Disappointment, uncertainty, and Elway

[TDs3nOut]

Obviously another disappointing end to the season. Four straight trips to the playoffs since going 4-12 in 2010, the additions since then of some big time FAs, and some pretty solid drafts have all raised expectations very high. As Broncos fans know, however, it's really tough to win it all -- only one of thirty-two does each year. Life goes on.

Added to the disappointing end to this season is the uncertainty associated with building a coaching staff from scratch and perhaps losing Peyton Manning, along with several other very good players, in free agency. Hard not to speculate over what direction the team takes over the coming weeks, but I really don't have much of a clue.

The one clue that I am hanging my hat on, however, is that Elway will be both aggressive and competent in his approach to keeping Denver among the most competitive teams in the league. That's more than I can realistically expect. Very interesting offseason is just beginning.

 

[randymon]

Obviously another disappointing end to the season. Four straight trips to the playoffs since going 4-12 in 2010, the additions since then of some big time FAs, and some pretty solid drafts have all raised expectations very high. As Broncos fans know, however, it's really tough to win it all -- only one of thirty-two does each year. Life goes on.

Added to the disappointing end to this season is the uncertainty associated with building a coaching staff from scratch and perhaps losing Peyton Manning, along with several other very good players, in free agency. Hard not to speculate over what direction the team takes over the coming weeks, but I really don't have much of a clue.

The one clue that I am hanging my hat on, however, is that Elway will be both aggressive and competent in his approach to keeping Denver among the most competitive teams in the league. That's more than I can realistically expect. Very interesting offseason is just beginning.

Yeah TD from what S. Sharpe said yesterday, Elway is one pissed off dude. Heads are starting to roll already and he aint done yet by far. I also have alot of confidence that Elway will make this team much better very soon. If anyone has shown that he is a very capable GM,etc., its Elway. Like you stated, going to be very,very interesting to say the least.

 

[WalkerBoh]

I wonder if this is what Elway has in mind:


Talking to Manning about retirement. I'm starting to think Manning's no longer in the Broncos' immediate future, and would be better on Peyton if he retires before Elway's forced to release him. That $16MM+ cap space has to be VERY enticing at this point, and would help retain the talent he wants to keep, and pursue the talent he thinks we need.


He then convinces Kubiak to return to Denver, who installs an offense similar to late 90's with Osweiler at the helm. If Oz has learned from Manning, and is even a little smarter than Plummer, that may be all we need, provided he can make the throws and be at least semi-mobile.


He brings in a more innovative DC to run the defense to higher potency. Combine that with a strong running game, and a competent passing game, and Denver would still be SB contenders. The big question is whether Osweiler is capable or not.

 

[TDs3nOut]

I wonder if this is what Elway has in mind:


Talking to Manning about retirement. I'm starting to think Manning's no longer in the Broncos' immediate future, and would be better on Peyton if he retires before Elway's forced to release him. That $16MM+ cap space has to be VERY enticing at this point, and would help retain the talent he wants to keep, and pursue the talent he thinks we need.


He then convinces Kubiak to return to Denver, who installs an offense similar to late 90's with Osweiler at the helm. If Oz has learned from Manning, and is even a little smarter than Plummer, that may be all we need, provided he can make the throws and be at least semi-mobile.


He brings in a more innovative DC to run the defense to higher potency. Combine that with a strong running game, and a competent passing game, and Denver would still be SB contenders. The big question is whether Osweiler is capable or not.

That all seems plausible to me. Also reminds me of something that I've wondered about, which is whether Elway is prepared to cut Manning if Peyton doesn't choose to retire.

Another aspect of that that interests me is how long can Elway afford to wait for Manning to decide whether he wants to continue playing. That is a big decision and I'm sure that Elway appreciates its gravity, though waiting may hinder putting together the best possible coaching staff. Seem to recall that it took Elway some time to decide whether or not to retire or return for the ''99 season. I also have to imagine that Elway has the utmost respect for Peyton and that he empathizes with him quite a bit.

Have to think, however, based on quickly Elway responded to the loss on Sunday, that he does have at least one plan in place.

 

[MileHigh64]

That all seems plausible to me. Also reminds me of something that I've wondered about, which is whether Elway is prepared to cut Manning if Peyton doesn't choose to retire.

Another aspect of that that interests me is how long can Elway afford to wait for Manning to decide whether he wans to continue playing. That is a big decision and I'm sure that Elway appreciates its gravity, though waiting may hinder putting together the best possible coaching staff. Seem to recall that it took Elway some time to decide whether or not to retire or return for the ''99 season. I also have to imagine that Elway has the utmost respect for Peyton and that he empathizes with him quite a bit.

Have to think, however, based on quickly Elway responded to the loss on Sunday, that he does have at least one plan in place.

I've been wondering that myself. It seems like Elway is going to want to move forward sooner than later in preparing for free agency, the draft and most certainly his coaching search. Although, I believe Elway will be targeting a coach for the next 5 years vs. a coach that would work well with Manning. One thing we do know is that the Broncos owe Manning 19 million if he's on the team in March. The clock is ticking loudly.

 

[randymon]

Everything you guys touch on is of course an issue that def has to be a concern, but I would think Elway`s even bigger concern is if he does go with Manning again ( if he doesn`t retire), what kind of condition is he going to be in toward the end of season and into PO`s whan it`s critical that your starting QB is healthy. I think Elway has to be more concerned with that when it comes to whether the start season with him behind center and make another SB run. It could be another deja vu (?) with the 39 yr old guy. I know if I was Elway, that would be my biggest worry. I know he can win me the AFC West but can can he still be healthy and "productive" come crunch time. It`s a toughy alright. I think I would rather take my chances with the young guy because I just don`t think Manning can stay healthy from Nov-Jan if he even makes it that far. IMO of course gents

 

[BroncoInCALI]

One of the top priorities, with or without Manning, is going to have to be the Offensive Line. Regardless of who is behind Center, they must improve the protection.

 

[iknowftbll]

I'll say this about Manning and his health concerns: He's earned the benefit of the doubt. If he wants to start in 2015 I'm all for it.

 

[Carnzo]

I'll say this about Manning and his health concerns: He's earned the benefit of the doubt. If he wants to start in 2015 I'm all for it.

Hope it is not the end of him yet but Elway calls the shots.

 

[Broncosr0k]

The Manning situation is gong to be quite a pickle. I think there are going to be some coaches that would love to work with him. Some that want to not work with him. And there is a thought that you still only have Manning for 2 years and then you have to potentially revamp the offense.

 

[randymon]

The Manning situation is gong to be quite a pickle. I think there are going to be some coaches that would love to work with him. Some that want to not work with him. And there is a thought that you still only have Manning for 2 years and then you have to potentially revamp the offense.

Spot on. I just don`t think Manning can make it all the way. I wish I didn`t have that feeling but it has to be a major concern and like you said, in 2 yrs you might not even have a qb that`s on the current roster by then. Oz might hit the road. Then what do you have? I think they need to find out what they have in Brock now only for the fact that I don`t trust having a healthy Manning for a whole season.

 

[iknowftbll]

Spot on. I just don`t think Manning can make it all the way. I wish I didn`t have that feeling but it has to be a major concern and like you said, in 2 yrs you might not even have a qb that`s on the current roster by then. Oz might hit the road. Then what do you have? I think they need to find out what they have in Brock now only for the fact that I don`t trust having a healthy Manning for a whole season.

But guys, remember, health is legitimate concern for EVERY player in the league year in and year out. We've been telling the naysayers this since the day Manning signed with Denver. He's got a whole off season to heal up. The team has a whole off season to rebuilt and improve the O-line. I understand his age raises questions. I just think given who he is, we should not be so hasty to see him move on. Hell, maybe we'll get a more favorable schedule in 2015 (the opponents list is tough again, but maybe the configuration won't be so asinine this time around) and some of the problems we had this year won't resurface next year.

Plus I think we're going to get a new DC: A much more aggressive one who maximizes what he has with this defense. READ: Keeps opponents scoring down. Manning may not need to do as much with the emergence of a better defense and a legitimate running game. I'd like to see what Kubiak can do here. Give Manning another year, tag Oz, then transition in 2016. Kubiak may be a good mentor for the young QB.

 

[WalkerBoh]

Okay, according to Elway, he DOES want Manning to return, and thinks he has one more year of good football in him. He also plans to involve Manning in the search for HC's, and indicated Gase and Del Rio are candidates:


Elway: Peyton Manning will be involved in search for new coach : Fantasy News




Additionally, it's reported that "plan B" would be to go with Osweiler as the starter, should Manning decide to retire:


Report: Broncos prepared to go with Osweiler if Manning retires : Fantasy News

 

[Broncosr0k]

But guys, remember, health is legitimate concern for EVERY player in the league year in and year out. We've been telling the naysayers this since the day Manning signed with Denver. He's got a whole off season to heal up. The team has a whole off season to rebuilt and improve the O-line. I understand his age raises questions. I just think given who he is, we should not be so hasty to see him move on. Hell, maybe we'll get a more favorable schedule in 2015 (the opponents list is tough again, but maybe the configuration won't be so asinine this time around) and some of the problems we had this year won't resurface next year.

I want Manning back. I just know that there are going to be issues with him. I also don't see Manning here after his contract is up but any HC will be.

Plus I think we're going to get a new DC: A much more aggressive one who maximizes what he has with this defense. READ: Keeps opponents scoring down. Manning may not need to do as much with the emergence of a better defense and a legitimate running game. I'd like to see what Kubiak can do here. Give Manning another year, tag Oz, then transition in 2016. Kubiak may be a good mentor for the young QB.

I would like to see an aggressive defense that attacks the ball. I am not sure what our turnover situation was but it seemed like feast or famine.

 

[randymon]

But guys, remember, health is legitimate concern for EVERY player in the league year in and year out. We've been telling the naysayers this since the day Manning signed with Denver. He's got a whole off season to heal up. The team has a whole off season to rebuilt and improve the O-line. I understand his age raises questions. I just think given who he is, we should not be so hasty to see him move on. Hell, maybe we'll get a more favorable schedule in 2015 (the opponents list is tough again, but maybe the configuration won't be so asinine this time around) and some of the problems we had this year won't resurface next year.

Plus I think we're going to get a new DC: A much more aggressive one who maximizes what he has with this defense. READ: Keeps opponents scoring down. Manning may not need to do as much with the emergence of a better defense and a legitimate running game. I'd like to see what Kubiak can do here. Give Manning another year, tag Oz, then transition in 2016. Kubiak may be a good mentor for the young QB.

Now that I can live with. That to me it is the only way Manning will stay healthy enough and he would certainly have more left in the tank if they went that way. Believe me I want to see Manning back and am scared shitless with the unknown in Oz. I just don`t want a repeat of last yr. Anything but that works for me.

 

[TDs3nOut]

Okay, according to Elway, he DOES want Manning to return, and thinks he has one more year of good football in him. He also plans to involve Manning in the search for HC's, and indicated Gase and Del Rio are candidates:


Elway: Peyton Manning will be involved in search for new coach : Fantasy News




Additionally, it's reported that "plan B" would be to go with Osweiler as the starter, should Manning decide to retire:


Report: Broncos prepared to go with Osweiler if Manning retires : Fantasy News

A couple of things that surprise me in Elway's comments are (1) that he will involve Manning in the coaching search and (2) that Gase and Del Rio are candidates for the HC job. Can't imagine that Manning will decide whether to continue playing or retire in less than a month or so. Seems to me that the pool of candidates is likely to be thinner than ideal by then. Not too enthused by the prospect of either Gase or Del Rio as HC, but that doesn't mean much.

 

[Broncosballer32]

The fact that he has given the assistants the permission to interview with other teams, actually tells me he is looking to move forward past Manning.

Could be wrong, but if Gase does get hired by SF, I think Manning will retire. I really do not think Manning will be willing to change an entire offensive philosophy with a whole new OC.

Whether or not Manning stays ONE more year is not what Elway will be thinking about in regards to a new coach. I mean really. The new coach is going to have to come in here and establish something that goes beyond Manning.

Here is the complication. Osweiler is not Manning. We all know that, but it needs to be understood by us as fans in regards to this new hiring process.

Will a new coach really want to come here with the notion that Manning will only be here one more season, and the next season the whole process will have to change again?

I do believe there has been a plan for a while. Elway is not the type that makes decisions based on emotion. What is that plan? I do not really know.

I suspect that Elway is wanting to implement the "west coast system."

This limbo stage is going to frustrating for us over the next 4 or 5 weeks, cause that is the timetable on the Manning decision.

 

[AmericanTebowFan]

I PRAY that Manning retires. That play where he didn't take the 1st down on 3rd and 5, says it all about him. There wasn't a defender within a mile. I don't want to hear about the leg injury. He wasn't limping and with no defenders anywhere close, he could have WALKED to that 1st down. Even QBs that never run will take the 1st down when it's that easy. Manning showed why he hasn't been a WINNER in his career with that play. That's a play a QB HAS to make to win a game like that, but he was more concerned with his passing stats. Manning might be the best regular season QB ever statistically, but he plays like a WOMEN. Even Kyle Orton would have walked to that 1st down. I can't tell you how disturbing it was to me that Manning refused to take that sure 1st down. We saw why he has an 11-13 career playoff record and gone one and done in the playoffs 9 times. He's not clutch and not a winner.


I want to see what Osweiler can do. From what I've seen of this kid, he has a ton of talent. He has a chance to become a great QB. Sure there will be growing pains and we might not even make the playoffs next year with Osweiler. If Manning comes back, you know we will be a playoff team. But going with Osweiler would put us one step closer to eventually winning a super bowl. We're not winning one with Manning, that is for SURE. You need a QB that plays the game like a MAN rather than like a women.


I also PRAY that Elway doesn't go with Gase or Del Rio. After the team didn't show up for the playoff game, we need CHANGE. It would be ridiculous to go with a coordinator of a team that didn't show up for the big game sunday. We need new blood in here to give the team new energy.

 

[randymon]

The fact that he has given the assistants the permission to interview with other teams, actually tells me he is looking to move forward past Manning.

Could be wrong, but if Gase does get hired by SF, I think Manning will retire. I really do not think Manning will be willing to change an entire offensive philosophy with a whole new OC.

Whether or not Manning stays ONE more year is not what Elway will be thinking about in regards to a new coach. I mean really. The new coach is going to have to come in here and establish something that goes beyond Manning.

Here is the complication. Osweiler is not Manning. We all know that, but it needs to be understood by us as fans in regards to this new hiring process.

Will a new coach really want to come here with the notion that Manning will only be here one more season, and the next season the whole process will have to change again?

I do believe there has been a plan for a while. Elway is not the type that makes decisions based on emotion. What is that plan? I do not really know.

I suspect that Elway is wanting to implement the "west coast system."

This limbo stage is going to frustrating for us over the next 4 or 5 weeks, cause that is the timetable on the Manning decision.

Exactly BB. I really cant`t think a new HC would be comfortable with that situation. I think thay will move on without Manning. They really don`t have much of a choice when you look at their options,esp regarding a new HC. If I was a HC and Denver told me were going to give Manning another shot and if it soesn`t work out, we`ll revamp the whole offense and put some major pressure on you to get us to the SB really fast or your gone too. Whatever Elway has in mind going forward, the package he offers to the new HC is going to be to his liking or he`ll search elsewhere. Now if Gase stays and becomes HC, that changes everything. But I strongly doubt that. I`ll go on record to say that they move forward with Brock and roll the dice with him and a strong coaching staff that will know how to motivate and utilize the talent they have in a system that fits them better.

 

[randymon]

Well BB that topic just came up on nfl network and they just discussed that exact issue regarding Manning and the coach search. Touched on how it would be very difficult for a candidate to go to Denver with the uncertainty of Manning and whether they plan on life without him while Elway is saying he wants to give Manning 4-5 wks??? The more I think about it, as others mentioned before,etc. The only way Manning is back is if Gase gets the HC job. Otherwise, and according to this report, not many HC are going to touch Denver with all the uncertainty of what direction their going to go. Elway needs to make a decision on Peyton sooner than later if he has any hopes of getting a top quality HC. So, maybe some of you are right and Elway decides to give Gase and Manning a shot and try and make that D work with a new DC and staff. Very tricky situation Elway has to figure out.