Broncos have tough season ahead

The Denver Broncos have been the model of consistency in the NFL for quite some time. While many believe the Pittsburgh Steelers or the New England Patriots are the gold standard, Denver can lay claim to the throne with only three losing seasons over the past 31 campaigns.

However, it appears a fourth is on the horizon. Denver finished 9-7 last year and missed the postseason for the first time since 2010, all despite having one of the premier defenses in the game. This season, the defense could take a step back after the retirement of DeMarcus Ware, the injuries to Shaq Barrett and Shane Ray, and the release of All-Pro safety T.J. Ward. Factor in the loss of coordinator Wade Phillips, and it should be expected that Denver take a step back.

But the main cause for concern is on the other side of the ball. The offense was dreadful last season, especially down the stretch. It became borderline impossible for the team to score a single touchdown in December, with the Broncos dropping three straight games to the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs with little more than a whimper.

This offseason, general manager John Elway only helped a little with the additions of rookie left tackle Garett Bolles and free-agent guard Ronald Leary. At quarterback, the team remains the same. Trevor Siemian was average at best last year, throwing 18 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. This year, it is once again Siemian starting while Paxton Lynch and the recently-signed Brock Osweiler back him up. If there is a more depressing quarterback room outside of the New York Jets, please kindly point me toward it.

The Broncos also have the misfortune of playing in the AFC West, arguably the league’s toughest division. The Chiefs and Oakland Raiders both went 12-4 last season, and if the Los Angeles Chargers stay healthy, they should be in the mi for a wild card berth. All things considered, Denver will have to play exceptionally well behind a middling quarterback to have any real chance of reaching the playoffs.

At some juncture, Elway will have to address the quarterback fiasco. None 0f the three guys on the roster are the answer, no matter how badly Elway or the fanbase wants them to be. Siemian is an NFL quarterback but he’s a good backup, while Lynch and Osweiler have both looked awful in their time.

This year, the Broncos have to hope for a great defense and some lights out luck. Without both, they are very likely playing some meaningless football over the final month of the season.