stage soon enough. Still, if the pass rush continues to dominate like it has, the Broncos defense should be able to keep things on track until that answer is finally found.