The Denver Broncos have been itching to get back into the playoffs since they won the Super Bowl in 2015. That was when they had Peyton Manning under center and their defense was the best in the NFL.
Now, their defense has the potential to be one of the best in the NFL but can the Broncos figure out their quarterback situation? This offseason, the Broncos traded for Joe Flacco in hopes he can return them to contention.
Since Manning's retirement after 2015, Denver has been longing to find an answer to their quarterback woes with no one stepping up to the plate. We've seen the likes of Brock Osweiler, Paxton Lynch, Trevor Siemian, and Case Keenum try leading the team into the playoffs.
None of those guys panned out, so John Elway completely overhauled the quarterback room in just the last year. Flacco figures to be the starter while they drafted Drew Lock to eventually become the starter in the future. They also added Kevin Hogan and Brett Rypien to the mix as well.
For the Broncos, it is playoffs or bust in 2019—even in a loaded AFC West. There are a few areas of concern for the team in the Mile High City if they hope to make the playoffs in 2019.
3. Sophomore Slumps for Courtland Sutton, Phillip Lindsay?
Out of all of the rookies for the Broncos in 2018, the safest bet to be a surefire star in the NFL is Bradley Chubb. Phillip Lindsay and Courtland Sutton had phenomenal seasons, but could they be due for a slump in 2019?
Lindsay was one of the feel-good stories in the NFL after going undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft. Heading into training camp, Royce Freeman and Lindsay were expected to split carries. That was true at first but then the carries started to eventually funnel to Lindsay.
Over the course of the season, Lindsay broke Broncos and NFL rookie records for undrafted rookies. In 2019, Lindsay may have a sophomore slump like some young running backs have had. The same could be said for Courtland Sutton.
Sutton became a mainstay in the offense after the team traded Demaryius Thomas. The young wideout helped make plays downfield and could become a perfect fit in a Flacco-led offense. Predicting a slump for these two players is hard to guess but it definitely is a possibility.
2. The Run Defense
Last season, the Broncos defense took a step back from being a dominant group like they once were. Denver ranked 22nd in total defense while ranking 20th against the pass and 21st against the run.
This offseason, Denver added Kareem Jackson and Bryce Callahan to play alongside Chris Harris Jr. on the defense. All three of those guys are all versatile cornerbacks and should help fix the Broncos pass defense. But what about the run defense?
As mentioned before, the Broncos struggled to stop the run, having the 21st ranked run defense in the NFL. The front seven is going to have to focus on slowing down the opposing team's rushing attack—with all eyes on Josey Jewell and Todd Davis in the middle.
1. Does Joe Flacco Make this Team a Contender?
Again, the Broncos should view this season as playoffs or bust. For them to make playoffs though, they are going to need Joe Flacco to perform at a high-level under center.
It seems like an eternity since we got to witness Flacco play in the postseason. To be exact, the former Baltimore Ravens quarterback hasn't played a playoff game since 2014. Flacco has been one of the ultimate clutch performers in the postseason but he's a completely different quarterback now.
Since 2014, the veteran signal caller has struggled mightily to evolve his game to fit today's NFL. Injuries have played a small part of it but Flacco has to play better than he has in recent years if the Broncos want to play into January.
If not, Drew Lock could find himself starting at some point this season in hopes to save the season. Denver could see another disastrous season from their quarterback if Flacco doesn't rejuvenate his career in 2019.
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