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MileHigh64
Broncos Fanatic
As we gear up for camp (only 8 days away!!), it is going to be interesting to see how each position group looks. I've attempted to rank them from strongest group to weakest. I think it's a telling exercise in better understanding how our team might perform in 2016:
I'm out!
- Defensive line. If you include our edge rushing linebackers (DE's at times), this is a strength of the Broncos IMO. Even with the loss of Malik, I think this unit can continue to be special and put enormous pressure on opposing quarterbacks, not to mention run-stuffing.
- Defensive secondary. Talib, Harris, Roby, Ward, Stewart. Depth beyond those players. The "no fly zone" is the real deal and they really compliment or support our pass rush.
- Receivers. There aren't many duos better than DT and Manny Sanders in the league. Depth players like Latimer, Fowler, Norwood and Sunshine make our future look bright!
- Linebackers. The Broncos seem to have a lot of confidence in Todd Davis and Cory Nelson. With Brandon Marshall calling the plays and our edge guys, this is a competent group. This could also be a huge breakout year for the likes of Shaq Barrett and Shane Ray. Zaire Anderson could also be a sleeping monster!
- Running backs. I like CJ. Add in Janovich in the fullback position and this year could be an ass-kickin' ride. Hillman may stick and there's always the rookie Booker, plus Thompson and Bibbs. Run the rock, Kubiak!
- Special Teams. Lots of guys play here but can you say Brandon Mc "no miss" Manus?
- Tight ends. Will Heuerman breakout this year? Can the Sanchize/Simien/Lynch-master get Virgil Green the ball more? A largely unproven group but integral to the Kubiak scheme. There should be some TE wrinkles this coming season.
- Offensive line. While it would appear that the Broncos have upgraded the O-line, how long will it take to gel? These guys have never played together as a unit and we'll be adding the TE and fullback positions which could make life a little challenging early on. They're also blocking for an unknown quarterback who will at a minimum be a rookie or have some struggles with progressions. Makes for a tough day at the office.
- Quarterback. Who the hell is going to be running our offense? Logical minds say Sanchez. Dreamers say Simien. Long term sufferers are yelling "throw Paxton out there!" I must admit that it's a bit alarming to see the weakest link be the most important position on the field but in Elway I trust. Although we know that the Broncos are seeking an answer to replace some of the worst quarterback play to ever grace a Super Bowl winning team, it can't be as easy as some would assert: "just have a game manager".
I'm out!