The season is coming. The DNA of Sports editorial team offers you an update on the strengths and weaknesses of the 32 franchises. Today, the Denver Broncos. You can find all the presentations by clicking on this link.
In March 2022, George Paton directed the trade offseason by sending 5 draft picks (including 2 first-round picks and 2 second-round picks) and 3 starters (Drew Lock, Shelby Harris and Noah Fant) to Seattle in order to bring Russell Wilson to Denver.
Two disappointing seasons later (only 11 wins), the 35-year-old pitcher left with a bang. He left a gaping hole in the franchise's finances, forcing the Broncos to start from scratch.
Last season: 8 wins – 9 losses, 3rd in AFC West
Off-season movements
Notable Arrivals: Zach Wilson (QB), John Franklin-Myers (DE), Cody Barton (LB), Josh Reynolds (WR), Malcolm Roach (DT), Levi Wallace (CB), Brandon Jones (S), Angelo Blackson ( DE), Sam Mustipher (C), Matt Peart (OT)
Re-signings: PJ Locke (S), Lil'Jordan Humphrey (WR), Wil Lutz (K), Adam Trautman (TE), Michael Burton (FB), Jonas Griffith (LB)
Draft: Bo Nix (QB), Jonah Elliss (DE), Troy Franklin (WR), Kris Abrams-Draine (CB), Audric Estimé (HB), Devaughn Vele (WR), Nick Gargiulo (C)
Notable losses: Russell Wilson (QB), Justin Simmons (S), Jerry Jeudy (WR), Lloyd Cushenberry (C), Josey Jewell (LB), Chris Manhertz (TE)
A year after being inducted as head coach, Sean Payton is entering his first full offseason with a bang: exit Russell Wilson, make way for youth with Bo Nix. Weighing in at $50 million dead money This year, the early termination of the veteran quarterback's contract is an anvil. Thus, the first collateral damage has already been felt: Jerry Jeudy and especially Justin Simmons are leaving the roster in order to make meager savings.
The question is therefore: how to rebuild with little means? With rookies and revengeful players, my good lady. In this sense, Denver made some bold bets, notably Zach Wilson who made a sad reputation for himself in New York after being drafted very high. Still on the New York and Jets side, the Broncos offered John Franklin-Myers a starting spot in the defensive line. Same story for Cody Barton, Josh Reynolds, Malcolm Roach or Levi Wallace who, if they will not necessarily be starters, should at least get more playing time. Reinforcements in quantity, but the quality seems limited…
Typical team
Quarterback: Jarrett Stidham – Running back: Javonte Williams – Receivers: Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, Josh Reynolds – Tight End: Greg Dulcich – Offensive Line (left to right): Garett Bolles, Ben Powers, Alex Forsyth, Quinn Meinerz, Mike McGlinchey
Defensive Line: Zach Allen, DJ Jones, John Franklin-Myers – Linebacker: Baron Browning, Cody Barton, Alex Singleton, Jonathon Cooper – Cornerback: Pat Surtain II, Damarri Mathis – Safety: PJ Locke, Brandon Jones
The strong point(s): a great coach
A renowned and respected coach, Sean Payton is probably the biggest reason for hope in Denver. Although he has only won one playoff game in the past 4 seasons, he remains the only one to have led the Saints to the title, in 2009. A track record that allows him to have the confidence of his management, since he has been given the freedom to shape a team in his image. We will therefore wait for the results of his fast attack, now that he has found his new Drew Brees.
Within this attack, a few “big” players stand out: The two tackles Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey are solid starters in the NFL while the young Quinn Meinerz is a real revelation at guard. Probably helped by the departure of Russell Wilson who was criticized for holding onto the ball too much, the offensive line should this season be a point on which Denver can rely. A good omen in order to secure the quarterback who will take the reins.
Entering the fourth year of his rookie contract, the time is decisive for Patrick Surtain II and his new deal. Excellent in his first three years, he has (already) accumulated two Pro-Bowl selections and one First-Team All-Pro. Opposing quarterbacks also display a cumulative rating of 68.6 when they throw in his direction, the fourth best rate in the league for a cornerback over the last three seasons. You said Lockdown Corner ?
The weak point(s): a young attack
Within this offense, the tight end position is a big question mark. A real black mark when you know how important this position is in modern football. Behind the talented but frustrating Greg Dulcich, who has spent more time in the infirmary than on the field since his selection in 2022, Adam Trautman timidly took over last season (22 receptions for 204 yards and 3 touchdowns). With an often injured starter and a less than sparkling replacement, the surprise could ultimately come from Lucas Kruul. Arriving last year in Colorado, the tight end completely exploded during training camp. Sean Payton is full of praise for him, and it wouldn't be surprising to see more of him.
On the receiver side, the record is not much better. Only Courtland Sutton seems to be a certainty, now that he is done sulking. The other main targets will have to be found among the good but often injured Tim Patrick, the backup receiver Josh Reynolds, or the youngsters Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin or Devaughn Vele. It's thin.
Amputated of several key players after the departures of Justin Simmons and Josy Jewell, the Denver Broncos defense seems a little more fragile. Already lackluster last season and 29th in the league in terms of yards conceded, it has only been strengthened at the defensive line level. The secondary still looks very weak, with the only certainty in the field being Pat Surtain II. It's hard to imagine any real defensive progression over the coming season, unless we see players like Baron Browning or Jonathon Cooper (EDGE) explode.
X Factor: The Racing Game
Regardless of who starts, the Denver Broncos' offense will be led by an inexperienced rusher. In that sense, what better way to reassure him than an effective running game? With a reliable offensive line, the foundation is already laid. With a promising and diverse running committee, hopes can be born.
The spearhead of the ground game will certainly be Javonte Williams. Returning last season after a nasty knee injury, the starter disappointed (774 rushing yards, 3.6 yards/carry, 3 rushing touchdowns). Lacking explosiveness, he was often criticized for not going to scratch the yards after impact. Worse still, he was sometimes found nonchalant on the field, even fueling rumors of a cut. Returning with the right spirit and a few pounds less during camp, Javonte Williams seems to have found his former punch. It's up to him to guide Denver's ground game.
He will be supported in his task by a large group, with probably Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime who will share the biggest workload. The first is a real live wire who wreaked havoc during his rookie season. His average per carry is excellent (5.4 yards/carry) and calls for a more substantial role than his 76 carries last year. The second, drafted in the 5th round, is a real force of nature. His 1.80 m and 106 kilos are impressive, and the runner will be important on short attempts. Better still, he is quite capable of evolving on all phases of the ground game, as evidenced by his successful college stint at Notre Dame (2,321 yards gained, 6.2 yards/carry, 29 touchdowns).
Player to watch: Bo Nix (QB)
Barely arrived in the league, the quarterback already represents the future of the franchise. On waivers with Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson, Bo Nix already seems to have the full confidence of Sean Payton. His teammates are also raving about him, highlighting his leadership skills and his ability to adapt. In order to help him, the Broncos went to get his preferred target in the fourth round of the Draft. Bo Nix will therefore once again have Troy Franklin at his side for years to come (1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns in their last season at Oregon).
However, in a season that promises to be difficult, it would be dangerous to throw your rookie in at the deep end. Thus, it seems likely that Jarrett Stidham will start the Broncos' season. For Bo, the goal will be to accumulate experience and confidence behind Stidham, because no doubt his turn will come quickly.
Denver Broncos 2024 Schedule
@Seahawks, Steelers, @Buccaneers, @Jets, Raiders, Chargers, @Saints, Panthers, @Ravens, @Chiefs, Falcons, @Raiders, Browns, BYE, Colts, @Chargers, @Bengals, Chiefs
A relatively balanced schedule for the Denver Broncos. Behind the double-header against the Chiefs' division rival, the big players seem to be the Jets and Ravens. The Week 2 game against the Steelers also promises to be electric, with the return of a certain Russell Wilson to Mile High…
The audio preview of the podcast
In summary
The season is shaping up to be complicated for the Denver Broncos. Weighed down by Wilson's contract, the franchise is forced to deal with youth and second-stringers. Outside of the offensive line, the offense is a shower of uncertainties, while the defense will have to count on the rise of its youngsters to hope to hold off the tide. A reason for hope? The roster may have been shaped in Sean Payton's style: it's up to him to make his cards speak.
