NFL: Biggest Offseason Question For Each AFC West Team
Denver Broncos: Was 2016 an aberration?
With a championship-caliber defense, an intimidating home atmosphere, and a pair of 1,000-yard receivers, the Broncos had enough ingredients to defend their Super Bowl 2015 title properly.
Instead, the Broncos endured a tough 9-7 season, one in which they won seven of their first 10 games before their Week 11 bye.
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What eventually led to the disappointing season for the Broncos? A combination of things. From inconsistency in the running game, to a below average offensive line, to adequate play from the quarterback position, to growing concerns over the health of their head coach. All combined was enough for a team with plenty of talent to not even participate in postseason activities.
A new coach is in place in Vance Joseph, a 44-year old former defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins in 2016 and defensive assistant dating back to 1999.
The team added former Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles this offseason to sort of spice up the run game but even with his injuries the past few seasons, many wonder if Charles can even impact the Broncos the way the team hopes for. Selecting Utah offensive tackle Garrett Bolles in the first round of this year’s draft helps but health is also a concern for the group as a whole. The team hopes 2015 first rounder Paxton Lynch has developed enough to challenge for the starting job at quarterback.
It helps to have the best pass rusher in the game in Von Miller. It also helps to have a secondary led by corners Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr to lead the league in opponent completion percentage at 55%.
The defense is elite and capable of keeping the Broncos in every game they play in. Questions remain for a veteran team that is two years removed from a crowning achievement, mainly on offense. Some are wondering if this experienced team can answer enough questions to challenge for a division crown in a suddenly skilled division.